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Bravery and Resilience: The Melbourne Vet Battling Cancer and Fighting for Fiji's Animals

Animals Fiji

Key Facts:

• Australian vet Dr Claire Clark began volunteering with Animals Fiji in 2013 after watching a TV segment about an injured street dog named Poppy
• Despite battling breast cancer through 35 rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery whilst raising three children, she maintained her commitment to helping Fijian animals
• She adopted a shelter dog named Red from Fiji, who later participated in her wedding ceremony in Australia
• Claire continues her work at Brandon Park Veterinary Hospital whilst volunteering with Animals Fiji, with plans to return in November 2025

In a world that often feels too busy for kindness, Dr Claire Clark is a shining example of compassion, resilience, and relentless dedication. A mother of three, a seasoned veterinarian, and a breast cancer survivor, Claire’s story is nothing short of extraordinary and she still finds time to volunteer for her favourite charity, Animals Fiji.

Claire’s journey with Animals Fiji began quite unexpectedly in 2013. Sitting at home in Australia, she was watching her beloved footy team lose when she changed the channel out of frustration. What she saw next would change her life. A harrowing segment on Bondi Vet featured Poppy, a Fijian street dog whose upper muzzle and nose had been slashed by a machete. Outraged and heartbroken, Claire reached out to Animals Fiji that very night and booked her first volunteer trip.

What she found in Fiji moved her deeply — animals suffering in silence, and people doing their best with little resources. One shelter dog in particular, Red, captured her heart. With Animals Fiji’s help, she overcame malnourishment, neglect, and a serious hip injury—having already endured more than her share of suffering.Claire adopted her and brought her back to Australia, where Red would go on to walk down the aisle at Claire and Tim’s wedding.

Since that first visit, Claire has returned again and again, through life’s greatest highs and lowest lows: marriage, motherhood, and a battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed when her youngest was just five weeks old, Claire endured over 35 rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery — and yet her passion for animal welfare never wavered.

“Through marriage, kids and chemo, the animals of Fiji never left my mind or heart,” says Claire. “They’re tough, resilient, and yet suffering from things that are so preventable — fleas, mange, worms, ticks. A simple treatment can literally save their life.”

Despite her busy schedule at Brandon Park Veterinary Hospital, Claire continues to give her time, expertise, and boundless energy to Animals Fiji. During one outreach programme in November 2024, she helped desex 28 animals in Sigatoka, treated dozens more for parasites and illness, and provided education to local families and children on basic animal care. We are delighted that she will be returning in November 2025 to build on this impact.

“Most Australians don’t realise how dire the situation is just a few hours away in Fiji,” she says. “Yes, the islands are beautiful, but behind the scenes, limited resources mean both people and animals often go without the care they desperately need.”

Claire’s infectious positivity, her unwavering spirit, and her deep love for animals inspires everyone around her. She is more than a vet. She is a hero — one who has braved life’s toughest battles and come out more determined than ever to make a difference.

At Animals Fiji, we are endlessly grateful for Dr Claire Clark. She reminds us that no matter how busy or broken life may get, there is always room for hope, love, and the courage to act.

About us:
Contact details:

Casey Quimby - [email protected] +679 999-2334

Dr. Claire Clark - [email protected] 

+61 402 852 960