An urgent plea for the return of a stolen vehicle filled with medicine for sick animals in Christchurch.

The white ford ranger, registration JWU736 was stolen just after 1pm from Blakes Road in Prebbleton.

Prebbleton Vet hospital practise manager Melissa says it's crucial to get the vehicle back, which had specialist equipment.

"It contained important veterinary medicine and an expensive x-ray unit."

Melissa says the keys were in the car, as the vet restocked on medicine for her next call.