Torquay Vets for Pets

Dr A.D. Viljoen established Vets for Pets Torquay in 2014 and still owns the practice today.

He qualified in South Africa in 2003 at an internationally recognised gold standard academic hospital. He spent three years lecturing at the academic hospital and also ran a community-outreach clinic in the African bush during that time. He then made the move to private practice and spent two years working all over South Africa. He emigrated from South Africa to the UK in 2008 and has been in Small Animal Practice in the UK ever since. He has a real passion for general practice and preventative healthcare. Dr Viljoen also has post-graduate certificates in small animal medicine and in small animal surgery and he is recognised as an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. He has a particular interest in early or low grade gastro-intestinal disease in dogs and cats and how this can impact or cause a wide range of other health concerns. His expertise in this regards was recently recognised when he published two peer reviewed articles in a leading scientific journal which is a rare accomplishment for any general practitioner. All of this means that Dr Viljoen can provide an advanced level of advice and treatment across a broad spectrum of medical and surgical problems. He is also a great resource to our other vets in giving advice or performing advanced procedures for their cases. He is a proud Devonian and lives locally with his wife, two daughters, Lefienja the dog and Matewis the cat.

Hello my name is Michelle! I moved to the UK in 2021 from my home town in Johannesburg and came straight here to work at Vets for Pets Torquay!

I have been working with small animals since graduating from the University of Pretoria in 2009.

You will often see me in the consultation room giving out lots of cuddles to all of our lovely patients.

Outside of work I love yoga, reading and exploring new places with my husband and 2 children. I have 2 pet rats - Remy and Moe!

Hello, my name is Erin and I started working as a Veterinary Surgeon at Vets for Pets Torquay in January 2025. I came here all the way from Zimbabwe!

I studied at the university of Pretoria in South Africa where I graduated in 2023 with a Bachelors in Veterinary Science (BVSc). During my training I gained experience treating and caring for a range of animals from cats and dogs, sheep, goats and cattle. I also had the opportunity to assist in disease testing, monitoring and surveillance for Foot and Mouth disease in Buffalo as well as assist in the relocation and capture of Rhino!

Outside of work, I have many hobbies. I enjoy being creative, from painting, sewing, piano playing and being an avid bookworm to being active in either the gym or on the hockey field! I have one pet who holds my heart - my German Shepard Gia, she loves cuddles and long walks!

Hello my name is Nina! I started working at Vets for Pets Torquay in May 2025 and I bring along experience from working as a veterinarian in both South Africa and Namibia🇿🇦. I have worked across a variety of settings, from bustling city clinics to rural farm visits and has a particular interest in small animal medicine, surgery, and infectious disease!

I hold a veterinary degree and am currently completing my Master’s degree with a focus on Babesia rossi infection in dogs, investigating its impact on the heart and immune system. I am very passionate about providing high-quality care and always eager to learn.

Outside of work, I love hiking, traveling, exploring the countryside and spending time with family and friends. I'm also a big fan of social tennis and trying out new recipes (especially anything involving chocolate!)

I have been working for Vets for Pets Torquay for 7 years and finished all my exams to qualify as a registered veterinary nurse in June 2021. My passion is diagnostics such as x rays and lab work. I also enjoying nurse consults and I am currently completing a certificate in non-clinical nurse consulting; this will give me the opportunity to increase the types of nurse clinics we can offer at the practice. 

I live at home with my partner, 4 children and our 2 dogs Kai and Baron.  In my spare time you can usually find me walking the dogs, spending time with my family or doing my course work. 

Hello my name is Amanda! I have been working as a veterinary care assistant (VCA) at Vets for Pets Torquay since April 2018, after completing a degree in Animal Science and previously working in an animal rescue centre.

I love the variety my job offers; including assisting vets with consults, helping nurses with procedures, looking after inpatients and sending off insurance claims…no day is the same.

Outside of work, I love anything Harry Potter, nature photography and walking.

Hello my name is Rachel! I have been a veterinary care assistant at Vets for Pets Torquay since 2018.

You will often see me out on the reception desk or helping the vets in the consultation rooms. I have previous experience working as a zoo keeper.  When I'm not in the practice I enjoy spending time with my dog Amos and long walks on the moor.

Hello my name is Cathrin and I have been working for Vets for Pets since 2015.

I have one cat at home called Fig.

I really enjoy working as a Client Care Advisor, meeting clients and their pets - each day is different and I feel like I'm making a difference to poorly pets and their owners in my role.

When I'm not working I like to spend as much time out and about on adventures with my family.

Hello, My name is Deni! I am a Client Care Advisor here at Vets for Pets Torquay and joined the team in February 2025! You may have seen me sat out on reception or helping to answer your queries on the phone!

After working for 2 years in Pets At Home, I found my love and passion for all animals and wanted to progress into the veterinary industry. Since working here, I have gained so much knowledge and have loved meeting all our lovely clients and patients - especially all of the puppy and kitten cuddles!

Outside of work, I enjoy going to the beach, swimming and spending time with my partner, friends and family!