Kia Ora, I’m Dr. Devin Fitzgerald

I’m a veterinarian, former clinic owner, and now a veterinary business consultant based in Christchurch, New Zealand. After 15 years in clinical practice and over a decade running my own animal hospital in Colorado, I understand both the challenges and opportunities that come with owning and managing a vet clinic.

While I loved the work and the people, I found myself increasingly weighed down by the day-to-day pressure — finances, staff dynamics, client expectations, and trying to balance it all with family and life outside the clinic. Like many vets, I started to burn out.

Rather than pushing through, I made the difficult but necessary decision to step back, reflect, and reimagine what a healthier, more sustainable veterinary career could look like — not just for me, but for others like me.

During my 11 years of clinic ownership, we grew our business significantly, built a strong team, and implemented systems that helped reduce stress and improve care. That experience — combined with my clinical, financial, and mentoring background — forms the foundation of my consulting work today.

Now, I help vet clinics across New Zealand create smoother operations, stronger financial footing, and better quality of life for their owners and teams.

My goal isn’t to tell people how to run their practice — it’s to help them run it *better* in a way that fits their values, vision, and life. Every clinic is different, and my approach is personal, practical, and built on real-world experience.

A little more about me

I’m originally from the U.S. and now live in Christchurch with my wife (also a vet) and our two daughters. Outside of work, I enjoy Jiu Jitsu, long-distance running, photography, and exploring New Zealand’s wild places. I’ve also developed a deep interest in personal growth, mental health, and helping others navigate burnout and change.

If you’re a clinic owner or veterinary professional looking for support, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to have a no-pressure conversation about what’s going on in your practice — and whether I can help.