Portsmouth Companion Care Vets

Graduated: 1998 in South Africa

Having worked as an engineer, I went on to graduated as a vet in South Africa in 1998. Following this I moved to Portsmouth. Along with Mackie, I became a Joint Venture Partner in the Portsmouth surgery in 2001. Together with the other partners, there is now a group of associated practices within the Solent area: Companion Care Vets in Portsmouth, Fareham Park Gate and Fareham Collingwood, and Vets4Pets in Waterlooville and Havant.

I have a keen interest in exotic patient care, medicine and surgery.

I often use my engineering background and can be found tinkering, building and making things, at home along with my son.

Graduated: 1998 in South Africa

Joined the Team: 2001

I graduated as a veterinary surgeon, in South Africa, in 1998 and then moved to the UK to join Antony as a Joint Venture Partner in Portsmouth in 2001. Together with the other partners, there is now a group of associated practices within the Solent area: Companion Care Vets in Portsmouth, Fareham Park Gate and Fareham Collingwood, and Vets4Pets in Waterlooville and Havant.

I spend part of the year working in South Africa treating anything from lions to helping kittens at welfare centres. My wife, Jess, who previously worked at the Fareham Park Gate surgery, may be seen doing locum cover over the summer holidays.

I have 2 dogs, Dougie (a chocolate lab) and Pumkin (a cross breed rescue) and 3 cats (Larry, Mips and Chips). I have an interest in general medicine and surgery.

Graduated: 2001 Munich, Germany

Joined the Team: 2009

After graduated in 2001 in Munich, Germany, I went on to complete a PHD in neuro micro surgery in 2005. I joined the team in 2009 and have a keen interest in ophthalmology, rabbit medicine and feline medicine.

I can often be found with my nose in a book, or doing some research in new areas of medicine. I am affectionately referred to as our 'Christipedia'.

In my down time I enjoy photography and tending to my cacti.

Graduated: 2007 in Portugal

Joined the Team: 2010

I graduated in 2007 in Portugal. After working for two years in a small animal hospital, I decided to come to the UK, to be an intern in an oncology referral centre.

I joined the Companion Care Vets Portsmouth team in 2010 and since then I have completed a Surgery and Anesthesia Post Graduate Diploma from the University Autónoma of Barcelona. I am currently working towards a Small Animal Practice certificate, focusing mainly in Internal Medicine.

I have a lovely rescue staffie, Pudding, and enjoy travelling.

Graduated: 2002 in Italy

Joined the Team: 2013

I joined the team in 2013, via the PDSA where I worked for 4 years. After graduating in 2002 in Italy, I spent some time in small animal practices in Rome and Sardinia before deciding to travel to England.

I have a keen interest in orthopaedics, love travelling and enjoy martial arts.

Graduated: 1988 in Onderstepoort, South Africa

Joined the Team: 2017

I qualified in 1988 in Onderstepoort, South Africa, and came to work in West Sussex in 1991. In 2008 I became a Joint Venture Partner in Companion Care Vets Rustington and Companion Care Vets Chichester, before selling my partnership in 2014. I then locumed in a few local Companion Care Vet practices before joining the team at Companion Care Vets Portsmouth permanently in 2017.

I have a keen interest in dermatology and feline medicine. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, photography and travelling.

Joined the Team: May 2022

I have been an enthusiastic and passionate animal lover since my childhood as I grew up in the countryside as a farm girl, surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, sheep, calves and many more. I was responsible for feeding and observing the health of our pets till I moved to study in University.

Spending my best years at university I then graduated with a master and doctor of veterinary medicine. This has given me the opportunity to fulfil my life’s ambition and combine my passion with work.

Outside of work I am a proud mother to three children and like to explore things with them. This gives me a chance to learn more every day. Horse riding and book reading are my other interests.

Graduated: South Africa 1981

Joined the team: May 2022

I graduated as a veterinary surgeon, in South Africa, in 1981. Although I’m from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), South Africa had a better veterinary school. I moved to South Africa permanently shortly after graduating and during my career I have had my own practice, and was often found dealing with reproduction issues, but I have a keen interest and enjoy dermatology (skin).

I came to the UK as a vet a few years back, but returned in 2022 to continue my career, and also experience the rich history found here. My wife and I can be found most weekends exploring local villages, historical sites or travelling around. My family still live in Zimbabwe so I visit home as often as I can.

My hobbies include golf, mountain biking and wood work, which I find as a great stress relief from the busy days at work.

Graduated: University of Pretoria, South Africa 2022

Joined the team: April 2023

Before moving to the UK from South Africa, I was working in a small town as a community service veterinarian. I am an all-round general practitioner but I have a particularly keen interest in small animal surgery.

When not in the practice I enjoy playing guitar, film photography, making kombucha tea, hiking and working out.

Qualified: 2001

Joined the Team: 2010

I joined the team at Companion Care Vets Fareham Park Gate in 2003 and moved to the Portsmouth team in 2010. I then became head nurse in 2014.

I have a keen interest in theatre work and dental care.

At home I enjoy nothing more than spending time with family and friends and looking after the waifs and strays I adopt.

Qualified: 2019

Joined the Team: 2014

From a young age, I knew a career with animals was for me, so I was pleased to join the team at Companion Care Portsmouth and later qualify as a Veterinary Nurse.

I enjoy the variety first opinion practice has to offer and am the practice go to laboratory co-ordinator.

Qualified: 2014

Joined the Team: 2015

I started my nursing journey in 2009 and qualified in 2014. I joined the team in 2015 and am one of our Deputy Head Nurses. I am also one of our clinical coaches and aid the next generation in their studies.

I have a keen interest in rabbit and guinea pig health, husbandry, medicine and operations, and no surprise, have an ever growing list of rabbit and guinea pigs at home.

Qualified: 2015

Joined the Team: 2018

Having qualified in 2015 I joined Companion Care Vets Portsmouth in 2018 after relocated to the area. My previous experience includes working in a 24 hours hospital where I gained lots of knowledge in emergency care.

I am a clinical coaches so help support our student nurses in their journey to become Registered Veterinary Nurses. I often provide continued training in emergency and critical care to the entire team. I also enjoy theatre work, anaesthesia and inpatient care.

Qualified: University Centre Sparsholt July 2022

Joined team: July 2023

I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in July 2022 and enjoy every second of my job.

I always loved animals and once I discovered the role of a Registered Veterinary Nurse, I realised it would be the best fit for me. I enjoy every aspect of nursing, especially anaesthetic monitoring, caring for critically ill and exotic patients, dentals and nurse clinics.

Away from work, I like to cycle and roller skate in my spare time.

Joined the team: March 2022

Studied: Sparsholt College, Winchester

Working with animals has always been a passion of mine since I was little. In 2017 I went to college to study Animal Management at Sparsholt College and then started my veterinary nursing journey in 2019.

I completed a 12-month nursing placement at Companion Care Portsmouth in 2021, where I developed a keen interest in inpatient care, exotics and wildlife.

In my spare time, I enjoy walking my two dogs Jessie (Staffie) and Hugo (Shih Tzu x Poodle), as well as binge watching Netflix series. I am now qualified as a veterinary nurse and look forward to continuing my skills.

Joined the team: June 2022

Qualified: Hartpury University

After graduating from Hartpury University with a BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science, I joined the Companion Care team in 2022.

I enjoy all aspects of nursing but particularly anaesthesia and theatre work. In the future I am looking to do further Veterinary Nursing qualifications and become a clinical coach to help train new nurses.

In my spare time I enjoy going on long walks with my Dachshund, Roo, and going to the beach. 

Joint the team: 2019

Having previously worked in Pets at Home, I joined the team at Companion care Vets Portsmouth in 2019 as a Veterinary Care Assistant. I then started my studies towards becoming a Veterinary Nurse in 2020.

I really enjoy all that first opinion practice has to offer and love the variety each day brings. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge as I continue through my studies.

Joined the Team: September 2021

At university I studied graphic design before realising my dream job was to become a veterinary nurse.

I have a whippet called Wilfred and a hamster called Pippin. In my spare time I like to make clothes from scratch but I'm not overly successful! I enjoy listening to music and going to music festivals in my downtime.

Joined the team: August 2021

I graduated from Warwickshire College with a BSc (Hons) in Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation back in 2020 and then joined the Companion Care team in August 2021 as a Veterinary Care Assistant.

My goal is to eventually become a Registered Veterinary Nurse, and then travel wherever I can!

In my downtime, I play a lot of video games and also enjoy reading.

Joined the Team: 2019

I started my veterinary journey on reception in 2019, so may be a familiar face to some. I joined the nursing team in 2022 as a veterinary care assistant and I am looking forward to progressing one day to a Registered Veterinary Nurse.

I have a bachelor’s degree in Television & Film Production however I realised this wasn’t truly my dream after joining Companion Care.

I enjoy post-operative patient care and learning the ever growing world of veterinary – so many fascinating aspects.

In my spare time I like to play video games, spoiling my crazy Dachshund Wilson and attending concerts with my partner. I look forward to helping the team care for your little ones, they truly are in the best hands.

Joined the team: November 2021

Having worked in the retail industry for over 30 years I have a wealth and knowledge to help ensure we continue to provide the very high standards of customer care our clients expect.

At home I have two cats Penny and Polly.

Joined the Team: 2015

Having previously had over 12 years of experience in customer service and administration I joined the team in 2015. Prior to this I spent the 5 years working in a local community centre.

I have a passion for all animals but especially love getting involved with the wildlife patients. I enjoy playing mamma bird to the youngsters and often take them home to my husband (who has a slight fear of birds).

Joined the team: June 2021

I have worked in the veterinary industry for many years and therefore bring a wealth of experience to the surgery.   

Joined the team: November 2021

I joined the team at Companion Care Vets Portsmouth with six years customer facing experience and a passion for providing exceptional service. I have previous training in leadership and mental health.

 At home I have a menagerie of pets include fish, cats, turtle and a dog.

Joined the team: March 2023

You may recognise me if you were a visitor to the store, as I worked there before joining the practice. I've been in customer service since leaving school so hope to apply my experience to all our customers and their pets.

I've worked with animals for many years but am particularly enjoying seeing the more exotic species in practice, bringing me back to my work experience days in a Devon wildlife park.

I originally studied in media, and gained a Masters and Under Graduate in media and communications but decided to follow my dream of working with animals.

At home I've had a menagerie, including wildlife and small pets.

Joined the team: June 2023

I have over 9 year’s customer service experience in a local opticians, where I was a contact lens manager. I previously attended Sparsholt College and obtained a Level 3 Technical Animal management qualification. Working with animals has always been my passion.

In my spare time I am very family orientated and love to go on long walks with my dog Titch.

Joined the team: August 2023

I joined the reception team at Companion Care Vets Portsmouth in August 2023 and have over 30 years’ experience in a customer facing role, as well as numerous years in administration and finance.

I previously worked at Staunton Farm where I was hands on, with multiple jobs, in the day to day administration of the farm.

In my spare time I like to walk my gorgeous rescue Dachshund Bonkers, who lives up to his name. I have a keen interest in all animals and also enjoy spending time with my son.

Graduated: 2013 Sparsholt

Joined the team: 2007

I started my working life in a financial role but following the birth of my daughters I wanted to look at a change in career so in 2007, I joined the team at Companion Care Vets Portsmouth as a weekend receptionist.

When family life permitted, I moved onto the nursing team and gained my qualification in Veterinary Nursing in 2013. I returned to my roots on reception in 2014 and took on the position of Reception manager. In 2019 I became the Practice Administrator, where I gained my passion for leadership and interest in staff wellbeing. I became the practices mental health first aider in 2021 and in 2022 I gained a post graduate certificate in Veterinary Business Management and became the practice manager for both, Companion Care Vets Portsmouth and Havant Vets4Pets. 

At home I spend my time with my husband and daughters. I enjoy going to the gym and have an extremely sweet tooth (hence the gym!). I am definitely a crazy cat lady and love nothing more than curling up with one of them, whilst I indulge in reading.