An animal hospital in Melbourne's southwest will continue to treat the region's pets, after the University of Melbourne decided to lease out the site to new operators.
The university on Wednesday confirmed it would stop operating the U-Vet Animal Hospital in Werribee on December 24 with Greencross Pet Wellness Company taking over the site.
Greencross will offer a vet GP and a 24-hour emergency hospital at the site, while supporting University of Melbourne veterinary students with their practical training.
The company is looking to open the new hospital's doors by January 16.
"We are confident that our past experience will ensure a smooth and successful integration process," Greencross chief executive George Wahby said.
The University of Melbourne will speak to affected U-Vet staff, with redeployment and payout periods starting in January to ensure staff are paid over the festive season.
"This change has been necessitated by a number of ongoing operational challenges that make operating U-Vet unsustainable for the university," a statement on Wednesday said.
"The university thanks all staff members at U-Vet for their ongoing commitment, care and professionalism towards their patients and broader community.
"This decision is in no way a reflection of the hard work and dedication of U-Vet staff."
Veterinary nurse Merissa Govers said U-Vet staff were effectively made redundant, leading to uncertainty and confusion in the lead-up to Christmas.
"Everyone feels quite numb and upset," she told AAP. "We still don't really know what's going on."
Staff will be meeting with human resources over the coming days to learn more about the future of their jobs, Ms Govers said.
U-Vet nurses earlier this week also made an application to the Fair Work Commission, claiming the university had failed to properly consult staff over the changes.
Ms Govers said the claim was resolved on Tuesday after an open and constructive conversation with the university.
