Stockton Vets4Pets

Mark grew up in a smallholding in Wales which inspired his veterinary career. He then went on to study at Royal veterinary College in London where he met his future wife Cathy and qualified in 2000. Marks first position was working in a practice in Cumbria before travelling to New Zealand with Cathy to work and see the sights. They then moved on to a charity clinic in Thailand performing voluntary neutering for the local pets and strays. Mark and Cathy then decided to open their own practice settling here in Stockton.

In practice, Mark enjoys orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery and building long lasting relationships with clients and patients alike.

In Marks free time he is an avid fell runner, mountain biker and climber. Mark is passing on his passions to his two boys and all the family spend lots of time up on the hills.

How long have you worked at Vets4Pets? What do you enjoy about it? I set up Stockton Vets4Pets in 2008. My wife, Cathy, joined the practice a few years later. It has been rewarding meeting clients and treating their pets right through from their 1st vaccinations to helping them in their more senior years. I enjoy everything about ‘vetting’, especially orthopaedic surgery.

Name your top three films. Star Wars - Episode 4, 5, and 6.

What is your favourite season of the year and why? If it's a proper cold Winter, instead of just rainy, then definitely Winter as I like to go ice climbing in Scotland at the weekend. If it's a rubbish Winter then Summer is favourite for the long warm evening's running on the Moors.

What is your favourite type of chocolate? Any! When it comes to chocolate I'm definitely not fussy.

What was your dream job when you were younger? Astronaut.

If it were possible, would you own a pet dinosaur? If so, which one would it be and why? My two boys tell me that Ankylosaurus is the coolest dinosaur because they have a big bony hammer on the end of their tail. So I'll go with that one.

Cathy, one of our practice partners, is one of our most experienced vets graduating from Royal Veterinary College in London. Cathy enjoys developing relationships with clients and their pets, helping them understand what may be going on and how we can make things better. Cathy also loves all aspects of first opinion practice but has always had an interest in soft tissue surgery and finds big operations, although challenging at times, quite satisfying.

At home Cathy has an energetic rescue dog called Billy and two boys who keep her very busy. Cathy loves treating her team to a home baked cakes.

What’s the worst thing about your job? Constipated cats!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Family days out, hiking, wild camping, swimming, skiing, making birthday cakes for the kids, arts and crafts.

Where is the most interesting place you have been and why? Easter Island. Mark and I walked and camped round the whole island. It’s a strange and desolate place in parts. I was fascinated by the people that used to live there, the huge statues they erected and then the demise of their culture.

If you could keep only 5 possessions what would they be and why? A camera to record happy occasions and amazing places Our tent, sleeping bags and stove – does that count as three?! Scrabble - Christmas wouldn’t be the same without late night scrabble!

Inga studied to be a vet in Poland graduating in 2016. This was a dream come true for Inga as she has always wanted to be a Vet from being a toddler. Inga also studied in the Canary Islands on a student exchange for one year before starting an internship in Lisbon at a referral centre. Inga then decided to come to the UK to develop her skills and further her knowledge.

Inga really enjoys soft tissue surgery and imaging and also an in-depth case which requires a deep investigation. This type of case suits Inga perfectly as in her free time she enjoys solving a good puzzle.

Inga loves to travel to as many different places as possible especially if it’s sunny and also has a passion for artwork, especially drawing cartoons which always cheers up the team.

What is your favourite colour? Grass Green

If there was a skill that you would love to learn, what would it be and why? Surfing! I have a terrible sense of balance. If I would be able to surf for more than 10 minutes I would consider this as self-improvement.

What is your favourite type of chocolate? Dark Chocolate with orange and chilli.

If you could live in a book, tv show or movie, which one would it be and why? The Chronicles of Narnia - Everything is possible there!

David studied at Bristol University qualifying in 2015 as a veterinary surgeon. David returned to Teesside after graduating and starting working with Vets4Pets. David joined our team in 2017. David aspired to be a vet from the very young age of 7 where he knew he could follow his passion for animals. David’s favourite part of his job is exceeding our client’s expectations with their pet’s health especially when they make a good recovery from illness.

In David’s free time he enjoying’s spending time with his 3 cats Kiara, Vitani and Nuka and also his three birds Zazu, Nala and Popcorn. David also enjoys making and painting models, going to the gym and watching formula one.

If you could have a Superpower for a day, what would it be and why?

The Force, it would be amazing if I could use the force to bring things to me without moving!

If you won the lottery what would you do? I would like to say that I would do some good with it but I would probably end up buying some expensive cars and other things that I really don't need!

If it were possible, would you own a pet dinosaur? If so, which one would it be and why? Of course! Even though there are four films saying how much of a bad idea it would be, it would have to be a T-Rex as no one would argue with you about anything!

What is the best gift you have ever received? Tickets to drive an Aston Martin around Silverstone.

What is you favourite sport? Formula 1 and I am that type of guy who will get up at 5am on a Sunday to watch the races.

Michalis has always had a passion for the medical industry and studied to become a Veterinary Surgeon in Thessaloniki in Greece graduating in 2016. After Michalis finished his studies, he relocated to the UK to start working as an Official Veterinarian and Veterinary Surgeon. Michalis then joined Stockton Vets4Pets in September 2022.

Michalis has a great enthusiasm for surgeries, especially orthopaedics. These are extremely rewarding to complete and seeing the improvement in the patient’s mobility is a reward in itself. Michalis's priority is the welfare and the quality of life of his patients.

At home, Michalis has a cat called Simba who he rescued from a local charity 3 years ago which emphasised his love and passion for animals even more.

In Michalis spare time he enjoys watching movies, playing guitar, exploring the local area and going on nice walks. Michalis also enjoys travelling to different countries to experience different cultures.

What is your favourite type of holiday? I love city breaks as there is always so much to do and see and you are always exploring!

What is your favourite flavour ice cream? Chocolate of course!

If you were to have a superpower, what would it be? The power of healing because health is the most important thing in our life.

What is your favourite season and why? Winter because I like being in the house, enjoying the warmth whilst I look at the snow.

Natasha has always wanted to be a Veterinary Nurse since the age of 6 years old as she has always had a passion for animals. Natasha started her training at Vets4Pets in 2011 and completed her Veterinary Nursing degree at Myerscough College and qualified in 2013. In 2017 Natasha was promoted to the role of Head Nurse at Stockton Vets4Pets.

Natasha enjoys all aspects of her nursing but is particularly interested in theatre surgical nursing and physio.

In her spare time, Natasha enjoys swimming walking her two dogs Ben (Lurcher) and Molly (Staffie s Springer) and watching films.

What is your favourite farm animal and why? Lambs as they're cute and their little binkies

If you could be in a book, TV show or movie, what would it be and why? The Walking Dead - Fight the Dead, Fear the Living

How would you survive a zombie apocalypse? Go to the pub, have a pint and wait for it to all blow over!

Abbey has always had a passion for animals especially for horses in her early years which made her aspire to follow her veterinary nursing career. Abbey studied at Myerscough College graduating from her degree in 2015. Abbey has further developed her skills into practicing some surgical techniques in minor procedures. Abbey loves creating great relationships with the clients and patients at our practice and helping sick animals recover form illness and injury.

At home, Abbey is a mother to her young son as well as her fur family consisting of an excited whippet called Buddy and 3 cats called Luna, Mya and Yoda. When Abbey does have some down time, she takes the opportunity to rest and relax enjoying cuddles on the couch with her family.

Abbey has a creative artistic nature and often practices her skills to keep up our team morale.

What is your favourite ice cream? Ben and Jerry half baked, it's my Achilles heel of all ice cream! It's literally got everything you could ever want in it! Chocolate, cookie and brownies! Mmmmm

What is best gift you have ever received? A trip to Florida! I was able to go to Disney Land, Universal Studios and even Sea World. Honestly, it was such an amazing experience! Brought the inner child out in me.

What is your favourite farm animal? Horse. I have always loved horses ever since I have been a little girl. I have always had a passion for riding and looking after them.

What is your favourite colour? Pink! Typical girl, I love the fact that our uniform has pink in it! Gives me an excuse to wear pink shoes and scrub tops.

Nicole started volunteering here at Stockton Vets4Pets in 2015 and then went on to study veterinary nursing at Myerscough College in Preston finally graduating in 2019. Since then Nicole has been employed with us as a full time RVN.

In her spare time Nicole enjoys running and socialising with friends. Nicole’s fur family includes Rosie who is a cocker spaniel cross Labrador, Poppy the Cavy and Kevin the cat.  

Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Orlando, Florida! I Love all the rollercoasters and it’s an amazing experience.

If you had to describe yourself in 3 words what would they be?
Loyal, hardworking and organised.

If you could travel anywhere where would you go?
I have always wanted to go to Africa on a safari!

Ruth graduated from Harper Adams University as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in September 2017. Ruth has also gained an additional qualification BSc Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management as a top up from her Nursing degree.

Ruth joined us at Stockton Vets4Pets in July 2021 after working at another practice in Teesside for several years. Ruth enjoys all aspects of small animal nursing but has a particular interest in surgery.

When not at work, Ruth enjoys happily hacking her horse Bambi, hiking and gallivanting and over the hills and spending quality time with family and friends.    

What is your favourite thing you own and why? My horse Bambi who I have now owned for more than 13 years. She is an angel.

If you had to live in another time period, what would you choose? The 1920's - The great Gatsby era!

What is your all-time favourite dessert? Chocolate fudge cake and vanilla ice cream but I'll eat anything sweet.

What is your favourite plant or flower? I love lillies - if anyone wants to buy me any! :-)

Zoe has a FdSc in Veterinary Nursing and qualified as a registered Veterinary Nurse from Askham Bryan in 2017.  

During her studies Zoe became interested in animal behaviour. Zoe feels that understanding animal behaviour is important to improve our pets welfare which enables them to live a happier and healthier life with us.

When in practice Zoe enjoys theatre nursing, both assisting with anaesthesia and surgeries.

At home, Zoe is kept busy with my 13 year old cocker spaniel, two bunnies, partner and 4 year old daughter. The family spend a lot of time outside together as they love being amongst nature. 

What’s your favourite colour? Purple, especially lilac as it reminds me of spring with all the colours coming into bloom.

If you could live anywhere, where would you live? Canada! I love all the wildlife, especially the bears! I love being outdoors and they are known to have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world!

What would your superhero power be? I’d love to talk to animals! It would help nurses and vets in our job so much if they could tell us what was wrong or what was hurting. It would also help reassure them when they are receiving treatments. Training would be a ‘walk in the park’!

Mille has always wanted to be a veterinary nurse as she has always had an affinity for animals. Millie studied at Askham Bryan College and completed her one year student placement with Stockton Vets4Pets in 2021/2022. Millie qualified in 2023  and was offered a position at Stockton Vets4pets in June 2023 when her degree was completed due to her exceptional hard work and dedication to her role.  

Millie loves all aspects of her role here at Stockton Vets4Pets but really enjoys hospitalisation cases where she can physically aid and recover ill patients.  

Millie has a daft chocolate Labrador called Wilf. Millie and Wilf go on lots of long walks, most recently their favourite new place to explore is the Lake District! It takes a good four hour hike to tire out Wilf! 

In Millie’s spare time, she enjoys regular visits to the gym focusing on weight lifting to improve her natural strength. Millie loves trying new foods especially in new local restaurants.  

Where is the most interesting place you have been and why? I have visited the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam. It was extremely profound and emotional, I would love to visit again as there was so much to absorb! 

If you won the lottery what would you do? I would buy a big house that would be able to host my friends and family so we could all have a regular get together! It would also have to have a lot of land with it so I could help shelter rescue dogs, cats and all sort of animals that need new homes…. It would be so hard to give them up though!  

Name your top three films – I love ‘The Help’, although emotional, it is a really uplifting story. ‘The Brightside’ is another amazing film, based on a true story and last but certainly not least ‘About Time’ a good old fashioned romantic comedy for the feel good factor!  

What’s your favourite holiday destination? I have only been once but I absolutely loved Greece! I loved the Greek buildings, warm climate and stunning scenery! I loved going for a dip in the Mediterranean sea!   

Mia has been passionate about animals from a very young age. One of her favourite memories from her childhood is playing with a pretend stethoscope on her dogs. Helping animals came as second nature to Mia so it is no wonder she enrolled in university to study to become a Veterinary Nurse! Mia has come to us as a student from Askham Bryan in the second year of her degree. Mia enjoys watching the in-depth surgeries as she finds them really interesting and skilful but also gets a great sense of purpose when nursing a sick patient or a patient recovering from surgery. 

Mia owns a dog called Boris and he is her most favourite thing in the world! He is a six year old English cream miniature dachshund, Mia absolutely adores him! Together, they both enjoy long walks, especially taking his ball to the beach and having a good run!

If you could live anywhere, where wound you live? My favourite place to live would be in a cute picturesque countryside town in the UK. I think the countryside has so many beautiful landscapes and animals.

Where is your favourite holiday destination? Anywhere warm where I can relax in the sun with a cocktail in my hand, although my favourite destination I have been to is Africa! It was an incredible experience. A highlight for me was going on a two day safari, seeing all the wild animals in the savannah was amazing.

What is your favourite colour? I love pastel pink, it’s a happy and fun colour!

Jane moved over from Blackpool to Redcar in 2013 and started working at Stockton Vets4Pets in 2014. Jane originally started in our reception team working her way up to Practice Manager. Over this time, Jane has developed her skills in customer service and business management to help Mark and Cathy run their practice to the highest possible standard.

Jane enjoys holidays away with the girls and spending time with her partner. She has two Romanian rescue dogs called Andra and Peter who she adopted in 2015 and 2017, and in the work place will never turn down a puppy cuddle!

In Jane’s free time, she loves a game of pool, trying new foods and drinks and watching live music whether it’s a gig or festival.    

Name your top three films. Overboard, In Brugge and Private Benjamin

Do you have any phobias? If so, what is it and why? I am petrified of spiders, even though I think they are truly amazing creatures and watching them make webs is fascinating, I just can’t handle that many legs!

Who is your personal hero and why? My Sister in Law Claire, She has had so many professions and is always so energetic and positive! She is definitely an amazing woman!

If you could have a superpower for a day, what would it be and why? I would have the power of being able to read minds so then I would eventually be able to see what my dog was thinking!

Annie has joined our team in 2022 and has brought a wealth of customer experience from previously working in the wedding industry. Annie has transferred her skills to join our reception team as her love for animals has driven her to change her career path.

Since joining our team, Annie has been promoted to Head Receptionist at the end of 2022. Annie strives for excellence and ensures our reception team give the best possible service to our patients and clients alike. 

Annie is a massive dog lover and has lots of four legged friends in her family. Although dogs are her favourite, Annie loves all pets and loves fussing them when they come in the practice.

In Annie’s spare time, a good dog walk in the Lake District is one of her favourite activities to do. Annie has an American Bull Dog cross called Toon. Toon is a bundle of energy and certainly keeps Annie’s life active and full of surprises!

Annie is a keen crafter making her own Christmas decoration, cards, wrapping paper and even tote bags! Annie finds it relaxing sitting behind a sewing machine getting creative with all different textures.

What is your favourite place in the world? On the sofa with a cup of tea in hand with my dog Toon watching my favourite TV series! Can’t beat it!

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Sunday dinner with everything on it! The more the better! I always pile my plate a mile high!

What is your favourite type of holiday? A city escape is the best. Lots of walking seeing the sites, sampling the local cuisine and beverages. I love being active on holiday always doing lots of activities, I find it quite difficult to sit still to relax.

What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend? Walking my dog Toon in the Lake district, I love how picturesque and remote it is away from the hustle and bustle.

Lauren has been part of our reception team since 2019. She has always had a passion for animals and loves working and fussing them every day. Lauren’s favourite part of her role is building long lasting relationships with our clients and meeting all different characters both clients and patients alike.

Out of work, Lauren loves to socialise with friends and family, especially if it involves some good food and entertainment. Lauren also loves experimenting with new home cooking recipes and sharing them with family. You’ll often find Lauren exploring cities, countryside walks and planning to explore new places she is yet to visit.    

If you could live anywhere, which country would you choose to live in?
Would definitely have to be somewhere with lots of sun, I’m always cold! It would also have to be an area with lots of sun and no spiders!​

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The thing I love most in this job (next to the people that work here of course) would be the fact there are always pets of all shapes and sizes coming through the doors to come and say hello, their little personalities are guaranteed to brighten your day.

What is your favourite season of the year and why?
Summer because it's nice and hot. I love relaxing in the sunshine.

If you were to have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I'd love to have the ability to time travel, I'd especially like to go back to the 60's and party with the hippies!

Paul joined the team in March 2022 after relocating form West Yorkshire. Paul has had a diverse career history with highlight being working on-board the QE2 for fifteen years! Whilst travelling around the world, Paul looked after a wide range of passengers from your next door neighbour up to film stars and royalty! Paul’s exceptional customer service is an excellent contribution to our reception team.

In Paul’s spare time, he loves baking all sorts of goodies from a savoury corned beef pie to a super sweet rich chocolate fudge cake. Paul often bakes for the team as nice treat which doesn’t last long!

Paul also enjoys country side walks with his partner and little cockapoo Mable. As Mable is young and full of energy, she certainly keeps them both active and out of trouble!

What is the weirdest thing you have eaten? During my worldly travels I tried sea cucumber in Hong Kong! This is related to the sea urchin family which we would think looks like a sea slug, it wasn’t to my taste!

If you could meet anyone in the world today, who would you meet and why? I would like to meet a younger version of myself to pass on lots of worldly experience and advice.

What’s your favourite holiday destination? I love the Greek Islands! There is nothing nicer than going self-catering and visiting all the local Tavernas for meals. I love Greek food especially beef stifado and saganaki cheese! Yum!

What period would you like to travel to if you had a time machine? I would love to visit the 1920’s when it was the golden era for transatlantic travel. I love the elegance of the old big transatlantic liners. I would love to have gone to a black tie/formal nights and the cocktail parties!

Faye joined our Reception team in September 2022 coming from a live music and hospitality background bringing with her many years of customer service experience. Having worked in administrative and customer service roles before, Faye’s skill set was easily transferrable with the added bonus of puppy and kitten cuddles!

Faye loves all species of pets having multiple pets from a very young age. Faye helps look after her families dog Teddy who loves coming for weekly stays throughout the year. Teddy loves going on his holidays to his Aunty Faye’s!

In Faye’s spare time, she loves to stretch her vocal cords singing in a local band often doing gigs and festivals locally and around the north east. Faye also loves to bake, her favourite being cheesecakes of all flavours! Alongside the baking Faye loves to cook a good hot curry, the spicier the better! Faye also enjoys weekend strolls with her partner followed by a good flick at the cinema.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Book a big family holiday to Disneyland Florida! I have always wanted to go especially to visit Universal Studios!

What’s your favourite colour? Green, all of the most beautiful things are green, grassy field, trees and nature in general.

What’s your favourite snack? Chocolate!! Anything chocolaty or sweet is good for me!

What’s your favourite TV show? It’s got to be the Mighty Boosh! I am a true fan girl and I met Noel Fielding who even signed my T-shirt!