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Norwich Sprowston Companion Care
Inside Pets at HomeSprowston Retail Park
Salhouse Road
Norwich
Norfolk
NR7 9AZ
Telephone: 01603 484 150
- Parking available
- Enquiries and Appointment Requests
- View map
Closed Now
Need emergency care? See out of hours information.
Opening Hours
- Monday -
- Tuesday -
- Wednesday -
- Thursday -
- Friday -
- Saturday -
- Sunday -
Meet the team

Rob qualified from the University of Pretoria in 1999 where I had met Riaan while studying. He came across in 1999 and worked in a mixed animal practice in Bedford for two years before joining Riaan in partnership in Companion Care in Norwich. I enjoy all aspects of the work but do have an interest in cat medicine. Outside of work, I enjoy cycling, running and spending time with my family at home in UK and South Africa.

Dr Riaan Ekkerd
Joint Venture Partner & Veterinary Surgeon
GP cert (surg) BVSC MRCVS
I qualified as a veterinarian in 1999 from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. I worked in a mixed animal practice in South Africa for one year, then decided to come to England for more experience and to see Britain and Europe. I did small locum work all over Britain for 2 years, and then decided to start Companion Care Norwich with Robert Walker in 2002.
Over the past few years I have developed a special interest in small animal dermatology and orthopaedic surgery.
When not at work I enjoy doing endurance sports like triathlon, running and cycling. I also enjoy spending time at home with my family, and two cats Beanie and Ozzy.

Dr Anri Walker
Joint Venture Partner & Veterinary Surgeon
GP cert (surg) BVSC MRCVS

Dr Marli Ekkerd
Joint Venture Partner & Veterinary Surgeon
BVSC MRCVS

Dr Jose Luis Lopez Hernandez
Veterinary Surgeon
MRCVS

Michael qualified as a vet from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 2007, after completing an BSc degree in Zoology. He has worked in small animal practice in South Africa and Norfolk, and has been at Companion Care in Norwich since 2011. He enjoys the challenge and variety on offer as a small animal GP vet and especially enjoys dog and cat surgery.
In his spare time Michael enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including exploring Norfolk with his wife Helen, travelling, photography and playing cricket for a local village team.

Dr Alex Szpakowska
Advance Practitioner in Veterinary Ophthalmology
PgC(SA0)MRCVS
Currently Studying towards GP Certificate in Small Animal Ophalmology.) Alex qualified as a veterinary surgeon from University of Warmia and Mazury in Poland, in March 2006 and became a member of Royal Veterinary Collage (MRCVS) in July 2006.
She is a small animal vet with a passion for surgery and eyes, having completed her Certificate in Ophthalmology in 2013.
Alex has been working for Companion Care since October 2009, and when she's not working she takes care of her two sons. In her spare time Alex likes to paint.

Dr James Pritchard
Veterinary Surgeon
BvSc MRCVS

Dr Laura Prendergast
Veterinary Surgeon
MRCVS

Samia qualified from Algiers veterinary school in Algeria in 1991. She came to the UK in 1995 and became a member of MRCVS after examination in 1996 where she has been practicing ever since. Her Interests include animal welfare and wellbeing, acupuncture to which she obtained her ABVA – Association of British Acupuncture in 2007. She is currently studying towards a Cert AVP in Cardiology

I graduated from Royal Veterinary College in 2013. Since then I have been working in a small animal practice. I joined Companion Care in Feb 2017 after spending time working and travelling in Australia. My main interest is internal medicine and I especially like cats!
I enjoy gardening and growing vegetables and have a naughty tortoise called Horis.

Sergio qualified as a veterinary surgeon in Brazil in 1995 and did a Master degree in the University of Lisbon in 2014 about Heart Worms in dogs. Sergio loves surgery and internal medicine.
Sergio is also passionate about cycling. In his spare times, Sergio enjoys spending time in his garage doing bicycle mechanics and cycling with his family, friends and on his own

Dr Diana Falcao
Veterinary Surgeon

Dr Guadalupe Rubiales
Veterinary Surgeon

Gill joined the group in January 2013 as head nurse of Sprowston Companion Care. She has a varied experience within the veterinary world working within mixed and exotic practices. She spent just over two years working as a staff nurse at the RSPCA hospital in Putney, and then transferred to West London as Head Nurse and became the lead assessor in a 5 clinic group.
She escaped the rat race to move to the calm of Norfolk in 2010, where she worked as a head nurse in a small animal surgery. She is a clinical coach, assisting students through the training, this is an important part of her job ensuring the best care for everyone within the group.
Time away from work is spent supporting Wales rugby, looking after a couch potato Jack Russell, and a large rescue cat with a passion for wildlife.

Clare Kempster
Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse & Cat Friendly Advocate

Georgia joined the nursing team in May 2013. She started her student nurse training in September 2014. She enjoys the medical nursing within the clinic and being able to expand her knowledge. Outside of work hours Georgia Spends time playing with her cross breed dogs.

I have been at Companion Care since February 2017. I started as a kennel assistant and I am now in my first year in college, studying veterinary nursing. At home I have two labradors, a golden retriever, and a black and white cat called Albert (after Einstein). Before working at Companion Care I worked at the SPCA in Malaysia, educating people on the importance of neutering their cats and dogs to reduce the number of strays. My hobbies include dog agility, dog training and travelling.

I am currently in my second year of veterinary nurse training and have been in practice at Sprowston for two years. I especially enjoy looking after the patients in recovery and hospital wards, medical cases and hands on holistic patient care.
At home I have two naughty black cats, Tilly Tots and Bailey Bear. My hobbies outside of work are currently limited as my college work takes up a lot of my time.

Sophie Avard
Student Veterinary Nurse

Amy Musgrove
Student Veterinary Nurse & Cat Friendly Advocate

Dawn Elliott
Registered Veterinary Nurse

Carli Britton
Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN

Esta Kenworthy
Student Veterinary Nurse

Samantha Eames
Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN

Kimberley Page
Veterinary Care Assistant

Sally Richards
Veterinary Care Assistant

Nicole Chilvers
Student Veterinary Nurse

Companion Care Pet Behaviour
Centre Tel: 01603 623717
Kiran has worked for the practice as the Behaviour Centre manager for 15 years and is a full time dog behaviourist and qualified trainer, She is a full member of the APDT (no:00353) and is a charter member of the institute of animal care education, as well as a member of the Behaviour and training council. she also hold a diploma in Pet Bereavement and Nutrition Kiran specialises in aggressive dogs and has a background in breeding and working German Shepherds. She enjoys drawing and baking Macarons in her spare time.

I have been employed as the practice manager at Companion Care in Norwich since 2015. I enjoy meeting clients and their pets in all 3 surgeries.
In my spare time I enjoy long walks and being with my two children.

Esta Kenworthy
Animal Care Assistant

Nicole Chilvers
Student Veterinary Nurse

Sam Eames
Registered Veterinary Nurse

Michael Walker
Animal Care Assistant

I joined Companion Care at the beginning of 2009, I thoroughly enjoy meeting and greeting all the pets who attend our surgery. I have 1 dog and 3 cats.

Sam Randall
Deputy Head Receptionist

Karen Parker
Receptionist

Aleesha Nabarro
Receptionist

Gemma Crosswell
Receptionist

Clara Pennycook
Receptionist

Anneline Mann
Receptionist

Chloe Rowland
Receptionist

Sadie Smith
Receptionist

Rebecca Harrold
Receptionist

I joined Companion Care in July 2003 after 14 years at NU. I really enjoy working at Companion Care, meeting clients and their pets. I have a cat called Harvey and 2 young sons.

Anna Dutoy
Receptionist & Accounts Assistant

Stacie Wiseman
Receptionist

Katrina Seal
Receptionist

Kerry Savory
Head Receptionist

Wesley Chapman
Veterinary Care Assistant

Charlotte Robinson
Receptionist

Jacqueline Hopwood
Receptionist
Companion Care Norwich 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
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Emergency coverEven if we are closed, we have your pet covered.
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OrthopaedicsSurgery of joints and bones.
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Operating TheatreAn operating theatre with gaseous anaesthetic facility for surgical procedures.
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Isolation UnitA special ward to care for animals with contagious diseases.
Show more services
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EndoscopyAn endoscope is a long tube connected to a light source and video camera that sends real time images to a television screen for viewing. Endoscopy is the use of an endoscope within internal structures and organs of the body. The endoscope can be inserted through natural openings such as the mouth, nose or rectum to reach the structure of interest.
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Blood Pressure MonitorUsed to measure the range of blood pressure as a preventative treatment to identify early signs of systemic hypertension.
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ECGECG is also available to keep your pet's heart healthy.
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BiochemistryAllows an assessment of the functionality of a patients organs.
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HaematologyAllows the assessment of a patient's blood and blood cells.
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ElectrolyteEnables the assessment of critical blood chemicals such as sodium and potassium.
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In-house LaboratoryA range of analytical tests and equipment to assist in the rapid diagnosis of illness.
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X-RayGenerates digital 2D images of bones and internal organs.
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Nurse ClinicAppointments with a highly qualified nurse which can cover anything from nutrition and fitness advice, grooming techniques, to pet socialisation classes.
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Hospital WardSuite of custom-built kennels for the housing and monitoring of in-patients.
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Dental X-RayUnlike 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.
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DentistryThe treatment and prevention of dental disease
Health Plans
Health Plan
Complete Care Senior

Out of hours
Fir Covert Road
Taverham
Norwich
NR8 6HT
Tel: Telephone: 01603 867330
Out-of-hours emergency consultation fees start from £105. Any necessary treatment or medication administered by the emergency service will be charged in addition to the emergency consultation fee.