Braintree Vets4Pets

Having originally trained in New Zealand, I graduated from Massey University in 1995, and during the 19 years that have flown by since then, I have gained a wealth of knowledge in small animal practice. I have been practising in the UK since 1998. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career so far, during which time I have developed a passion for canine and feline medicine and therapeutics and a great enthusiasm for working with small furries (rabbits, guinea pigs & hamsters). I now relish the challenge that having my own clinic will bring, along with the chance to develop and nurture my fabulous team, some of whom I have worked closely with before. At home I have two cats – Jack and Tom - as well as a rabbit called Lieutenant Dan and a dog named Bali. When not at work, I enjoy the outdoors, live (rock) music, theatre, cinema and travel. At Vets4Pets Braintree, clients can be assured of receiving the best level of both clinical and customer care. I shall endeavour to instil an atmosphere where they feel welcome, nurtured and respected and where their pets are treated as though they were part of our family.

I qualified at the Royal Veterinary College and have worked in small animal (dogs and cats) equine and farm practices variously, along with brief experiences with zoo animals, so a real mixed bag of experience. I had my own practice for many years based in Hockley near Southend and saw it grow from being single handed to 3 vets and two surgeries before selling it and working part time. My interests in the small animal field include surgery, where I am happy performing many orthopaedic procedures, and I particularly like some of the more challenging soft tissue surgeries, correcting abnormalities in anatomy and dealing with large tumours. I supported and was involved in dealing with dog and cat behaviour problems and after I sold my practice the two nurses I worked with, went on to establish a very successful behaviour and pet training business in this area, and continue to do very well. My wife Denise and I have bred Dalmatians for many years, specialising in producing calm and sane pets for families with children. I have competed nationally with horses in carriage driving trials winning at Royal Windsor and have been awarded National Champion on a number of occasions with horses in tandem. I have grandchildren, a number of which fortunately live close by, such that we are able to spend a lot of time with them as they grow up which we both find very rewarding. We have three Dalmatians of our own and my daughter has a Pug. We also have ducks, chickens, a pony and horses at home, so we have a very animal orientated home life.

From a very young age I knew I had always wanted to work alongside animals in one way or another, as it is a huge passion of mine. I started my career and training in Chelmsford where I gained much of my knowledge. I have been nursing since I was 17 years old, and qualified in 2015. I thoroughly enjoy nursing, we see so many amazing and exciting procedures and no two days are ever the same. At home I own my gorgeous American Bulldog called Kylie, two Guinea Pigs, an Alexanders Parakeet, a Bearded Dragon, and lots of chickens. In my spare time I enjoy playing netball, walking the dogs with friends, going to the cinema, and when I get chance jetting off on holiday.

I started my veterinary career in 2001 when I graduated from Writtle college with an NVQ in Animal Care. I was lucky enough to do my work experience in a vet clinic close to home. I trained and qualified as an Animal Nursing Assistant (ANA). I eventually managed to secure a job at a training practice and got the chance to fulfil a childhood dream. I graduated from Myerscough College as a qualified Veterinary Nurse in 2007. Since qualifying I have gained experience in a number of practices and have been involved in training some amazing student nurses. I hold an Assessor and Clinical Coach qualification so I am able to train future nurses. I have also undertook courses in Animal nutrition and recently, whilst on maternity leave with my youngest, completed a year long certificate in Feline Nursing. I live in Chelmsford with my husband, my two young children Emily and Oliver, a crazy Labrador called Bentley and my two rescue cats Lenny and Barry.

From as young as I can remember, I have always wanted to work with animals. I filled my summer holidays from the age of 11 working in pet shops, kennels and catteries and helping out at rescue centres, until I was old enough to start my Veterinary Nursing course as Writtle College when I was 17. I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in July 2011, and since then have worked in mixed animal practices in Essex. I love all aspects of nursing and have a particular interest in emergency nursing, nurse clinics and keeping my working environment clean and organised. I have worked for Vets4Pets since 2011, but joined the Braintree team in April 2017 after returning from maternity leave. I live in Chelmsford with my husband, son and my 3 dogs - Lolly, Brody and Django; in my spare time, I enjoy socialising with friends, dog walking and going to the gym.

From a young age I have always wanted to work with animals. I started my career volunteering at weekends at South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Orsett when I was 16. From there I went into full time employment with Hopefield Animal Sanctuary from the age 17, where I completed a Diploma in Animal Behaviour and Management. After being there for 2 years I realised I wanted to learn more and progress further so found a job as a PCA (Patient Care Assistant) at Medivet in Wickford. I trained as a PCA for a year before starting college as a Student Veterinary Nurse. I recently qualified as a Registered veterinary Nurse at the beginning of 2019 and am looking forward to all the new challenges ahead of me! I joined Vets4Pets Braintree in December 2018 and have enjoyed getting to know all of their lovely clients and pets. I love coming into work everyday to a new and interesting challenge, and can’t wait to see where being qualified takes me! I currently own a pet corn-snake called Coral but no other pets. My parents have always owned Labradors so I’m sure it won’t be long till I have my own! In my spare time I enjoy baking, drawing and when I have spare time going away on holiday to relax in the sun.

I have loved animals from a very young age and could not imagine not working with them every day. In 2011 I studied Animal management at Writtle College for 3 years which I enjoyed thoroughly and this heightened my knowledge in caring for and handling animals. In November 2016 I applied to become a Veterinary Care Assistant here at Vets4pets Braintree. I enjoy coming to work every day to work with a brilliant team. I started my training to become a Veterinary Nurse in September 2017 at Writtle College in Chelmsford. At home I have rabbits, guinea pigs and three dogs Murray, Roxy and Rosie. In my spare time I like to socialise, go to the cinema, concerts and go on holidays!

My interest in animals began when I was a small child and I was thrilled when my parents bought me a puppy Westie when I turned 13. I walked him, bathed him, trained him and spent every spare minute I had with him. Two years ago I applied for a weekend receptionist job at a veterinary surgery and was over the moon when I got the job. I loved my time there and gained my interest in the veterinary industry. I am very excited about my new venture as a full time member of a veterinary team and meeting lots of new people with their furry friends in the Braintree District. I live in Chelmsford with my boyfriend and we have Alfie the Westie and Florence the cat who are the best of friends. I enjoy socialising with friends and family, cinema (especially horrors) and have recently taken up knitting.

I grew up in Essex on a smallholding in a wood so have been around animals from a young age. In the past I have worked in retail and Pharmacy but I am excited to be working on Reception meeting and greeting people with their pets and alongside such a great team. My favourite animals are Guinea Pigs and I currently have 8, I also have 2 Hamsters. I love to learn about Guinea Pigs and I successfully passed the British Association of Rodentologists Rodent Health advisory training course in 2014. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend, family and friends and I love going to my allotment as well as baking.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a passion for caring and learning about animals. After gaining my National Certificate and National Diploma in Animal Care from Writtle College, I worked in various aspects in the animal care industry. On top of which I have kept many different species of animals over the years, maintaining my interest in learning as much as I can in diet and husbandry of all animals.

I live with my husband, whom I met while at Writtle on the Diploma course, and together we have our own little zoo at home, which include our 2 dogs and cats, various rabbits, guinea pigs, as well as Marine fish, Ringneck parakeet and our Barn Owl. I also have experience and knowledge in keeping a wide variety of fish, reptiles and amphibians.

I’m thrilled to be part of such a hard working friendly team, and look forward to eventually studying for my Vet Nursing qualification in the future.