Leeds Birstall Vets for Pets 24/7 Hospital

Alun grew up in Salisbury, Wiltshire, but Yorkshire has been his home since 2018. He's been part of the Birstall team since 2020 and have really enjoyed building strong relationships with both our patients and their owners.

His clinical interests lie in small animal medicine, particularly immunology, endocrinology and the management of chronic diseases. He find's it especially rewarding to support pets and their owners through the full journey of diagnosis and treatment, and to see the positive impact over time as they progress.

Outside of work, he love's making the most of the great outdoors—whether that’s playing sport, exploring the British countryside, or heading off on multi-day hikes and spotting wildlife along the way. At home, he's kept busy by his cat, Suzie, who certainly keeps him on his toes!

Jason qualified as a veterinarian in 2014 from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. He began his career in first opinion general practice before moving into a 24/7 specialist hospital, where he worked as an emergency veterinarian for four years, gaining extensive experience in urgent and critical care.

In 2020, Jason relocated to the UK and has since developed a strong interest in dentistry and oral surgery. He completed his General Practitioners Certificate in Dentistry and Oral Surgery in 2022, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in the same field in 2024. He has also undertaken additional CPD in minimally invasive intraoral fracture repair and completed advanced Endodontics training in Sweden in 2023.

Jason takes a holistic, evidence-based approach to veterinary medicine and is a passionate advocate for his patients, always striving to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Outside of work, Jason is a keen nature enthusiast and enjoys spending time outdoors—whether that’s hiking, camping, or exploring the local area and observing the wide variety of wildlife on our doorstep.

Emily graduated from the University of Liverpool and has been part of the Birstall team ever since, building strong relationships with both colleagues and clients.

She has a keen interest in soft tissue surgery and emergency and critical care (ECC), and is currently working towards a postgraduate BSAVA qualification in surgery to further develop her skills and expertise in this area.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys keeping active at the gym, as well as spending time gaming and watching anime.

Maria graduated from Warsaw Veterinary School in Poland in 2020. Following her qualification, she worked in a small animal first opinion practice in Derbyshire before relocating to Leeds and joining the Birstall team.

She has a strong interest in small animal medicine, which she is further developing through her BSAVA postgraduate certificate studies. Maria also has a particular soft spot for feline patients and is passionate about continuing to build her knowledge and skills as part of a supportive and dedicated team.

Outside of work, Maria enjoys a quieter pace of life. She loves spending time at home with her rescue cat, Mimi, as well as exploring creative hobbies—especially LEGO and diamond art. She also enjoys gaming and experimenting in the kitchen as she works on becoming a better cook.

Naveen graduated from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London in 2019 and has since been working in small animal practice across Yorkshire. She enjoys both the medical and surgical aspects of veterinary work and values the variety this brings to her role.

Naveen is dedicated to providing high-quality care to her patients and building strong relationships with their owners, ensuring a well-rounded and supportive approach to treatment.

Outside of work, Naveen has a passion for travel and enjoys exploring new places. She also loves spending time outdoors, particularly hiking with her spaniel, Penelope.

Amy graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2024. After studying in London, she has returned to Yorkshire and is delighted to be back in the area.

During her time at vet school, Amy enjoyed all aspects of her training and has since developed a particular interest in surgery, alongside a love for caring for small mammals.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time in the countryside with her dog, Bee. She also keeps busy caring for her other animals, which include rabbits, horses and even a couple of sheep.

Sofia is originally from Porto, Portugal, where she was born and raised. She graduated from ICBAS at the University of Porto in 2018 and began her career at a busy referral hospital in the city, where she spent five years building a strong clinical foundation.

In 2023, Sofia moved to the UK and joined the Birstall team, where she has quickly become a valued member of the practice.

Sofia has a particular passion for emergency and critical care, enjoying the fast-paced nature of the work and the opportunity to make a significant difference to patients in a short period of time. She also has a strong interest in diagnostic imaging and is keen to continue developing her skills in this area.

Outside of work, Sofia enjoys keeping active at the gym, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and travelling back to Portugal whenever she can to spend time with family and friends

Krishna qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2013 and has since gained extensive experience working across a variety of small animal practices throughout Yorkshire. This has provided a strong foundation in inpatient care, surgery, and general practice.

Krishna has a particular passion for inpatient nursing, enjoying the opportunity to spend time with patients, understand their individual needs, and ensure their stay in hospital is as comfortable and reassuring as possible. Seeing patients recover and return home to their families is one of the most rewarding aspects of the role.

Alongside clinical work, Krishna is a British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) Council Member, supporting and representing veterinary nurses across the UK. Krishna is passionate about the future of the profession and is proud to contribute to national discussions that help shape and strengthen it.

Krishna is also heavily involved in education, regularly writing articles, speaking at conferences, and teaching. A strong advocate for high standards of inpatient nursing, patient welfare, and continuous quality improvement, Krishna is committed to sharing knowledge and supporting others in the profession.

Animal welfare is important both locally and globally. Krishna has volunteered in Sri Lanka with WeCare Worldwide, supporting neutering programmes and providing care for stray dogs, and continues to support their work through fundraising and donating equipment.

Tammy is a Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse who has been working in veterinary practice since 2000 and qualified in 2004. She brings a wealth of experience to the team, with a strong focus on patient care and supporting colleagues.

Tammy has a particular passion for her role as a veterinary student supervisor, where she is dedicated to supporting student training, progression, and wellbeing. She is also a strong advocate for mental health and kindness within the profession, helping to foster a supportive and positive working environment.

Outside of work, Tammy enjoys spending time with her teenage daughter, Olivia, who shares her great sense of humour. Although she no longer has pets of her own, following the loss of them in 2021, her love for animals remains at the heart of everything she does. Known for her kind and gentle nature, Tammy is affectionately nicknamed “Momma Tammy” by her team.

Helen, also fondly known as “Fitzy” or the team’s “cat whisperer,” has been working in veterinary practice since 1996. She joined the Vets for Pets Birstall team in 2013 and now works twilight hours, supporting a wide range of cases including medical, surgical, emergency, and critical care patients.

Helen finds her role incredibly rewarding, particularly when caring for critically ill patients and seeing them recover and return home to their families. She has a strong passion for animal welfare and has previously worked with rescue charities both in the UK and abroad.

Outside of work, Helen is a busy mum to two children and also cares for her five beloved pets, including a dog, two cats, and two hamsters. In her spare time, she enjoys a bit of retail therapy and dining out at her favourite restaurants.

Vikki has worked as a veterinary nurse since 1999, gaining a wealth of experience in patient care and general practice. In 2011, she moved into part-time nursing to focus on developing her own dog walking and pet sitting business, which naturally grew into dog training and behaviour work.

Through further study, Vikki achieved a BSc in Canine Behaviour and Training and now combines her nursing knowledge with a strong understanding of behaviour, helping to support both pets and their owners.

Outside of work, Vikki enjoys spending time at home with her two rescue dogs, Libby and Louie, who certainly keep her busy.

Vicky joined Vets4Pets Birstall in 2014 as a Veterinary Care Assistant and went on to qualify as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2018, having completed her training within the practice.

She is passionate about delivering a high standard of personalised care to every patient and is dedicated to ensuring their experience at the practice is as calm and comfortable as possible. As the practice’s Calm Clinic Ambassador, Vicky plays a key role in promoting low-stress handling and creating a positive environment for pets during their visits.

Over the years, Vicky has built strong relationships with both clients and their pets, and she looks forward to continuing to support them with compassionate, high-quality care.

Hannah has been working in the veterinary field since 2018 and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2023. She currently works as an inpatient and emergency & critical care (ECC) nurse at Birstall, where she is dedicated to looking after patients during some of their most vulnerable moments.

Hannah has a strong passion for patient care and takes great pride in ensuring every pet receives the attention, comfort, and support they need during their stay.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys staying active at the gym, as well as relaxing with a good book. She also loves spending time at home with her three cats.

Jess is a Registered Veterinary Nurse at Vets for Pets Leeds Birstall with a special interest in inpatient care. She is dedicated to delivering high-quality nursing support, closely monitoring hospitalised patients and helping guide them through their recovery with compassion and attention to detail.

Jess takes great pride in ensuring patients feel as comfortable and cared for as possible during their stay, and enjoys being part of their journey back to health.

Outside of work, Jess enjoys spending time with her two cats and her horse.

Beth began working in veterinary practice in 2008 whilst studying for her diploma in Animal Management, quickly developing a passion for veterinary medicine. She qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2014 from The College of Animal Welfare and has since gained experience in both first opinion and referral practice.

Beth has a particular interest in feline nursing and has completed both the ISFM Certificate and Diploma in Feline Nursing. Her areas of interest include feline anaesthesia and analgesia, as well as feline disease and behaviour.

She also has a keen interest in anaesthesia more broadly and works primarily within dentistry, where she enjoys tailoring care plans for older patients and those with underlying health conditions. Despite her special interests, Beth enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing and takes pride in providing high-quality patient care.

Outside of work, Beth is kept busy with her three children, and her three cats—Crumble, Mittens, and Sweep. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring nature, wildlife-watching, and fossil hunting.

Lidia recently joined the team at Birstall and brings with her a decade of experience working across a variety of veterinary clinics. She qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2021 and has since developed a strong passion for patient care.

Her favourite aspect of the role is inpatient care, where she finds it incredibly rewarding to support patients through their recovery and see them improve. Lidia is currently working towards her NCert in Medical Nursing and is preparing to sit her final exams.

At home, Lidia has two cats—a Ragdoll called Darwin and a one-eyed hand-reared cat called Picasso, who keeps her on her toes. A self-confessed cat enthusiast, she also has a soft spot for Chihuahuas and sighthounds.

Alyshia qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2024 and has a strong passion for caring for animals. She has a particular interest in surgery, but is also developing a growing enthusiasm for emergency and critical care as she continues to build her skills and experience.

Alyshia is dedicated to providing high-quality patient care and enjoys the variety that veterinary nursing brings to her role.

Outside of work, Alyshia spends time helping to care for large animals on her family farm, as well as looking after her two Maine Coon cats at home.

Caitlin joined the Leeds Birstall team in February 2026, having previously worked in a small first opinion practice since qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2024.

She enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing, with a particular interest in anaesthesia. Caitlin is passionate about ensuring pets feel safe, calm, and comfortable while in the practice’s care, especially during procedures.

Outside of work, Caitlin enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as with her Pug cross Jack Russell Terrier, Peaches.

Courtney completed her Veterinary Nursing degree in May 2025. After qualifying, she travelled to South Africa to volunteer at two game reserves, Nambiti and Zingela, where she gained valuable experience and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity.

She has a strong interest in canine and feline behaviour, as well as medical nursing, and is passionate about developing her knowledge further. Courtney is currently studying for a BSc (Hons) in Canine and Feline Behaviour and Welfare and plans to continue her studies with a Master’s degree in Animal Behaviour, with the aim of becoming an accredited animal behaviourist.

Outside of work and university, Courtney enjoys spending time with her dog, Ben, as well as hiking, dancing, and socialising with friends and family.

Fiona has been a qualified veterinary nurse since 1996, having first started in practice a few years earlier when she began helping out on Saturdays. With many years of experience, she has spent the past 24 years primarily working nights and has developed a strong passion for emergency and critical care.

Fiona particularly enjoys all aspects of inpatient care and finds it incredibly rewarding to support patients through their recovery. She has also recently completed the preliminary year of veterinary medicine, further expanding her knowledge and understanding of the profession.

Outside of work, Fiona leads a busy life at home with her cocker spaniel, Luna, and a flock of sheep, often caring for lambs during lambing season. She has three grown-up children and a grandchild, who she adores. In her spare time, Fiona enjoys farm life, helping with chickens and ducks, walking, and wild water swimming.

Holly is a Student Veterinary Nurse at Birstall, with a strong interest in surgical nursing and anaesthesia. She is enthusiastic about developing her clinical skills and enjoys being involved in a wide range of patient care.

Holly has a particular interest in cardiac care, inspired by her own experience with her dog, Cooper, who was diagnosed with a third-degree atrioventricular block and received a pacemaker. This has sparked her passion for understanding cardiac function and treatment.

Outside of work, Holly is a devoted cockerpoo lover and has two of her own, Cooper and Penny, who keep her busy at home.

Kieran has been part of the Birstall team for three years, starting as a Veterinary Care Assistant and now progressing as a Student Veterinary Nurse. He is currently working towards achieving his qualification and is dedicated to developing his skills in all aspects of nursing.

Kieran has a particular passion for inpatient care and enjoys supporting patients through their recovery, ensuring they feel comfortable and well cared for during their stay.

Outside of work, Kieran enjoys spending time gardening and has a keen interest in supporting local wildlife, particularly bees and butterflies.

Erin is a Student Veterinary Nurse at Vets4Pets Birstall. She joined the practice in 2023 as a Veterinary Care Assistant after completing her A-levels and began her veterinary nursing training in 2025.

Erin has always had a strong passion for working with animals and is dedicated to supporting patients through their recovery. She is thoroughly enjoying her studies and, once qualified, hopes to continue developing her skills in a specialised area such as anaesthesia or critical care.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys baking, reading, and spending time in the countryside walking her cocker spaniel.

Elysia is a valued member of the client care team, bringing a calm and approachable presence to the front of house. She enjoys helping to create a welcoming environment for both clients and their pets, ensuring each visit feels positive and reassuring.

Outside of work, Elysia is a self-confessed cat lover and nature enthusiast. She enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking and taking part in amateur bird watching. She is happiest exploring the mountains under a clear blue sky.

Grace has been a Veterinary Care Assistant at Leeds Birstall Vets4Pets for over two and a half years, working primarily night shifts. She studied Animal Management at college and has developed a strong passion for working with animals.

Grace enjoys the variety her role brings, from caring for different species to continuously learning new skills. She takes pride in supporting the team and helping to ensure patients receive the care and attention they need.

Outside of work, Grace has a busy home life with her three dogs and two horses. In her spare time, she enjoys creating artwork and competing with her horses.

Daisy is one of the Night Veterinary Care Assistants at Birstall, where she plays an important role in caring for patients overnight. She is dedicated to ensuring pets are as comfortable, safe, and well looked after as possible during their stay.

Daisy has always had a passion for animals and finds it incredibly rewarding to support them when they need it most, particularly during overnight care when reassurance and attention are so important.

Outside of work, Daisy enjoys spending time with her lively Patterdale Terrier, often heading out on hikes together. A true terrier enthusiast, she has a special love for the breed and their energetic personalities.

Julie is the Practice Owner and leads the busy 24-hour hospital at Vets for Pets Birstall alongside her partner, Keith. She brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role, finding it both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Julie particularly enjoys supporting and managing the practice’s large team of professionals, as well as developing and expanding the range of services the hospital provides. She is dedicated to encouraging the growth, education, and expertise of every team member to ensure the highest standards of patient and client care across West Yorkshire.

Before settling in the area with her family, Julie enjoyed a varied and adventurous career. She worked internationally as a project manager for wildlife conservation projects across Asia and Africa, primarily focusing on primates, and also spent time presenting wildlife programmes for the BBC. Julie and Keith even undertook an incredible overland journey from London to Cape Town through West and Central Africa before returning to the UK.

Outside of work, Julie enjoys an active and creative lifestyle. She loves rock climbing, mountain biking, and performing in local amateur dramatic musical productions alongside her children. At home, she shares family life with her three children, along with Hobnob the dog and Domino the cat—meaning there is never a dull moment.

Marie is the Hospital Services Manager at Leeds Birstall Vets for Pets and has been part of the team since 2019, when she first joined on reception and quickly developed a passion for the fast-paced, welcoming environment of the practice.

Over the years, Marie has progressed through the hospital, bringing with her a strong background in people management and finance. In her current role, she focuses on ensuring the day-to-day running of the hospital is smooth and efficient, supporting the veterinary, nursing, VCA, and reception teams, as well as collaborating with other Vets for Pets practices.

Marie is dedicated to creating a positive experience for every client, with a focus on making sure pets and their owners feel welcomed, informed, and genuinely cared for throughout their visit.

Outside of work, Marie enjoys a busy home life with her partner and their five children. She is also kept on her toes by her English Bulldog, Nancy, and her three Maine Coon cats—Willow, Winter, and Tasha—as well as Glinda the goldfish, who prefers a quieter life observing from afar. Marie loves meeting clients and their pets and is always happy to stop for a chat or a fuss.

Nick is the Clinical Team Manager at Vets for Pets Leeds Birstall and has been part of the team since May 2022. While he does not come from a veterinary background, his career has always focused on people-centred roles, bringing valuable leadership and team management experience to the practice.

Nick is passionate about building a strong, friendly, and motivated team, believing that a positive and supportive working environment is key to delivering the highest level of care and service to both clients and their pets.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys an active and social lifestyle. He is a keen golfer and loves travelling, as well as spending quality time with his wife, two sons, and their Black Labrador, Cooper.

Maria is the People Manager at Leeds Birstall Vets for Pets and has been part of the team for over eight years. She is passionate about great leadership, learning, and development, and takes pride in supporting individuals and teams to grow, thrive, and feel confident in their roles.

As a trained Mental Health First Aider, Maria is deeply committed to supporting wellbeing in the workplace. Whether offering a listening ear, practical guidance, or helping colleagues navigate challenging situations, she is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.

Outside of work, Maria enjoys a busy family life with her two young sons, Bowie and Arnie, and her French Bulldog, Bronte, who keeps the household entertained. In her free time, she enjoys watching cricket and going on family road trips, making memories and embracing new adventures together.

Carli joined the Birstall team in September 2020 as a Client Care Advisor and has since progressed into her current role as Lead Client Accounts Administrator within the Finance Team. She brings a strong dedication to her work and plays an important role in supporting the smooth financial operations of the hospital.

Carli has a passion for both animals and travel, and has previously worked overseas undertaking voluntary farm work, as well as supporting elephant care and helping with stray dogs and cats at a rescue sanctuary.

Outside of work, Carli enjoys a busy home life with her two rescue dogs, Romeo and Rodney, and her two rescue cats, Brigitta and Klaus. In her spare time, she loves walking her dogs, practising yoga, and spending time with friends and family.

Dawn is a Lead Client Care Advisor who is passionate about creating positive experiences for both clients and their pets. With a strong focus on communication, teamwork, and compassionate service, she works hard to ensure every visit to the practice feels welcoming, supportive, and well-organised.

She takes pride in guiding clients through their pet’s care journey, while also supporting her team to deliver the highest level of service across the practice.

Outside of work, Dawn is a devoted Maine Coon enthusiast, with a particular love for their gentle personalities and impressive size.

Lou is an SQP-qualified Pharmacy Dispenser with over 10 years’ experience within Vets for Pets. Over the course of her career, she has worked across a range of roles within practice, from reception through to leadership positions, giving her a broad understanding of patient care and client service.

She prides herself on being friendly, approachable, and passionate about animal care, always aiming to ensure both pets and their owners feel supported and confident throughout their visit.

Outside of work, Lou is a dedicated greyhound enthusiast, with a particular love for the breed’s gentle and affectionate nature.

Lara is a valued member of the client care team, bringing a great sense of humour and a versatile, “jack of all trades” approach to her role. She enjoys the variety that each day brings and plays an important part in helping to create a welcoming and relaxed environment for both clients and their pets.

Known for her light-hearted personality, Lara describes herself as a mix of a ‘90s kid, a multitasker, and, on occasion, a very tired cat—something many can relate to!

Outside of work, Lara enjoys the simple things in life, including tending to her plants and perfecting the art of a well-earned snack break.

Natalie has been part of the Leeds Birstall Vets4Pets team for over five years. She initially started on reception before progressing into her role within the finance team, where she supports the smooth running of the practice’s client accounts.

Natalie has a genuine passion for animals and loves meeting the wide variety of pets that visit the practice. As a pet owner herself, she understands how much they mean to their families and takes pride in helping to provide a supportive and positive experience for clients.

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys spending time with her horse, Chloe, and is actively involved in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife. She also values quality time with her family.

Laura is a Client Care Advisor at Vets for Pets Birstall and is passionate about creating a warm and welcoming experience for both clients and their pets.

With a particular soft spot for dogs, Laura enjoys building relationships with clients, offering support wherever she can, and, of course, taking the time to give plenty of cuddles and fuss to visiting pets.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as going on walks with her much-loved French Bulldog, Milo.

Issy is a wildlife conservation graduate with a strong background in medical administration and wildlife fieldwork. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for animal care to her role, supporting clients and their pets with a friendly and approachable manner.

Issy enjoys working with animals of all shapes and sizes and is passionate about promoting their welfare, no matter how big or small—even including the more unusual “creepy crawlies.”

Outside of work, Issy has a love for nature and enjoys spending time outdoors, making the most of opportunities to connect with wildlife.

Gabby is a member of the emergency reception team at Vets for Pets Birstall, where she supports both clients and the veterinary team during urgent and often challenging situations.

She is passionate about animal welfare and takes pride in helping pet owners feel supported, reassured, and well cared for when they need it most. Gabby plays a key role in ensuring communication remains clear and compassionate during high-pressure moments.

Outside of work, Gabby enjoys spending time with her two dogs—Sanka, a Dobermann, and Tallulah, a Chihuahua—who keep her busy at home.

Jodie is a Client Care Advisor at Leeds Birstall Vets for Pets and joined the team in February 2025. With a strong background in customer service, she is passionate about helping others and ensuring every client receives a friendly, supportive experience.

Jodie has always had a love for animals, with a particular soft spot for cats, and enjoys meeting the wide variety of pets that visit the practice. She takes pride in creating a warm and welcoming environment for both clients and their furry family members.

Outside of work, Jodie enjoys spending time with her partner and their young son, as well as caring for their much-loved pets. Their home is shared with two Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Harley and Cherry, and three cats—Oreo, Kitkat, and T-Co—making for a lively and loving household.

Laura is a Client Care Advisor at Leeds Birstall Vets for Pets and is passionate about creating a welcoming and positive experience for both clients and their pets.

She particularly enjoys building strong relationships with clients and their animals, taking pride in helping to make every visit as smooth and stress-free as possible. Laura loves working with animals every day and always makes time to offer care, attention, and a friendly face to every patient that comes through the doors.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time at home with her much-loved four-legged companion, who keeps her happily busy.

Chloe has a foundation degree in Animal Management and previously worked as a dog groomer, gaining valuable hands-on experience working with animals.

She is passionate about animal welfare and enjoys being part of a team that prioritises the wellbeing of every patient. Chloe brings a caring and enthusiastic approach to her role and enjoys supporting both clients and their pets during their visits.

Chloe has a particular love for dogs, as well as a soft spot for lions, reflecting her wider interest in animals of all kinds.

Rebecca is a valued member of the client care team and is known for her friendly, approachable nature. She has a real passion for animals and enjoys meeting the variety of pets who visit the practice each day.

Rebecca loves building connections with clients and always takes the time for a chat, helping to create a warm and welcoming experience for both pets and their owners.