The Teoh sisters: two vets healing animals every day
PETALING JAYA : When they were young, sisters Dr Teoh Kah Ying and Dr Teoh Kah Yong witnessed a heartbreaking act of cruelty: a group of youngsters spinning a pregnant cat in a net, round and round, before throwing her on the ground.
Horrified, the sisters screamed at them to stop. 'Our cousins tried to pull us back, worried we might get hurt, but at that moment, our fear didn't matter,' Kah Ying told FMT Lifestyle.
That moment, they shared, was likely the first time they had stood up so boldly for an animal – and it wasn't the last time. 'We always hoped to be on the frontlines, helping animals,' added Kah Ying, 30.
Today, that dream has become a reality: both sisters are veterinarians and together, they run Furkids Wellness Centre, a veterinary clinic in Petaling Jaya.
Here, they treat pets – and strays – offering the same standard of care to every patient, along with discounted rates to independent rescuers and NGOs.
Kah Ying tenderly cares for Sofi, a sweet, paralysed cat. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)
'We also collaborate with several NGOs, such as Filbert's Foundation for Furry Friends (F5) and Animals Kindness Coalition, which bring in animals monthly for neutering under the trap-neuter-release (TNR) programme,' said Kah Yong, 28.
'Our initial plan was for the clinic to operate almost entirely as a TNR clinic, dedicating only a couple of days to general consultations while reserving the rest of the week purely for TNR surgeries,' added Kah Yong.
However, financial realities set in and although they can't devote most of their time exclusively to TNR procedures, they're still making a significant impact.
So far, they have successfully neutered 1,127 rescued dogs and cats since starting the clinic in 2023 – not including the many other rescue cases they've treated along the way.
It's certainly a meaningful achievement for the sisters, considering how shy they both once were: growing up, they would rather point at items on a menu than speak to the waiter when ordering food!
The siblings are making a difference in the lives of animals who cannot speak for themselves. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)
Their love for animals came naturally. Growing up, it was normal for their family members to feed strays when eating out.
This deep-seated compassion for animals in need carries through in their work today. Among those who found a second chance at their clinic is Louie, a dog with kidney cancer who had been living in constant pain.
'In the past, we might have only been able to offer palliative care for such cases. But thanks to the advancements in soft tissue surgery, we were able to perform a nephrectomy – the removal of the affected kidney,' said Kah Yong.
It was Kah Yong's first time performing the procedure, which took about four hours, and it was a success. Today, handsome Louie is thriving. 'I'm so proud of her,' said Kah Ying with a smile.
Kah Yong with Louie, who is doing well after a successful nephrectomy to remove a cancerous kidney. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)
Still, the humble duo acknowledge that they're not perfect, and they're grateful for the support of their team. It's a sentiment that aligns with the theme of World Veterinary Day this year, which highlights the importance of teamwork in veterinary care.
'From veterinarians to veterinarian nurses, support staff, front desk personnel, assistants and cleaners, everyone plays a crucial role in this industry,' said Kah Ying.
'They're all doing the best for animals, and it's not just us,' Kah Ying added.
Indeed, the two girls who once couldn't even muster the courage to order food in a restaurant have come a long way to make lives better for animals.
'For me, it's a joy to share this journey with my sister. It's a mix of laughter, blessings, long hours and learning to better understand each other's strengths and weaknesses. We keep each other grounded in our shared vision of helping animals,' said Kah Ying.
'What keeps us going, apart from our love for animals, is each other,' added Kah Yong.
Learn more about Furkids Wellness Centre on Instagram.
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