Our Team

Your Vet is Graeme McKeown, MRCVS
Joint Venture Partner and Veterinary Surgeon

My name is Graeme McKeown and I am the Joint Venture Partner for Hove and Tunbridge Wells. Originally from Bangor, N. Ireland, I have worked as a veterinary surgeon for over 10 years in the SE of England after qualifying from The Royal (Dick) Veterinary College in Edinburgh. Prior to opening my first practice Companion Care Tunbridge Wells in 2010 I ran my own successful veterinary company in addition to working as a full time vet. I have experienced all aspects of veterinary practice and management from sole charge and emergency clinics to referral hospitals and professional consultancy services.
 
I have a passion to provide the highest of standards in customer service and clinical excellence and my main interests include Orthopaedics and General Internal Medicine with a special interest in Feline medicine. Our practice philosophy is to provide a modern, forward thinking, warm and welcoming practice, where every pet is treated like it was our own, and where clients feel like part of our family.
 
I am very proud to be opening my second practice - Companion Care Hove in January 2012, and am looking forward to the challenge of making it as successful as Tunbridge Wells has been.
 
In my leisure time I enjoy racing cars and track days, The Premiership and tennis. I also enjoy spending time with my 2 best friends, my dogs, Kyrie (pictured) and Sophie.

Your Vet is Catherine Darragh, MRCVS
Joint Venture Partner and Veterinary Surgeon

My name is Catherine Darragh and I am a Joint Venture Partner for Hove along with Graeme. Originally from Essex, I have worked as a veterinary surgeon for 3 years in East Sussex since qualifying from The Royal Veterinary College in London.
Prior to opening Companion Care Hove I was working in mixed practice where I have seen a variety of animals for treatment, ranging from mice to horses. From this has stemmed my special interests in small animal surgery and internal medicine.

When I am not working, I enjoy playing stoolball, tennis, and going swimming. I have also discovered a new love of baking and gardening since moving to the country!
My aim is to provide the highest of standards in animal care and customer service for all who come to Companion Care Hove. If you haven’t already met us then please feel free to come and visit and have a look around at what our wonderful new surgery and fantastic professional team has to offer you and your pet.

Lucy Bridger
Joint Venture Partner & Veterinary Nurse

Emma Wilson
Vet Practice Manager

Emma is the practice manager for Companion Care Tunbridge Wells & the new Companion Care Vet surgery in Hove. She has worked as a Veterinary Nurse since leaving school in 1998, and prior to working for Companion Care she worked in mixed practices, specialising in small animal nutrition and enjoyed running a range of nurse clinics. When Emma is not working, she enjoys spending time with her son Samuel and two dogs Tallulah and Alfie.

Rosie Clark
Student Veterinary Nurse

Laura-Jane Shirley
Receptionist

Laura is one of the receptionists at the Hove surgery and joined the team in February 2012.
 
Laura previously worked in the Health & Fitness Industry but decided to pursue a rewarding career doing something she loves, working with animals! 
 
"I love meeting & greeting all the pets that come into the surgery and try to create the most friendly and welcoming environment
 that I can".
 
Laura currently lives in Hove with her two favourite boys, her fiance and her beloved budgie, Blue!

Gemma Barnard
Receptionist

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