Winnersh Companion Care

Closed Now

Need emergency care? See out of hours information.

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 19:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 19:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 19:00
Thursday 08:30 - 19:00
Friday 08:30 - 19:00
Saturday 08:30 - 17:00
Sunday Closed

Meet the team

Vets

Dr Ben Major

Veterinary Surgeon & Joint Venture Partner

MRCVS

Read Dr Ben Major bio

Graduated from Bristol University in 2007. My first job was in a large hospital on the edge of the New Forest. The main workload was in the small animal hospital, but I also regularly saw the larger animals; horses, cattle, sheep and pigs out in the New Forest.

My main interests, however, always lay with domestic pets so I moved to work solely in small animal practice. I enjoy the wide range of medical and surgical interests that small animal practice brings, but have a particular interest in Cardiology.

I believe in offering good quality veterinary care. I also believe that this involves two main aspects. Firstly, the best clinical care and advice and secondly I feel that it is very important that you, as pet owners, also have a good understanding of what we, as vets, are trying to do. With these two approaches to your pets' problems I believe that we can offer the best care for your pets.

When not at the practice I am a keen sportsman, with hockey being my main sport in the winter. I have played up at Reading hockey club for the last few years. I also enjoy DIY and carpentry, although (as my brothers will attest to) the production line can be a little slow for carpentry based presents!!

Dr Abi Charlton

Veterinary Surgeon

MRCVS GpCert (Ophthal)

Read Dr Abi Charlton bio

I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2019, and since then I have worked with the great team here at Companion Care Winnersh.

One of my main interests is ophthalmology, and, so, I really enjoy seeing more complex eye cases. I have completed my General Practitioner Certificate in Ophthalmology, and as a practice we have invested in more specialist equipment to allow us to manage these cases.

My other focus is working with our smaller patients. I am proud to say our practice has been awarded the Rabbit Friendly Silver Award (by the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund). I am passionate about keeping our knowledge up-to-date for both rabbits and rodents, and regularly undertake further learning on these species. I am really keen to discuss husbandry in consults, from types of hay for rabbits, to sizes of wheels for gerbils.

At home, I look after my many rescue animals. We currently have six rabbits (Gertie, Moomin, Hexagon, Atlas, Newt and Mymble), six guinea pigs (Axel, Bat, Sparrow, Badger, Raven and Wren), and two gerbils (Athena and Minerva). I am always on the look-out for ideas for enrichment for them all.

Outside of work I enjoy being outside, and spend a lot of time on my allotment with my husband (which is where I grow all the vegetables for the animals). I also enjoy walking in the countryside and kayaking.

Dr Will Collins

Veterinary Surgeon

MRCVS

Read Dr Will Collins bio

I graduated from the University of Surrey in 2021 and have been part of the fantastic team at Companion Care ever since! My favourite aspect of veterinary medicine is surgery, and I have a growing interest in both canine and feline dentistry. Outside of work, you'll often find me and my partner (also a vet!) exploring the Berkshire/Hampshire countryside or visiting my family back in Cornwall, with our Dachshund Frank!

Dr Tom Whittingham

Veterinary Surgeon

MRCVS

Read Dr Tom Whittingham bio

I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 2021 and spent 2 years working with horses and donkeys as well as small animals in Stoke-on-Trent. This job kept me out on the road at times over the Midlands, but I am now happy to settle down in a practice especially during the cold winter.

My most notable equine case involved working with the fire brigade to rescue a horse from a ditch. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this work, I sought to specialise in cats and dogs and plan to complete an Advanced Certificate in Internal Medicine soon.

I look forward to meeting you and hope to make you feel involved in your animal family’s care.

Nurses

Charlotte Smithson

Head Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Coach

Read Charlotte Smithson bio

I have been a qualified registered veterinary nurse for 11 years and love every aspect of my job. I have worked in a busy first opinion practice and also in a large veterinary hospital. Although I enjoy using my skills in all areas of patient care, I particularly enjoy being in the surgical theatre. I have a passion to provide the highest level of care to our patients whatever the reason for their visit. Spending time getting to know our clients and their pets and having the opportunity to pass on the most up to date information to help you provide great care for your pets in something I find very rewarding.

In my spare time I enjoy seeing my family and friends, pottering around the garden and cycling in the countryside. My husband and I are keen travellers and enjoy spending time going on as many trips around the world as we can.

Meg Fairbrother

Student Veterinary Nurse

Read Meg Fairbrother bio

I have worked at the Winnersh practice since 2020 and started my Veterinary Nurse apprenticeship in January 2021. I am thoroughly loving every minute of learning on the job and meeting the wide variety of patients that come in every day. My main interests are helping with diagnostic procedures, surgical nursing and working with small furries. I especially love all things rat related!

Before I joined Companion Care, I completed a degree in Music and Sound Production. However I wanted a more rewarding career helping animals. Once I complete my apprenticeship I plan to start an advanced programme in small mammal nursing.

At home I spend most of my time with my 10 rats and two Burmese cats Violet and Casper! My hobbies include watching anime and travelling. My favourite trip was a month in Japan in 2019 and I can’t wait to go back and practice my Japanese.

Chanell Ward

Student Veterinary Nurse

Read Chanell Ward bio

I started at Companion Care Winnersh in September 2021 as a Veterinary Care Assistant on the weekends. I joined the practice full time as a Student Veterinary Nurse in July 2022. I've always wanted to work with animals since I was very young and I've managed to accomplish that goal.

I'm excited to see what the future holds at Companion Care with my training to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse!

At home I have a Beagle called Cooper who I love to spend all my time with. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family and going out. I also love travelling abroad as much as I can.

Ewa Borawska

Student Veterinary Nurse

Bella Lawrence- Levett

Veterinary Care Assistant

Non Clinical

Jen Draper

Practice Manager

Read Jen Draper bio

After starting as a part time receptionist I was promoted to Practice Manager, and I am thoroughly enjoying my role helping to keep things running smoothly here at Winnersh!

Though my role makes my job more office based, you will still find me on occasion talking away to the patients or visiting animals and their humans! I also take a keen interest in the operations that the vets carry out, although most of the time I prefer just to cuddle the patients when they wake up!

Out of work I spend all of my time either watching my boy Jack play football or trying to keep up with my 6 dogs! I have Hugo and Olive who are brother and sister French Bulldog x Boston Terrier (these 2 are the crazy ones!) Rocco the pug, little tiny Emmy who is my 1 eyed rescue dog, enormous Norman the Great Dane and my newest edition is Stanley the Chihuahua!

Shelly Collins

Administrator

Read Shelly Collins bio

I came back to Companion Care in 2020 to join the team as the office administrator. Although I spend most of my time in the office, I cover reception when needed and love seeing all the cute patients that come in to see us.

When I'm not looking after my menagerie of 3 dogs, 4 cats and 4 kids I enjoy going to gym and socialising with friends.

Coral Patton

Receptionist

Read Coral Patton bio

I’ve been part of the team since 2017 and still love meeting and greeting our clients and their owners! At home I have a boxer dog, a Frenchie and three cats to keep me on my toes, I would love to have more and find it really hard not to add to our family when a new litter comes in to see us!

When I’m not focusing on the animals I love to spend time with my family and friends, walking, gardening and eating out, with the odd holiday thrown in. I have always done secretarial work before so this was a total change in direction and I haven’t regretted a single minute of it so far!

Zoe Beasleigh

Receptionist

Read Zoe Beasleigh bio

After working with children in our local primary school for 13 years, I decided it was time to work with my next favourite thing- animals! I joined the team in July 2019 and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

When I'm not busy on reception, you will find me walking my cute Golden doodles Evie & Archie.

Karla Hattam

Receptionist

Read Karla Hattam bio

I have worked on reception at Companion Care for 2 years and I really enjoy the role. Having previously worked at a dog rescue, I love meeting all the different types of patients that come to visit us but especially the patients with waggy tails!

When I'm not at work I enjoy spending time with my family and my old boy Kye who is a 14 year old Staffy. I love to holiday in the UK and abroad, and spend lots of time outdoors keeping my 2 young children entertained.

Laylah Wallis

Receptionist

Read Laylah Wallis bio

I have worked for the vet group for 4 years, 2 of those at the Winnersh surgery. I really enjoy the role as it means I get to see lots of animals, but I have a soft spot for the older dogs!

In my spare time I look after my 4 dogs- a Lurcher, a Whippet and 2 cute little Chihuahuas. We like to take them on UK breaks and their favourite place Cornwall.

Pauline Pullin

Receptionist

Read Pauline Pullin bio

I have very recently joined the team in November 2022 and I am enjoying my new venture, meeting the adorable pets and their owners. This is a total change in direction for me, having previously worked in the service sector as PA and office admin for over 20 years.

When not working, I love spending time with our Frenchie who's a real character! I also enjoy spending time with my family, meeting up with friends, walking, playing badminton, trying out different restaurants from time to time and going on holidays.

Leah Ford

Receptionist

Read Leah Ford bio

I am the newest member of the receptionist team. Having worked previously at a dog groomers, I love being around all the animals that come to visit us.

When I'm not at work I spend most of my time at the yard with my 2 horses, Hazel and Connor. I also enjoy going to the gym and spending time with friends and family.

About us

Companion Care Winnersh is committed to bringing you affordable, high quality care via a modern, well equipped practice, including a lab, pharmacy, digital x-ray and ultrasound. Plus, on site car parking too!

The friendly team can't wait to meet all of their new clients!

Reviews

Services

Emergency cover
Even if we are closed, we have your pet covered.
Cat clinics
To make your visit as stress-free for you and your cat as possible
Microchipping
A microchip can help retrieve lost pets
Read more
Orthopaedics
Surgery of joints and bones.

Show more services

Operating Theatre
An operating theatre with gaseous anaesthetic facility for surgical procedures.
Separate Cat & Dog Waiting Areas
Separate cat and dog waiting areas, designed to ensure your pet is kept in a comfortably stress free environment.
Separate Cat & Dog Wards
Separate cat and dog hospital wards, designed to ensure your pet is kept in a comfortably stress free environment.
Digital X-Ray
Digital X ray equipment is available.
Isolation Unit
A special ward to care for animals with contagious diseases.
Oxygen Chamber
Enables us to provide supplemental oxygen when needed.
Blood Pressure Monitor
Used to measure the range of blood pressure as a preventative treatment to identify early signs of systemic hypertension.
Ultrasound
Generates 2-D moving images of your pet’s internal organs at work.
Biochemistry
Allows an assessment of the functionality of a patients organs.
Haematology
Allows the assessment of a patient's blood and blood cells.
Electrolyte
Enables the assessment of critical blood chemicals such as sodium and potassium.
Tonopen (measures eye pressure)
Measures your pet's eye pressure.
In-house Laboratory
A range of analytical tests and equipment to assist in the rapid diagnosis of illness.
X-Ray
Generates digital 2D images of bones and internal organs.
X-Ray & Ultrasound
X-Ray & Ultrasound
Weight Clinic
Monitoring clinic to help dogs and cats achieve optimal weights – both if they have been under or overweight
Soft Tissue Surgery
Surgical procedures involving the soft tissues such as ears and skin.
Prescriptions
We can provide written prescriptions upon request.
Health Plans
Designed to cover all the regular pet care essentials such as vaccinations and flea and worm prevention, whilst saving you money.
Read more
Insurance Claim Processing
Pet insurance is an policy you take out for your pet. This can be an individual policy for each pet you have, or some providers will let you have a multi-pet policy.
Read more
Pet Passport
Trained Official Veterinarian vets to issue Pet Passports, Fit to Fly letters and rabies serology tests.
Read more
Late Opening Times
Late Opening Times
Nutritional Advice
Advice and support for our pet's diet.
Read more
Nurse Clinic
Appointments with a highly qualified nurse which can cover anything from nutrition and fitness advice, grooming techniques, to pet socialisation classes.
Medication
Medication
Hospital Ward
Suite of custom-built kennels for the housing and monitoring of in-patients.
Home Visits
If you can’t make it us, we will come to you. We offer routine home visit for pets who don’t like to leave the house or clients who are unable to visit us. (Additional costs may occur)
Herbal Medicines
Can provide herbal medicine and advice
Fracture Repair
Orthopaedic surgery to correct broken bones.
Ear Surgery
Ear Surgery service is available to keep your pet free from any infections.
Dental X-Ray
Unlike humans, dogs need to be under general anesthesia for dental X-rays. Anesthesia is considered to be a safe procedure and will be performed after a general examination. It is tailored to the individual and your dog is continuously monitored during the dental exam.
Read more
Cruciate Surgery
Surgery to repair damaged stifle ligaments.
Cancer Treatment including Chemotherapy
Dogs and cats that receive chemotherapy feel normal the day they are given the drug.
Bereavement Support
Making the decision to say goodbye to your pet is one of the toughest you’ll ever make. Pets provide us with unconditional love, friendship and comfort, so it is normal to have intense or conflicting emotions when it comes to euthanasia. At Vets4Pets we’re here for you and your pet for every step of your journey together.
Anaesthetic
General anaesthetic enables us to perform many procedures kindly and safely for your pet.
Dentistry
The treatment and prevention of dental disease
Read more
Hearing Loop Induction
Hearing Loop
Wheelchair friendly
Wheelchair friendly
Microscopy
The use of magnification to view cells not visible to the naked eye. Used to look at blood cells, hair cells, microscopic parasites and many more
Lungworm Testing
Diagnostic tests to see if a pet has lungworm. Available as a blood or fecal test
Rabbit Medicine and Testing
Rabbit Medicine and Testing
Small Mammal Medicine and Surgery
Small Mammal Medicine and Surgery
Progesterone Testing
Progesterone
Blood Analyser
Blood Analyser