Meet the team providing first-class emergency pet care

Dr Heather Russell – BVSc(Hons), GPCertSAM, GCertSAECC(Hons)

HOSPITAL SUPERINTENDENT

Our high-achiever and Northern Beaches local, Heather, heads up the veterinarian team at NEVS. Heather graduated with honours from the University of Sydney in 2002 and has gained postgraduate certificates in Emergency and Critical Care and small animal medicine.

She is passionate about professional development and leads a culture of continual learning and self-improvement.

Her very first job saw her working on a small island off the Coast of England. Here, she was constantly on-call and had to treat animals of all kinds, from parrots to pigs, without the assistance of a veterinary nurse. This challenging role set her up to handle the fast-paced and demanding nature of emergency care.

A natural leader, Heather has formally shared her knowledge with countless peers, up-and-coming professionals, and veterinary students.

Heather is well-known for her role in developing best practice guidelines for general practitioners for gold-standard tick paralysis treatment and care and is a prominent expert in this field.

When not working directly with patients, Heather can be found mentoring staff and ensuring that their happiness and well-being are catered to so that they can provide the highest level of care to NEVS clients.

Heather loves using her 20-plus years of experience to care for critically ill patients. She strives to find treatment options for all owners and works with them as a team to achieve the best outcomes for their pets.

At home, she contends with the insatiable appetites of her pets, Flynn, her border collie, and Winter, a giant Flemish rabbit who will eat just about anything!

Dr Cloe Davies – BVSc, MANZCVS (Emergency and Critical Care)

CLINICAL MANAGER

Like many animal-obsessed young girls, Cloe dreamt of being a vet from childhood. She never let go of that dream and is now a vet with over 15 years of experience.

After graduating from the University of Sydney, Cloe worked in a mixed general veterinary practice to cement her theoretical knowledge and advance her hands-on skills. Since then, she has worked in various emergency and critical care hospitals across Sydney.

Cloe regularly attends international conferences focussed on the emergency medical care of animals. In 2021, Cloe was granted membership to the esteemed Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Emergency and Critical Care.

Her home life is just as busy as her work life and involves wrangling a menagerie of small children, cats, dogs, and pet insects. When she gets a rare bit of solitude, Cloe likes to sew and swim, make art, tend to her veggie gardens, and bake sourdough bread.

Dr Lucy Kirton – BVSc, MANZCVS (Emergency and Critical Care and Radiology), MRCVS

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE VET

Lucy has had an extraordinarily diverse and exciting career. She graduated from The Royal Veterinary College, London, in 2004 and initially worked in a mixed practice in the Southwest of England. From there, she went into small animal practice around London and Southeast England. She also did a stint in Botswana, working with the Maun Animal Welfare Society (MAWS), neutering animals to stop the rise in the large number of stray animals. Lucy travelled around Australia before settling in the Northern Beaches. Her wealth of experience has made her an invaluable member of the NEVS’ emergency and critical care team.

In 2014, Lucy achieved membership to the prestigious Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in Emergency and Critical Care, where she acted as an examiner and mentor. She also has a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, which allows her to work providing formal training to vets and vet nurses.

Lucy has a particular interest in tick paralysis (which is prevalent on the North Shore and Northern Beaches), CPR, and mechanical ventilation.

Thriving on adrenalin, Lucy can be found crewing a yacht that races in Pittwater in her spare time.

Dr Yvonne van der Veek – DVM MANZCVS (Emergency and Critical Care)

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE VET

Yvonne is a Senior Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian who joined NEVS in November 2022. She graduated from the University of Utrecht in 2000 and holds Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Emergency and Critical Care.

With 18 years’ experience in emergency and critical care, Yvonne has worked as a senior emergency veterinarian in several specialist hospitals. Her depth of experience supports calm, practical decision-making in high-pressure situations and contributes to positive outcomes for complex cases.

Her areas of expertise include CPR, toxicities, respiratory emergencies, and trauma. Yvonne is passionate about emergency preparedness and is actively involved in delivering CPR and emergency training to veterinarians, alongside her colleague Lucy Kirton.

Yvonne values ongoing learning and recently completed updated CPR guideline training as well as a 12-month ophthalmology course. She plans to continue building her knowledge through conferences and continued professional education, while working closely with a supportive, skilled team.

Originally from the Netherlands, Yvonne now enjoys life in Australia with her husband and their dog, Bow, a 10-year-old Kelpie x Ridgeback. Outside of work, she enjoys bushwalking, swimming, kayaking, camping, travelling, and reading.

Dr Christina Kwan – BVSc (Hons), MVS, MANZCVS (Emergency and Critical Care)

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE VET

Christina swapped her quiet life in a small town in the Hunter Valley for a role as a busy vet in the bustling city of London. Now a confirmed Sydney-sider, Christina has called NEVS home since 2018.

A driven high-achiever, Christina undertook studies at the University of Sydney and Murdoch University. Here, she was awarded a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with First Class Honours and a Master of Veterinary Studies. She also attained a Membership of Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Emergency and Critical Care in 2021.

With 13 years of experience in critical care and emergency treatments, Christina excels when faced with complex cases. She is extremely interested in using advanced imaging and ultrasound in critical and emergency animal care.

Christina is constantly amazed and inspired by the incredible bond shared between humans and their pets and is committed to achieving the best possible result she can for your pet.

Dr Jessica Li – BVSc

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE VET

Although she grew up on the Northern Beaches, Jessica’s career has seen her travel near and far.

She began her career on the South Coast after graduating from the University of Sydney. It was here that she developed a keen interest in emergency surgery. She then returned to a small animal hospital in Sydney before travelling to the remote Leh region of India to work as a field vet for Vets Beyond Borders. Here, she gained invaluable surgical and life experience.

Jess has advanced ophthalmology and emergency and critical care skills, having completed post-graduate certificates in both disciplines. She joined the NEVS team as a vet in 2007 and took on the role of Clinical Manager in 2011.

After starting a family, Jess decided to work at NEVS in a part-time capacity; however, she does carry out work at other local vet clinics and is sometimes found acting as a vet at NSW cat shows.

At home, Jess is surrounded by her beloved rescue dog, Tully, and her cat, Momo, who reigns as queen of the house. She also cares for guinea pigs and birds, adding to her busy household. Outside of her love for animals, Jess enjoys cooking, gardening, and skiing, while also cherishing time with her two young children. Along with her many talents, Jess speaks fluent Cantonese and is conversant in Mandarin.

Dr Emily Fell – BVB/DVM, GCertSAECC, MANZCVS (Emergency and Critical Care)

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE VET

Emily is an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian who has been part of the NEVS team since February 2022. She graduated from the University of Sydney in 2019 and holds a Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care, as well as Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Emergency and Critical Care.

With six years’ experience in emergency and critical care, Emily has a strong interest in managing toxicities and toxin exposures, as well as caring for feline patients. Her perspective as a cat owner helps inform her thoughtful, patient-centred approach to both clinical care and client communication.

Emily is particularly mindful of the emotional impact emergency medicine can have on pet owners, especially during end-of-life care. She takes time to guide families through the euthanasia process with clarity, empathy, and respect, ensuring pets are comfortable and supported in their final moments.

Emily is committed to ongoing professional development and values continuous learning as part of providing high-quality emergency care. She enjoys staying current in emergency and critical care medicine through further study and professional engagement.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys reading, Pilates, embroidery, and scuba diving. She shares her home with her two cats, Squid and Pickles, who are both three-year-old domestic short-haired companions.

Dr Mary Choi – BVSc

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE VET

With experience as an after-hours vet in the United Kingdom, Mary has worked with animals for over a decade and gained her veterinary qualifications from Sydney University.

We were lucky enough to have her join our team in early 2023. Mary finds that the sheer variety of cases she treats keeps her on her toes and challenges her to draw on her expert skills and experience each and every day.

The complexity of the cases she deals with also motivates her to continue learning new techniques to provide the highest standard of care possible. Over the past twelve months, Mary has undertaken further study and training in ultrasound, endoscopy, and surgery.

Mary has an affinity for small animals, which is reflected in her choice of pets. The owner of two chihuahuas, Pepsi and Panko, Mary is happiest when surrounded by her furry companions.

Dr Felicia Tam – BVSc BSc(Vet)

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE VET

A graduate of the University of Sydney, Felicia has a strong background in general and emergency vet work, giving her a wide variety of experience.

Her most interesting experience by far was working at Taronga Zoo during her veterinary training, researching non-invasive methods of stress monitoring in Australian Sea Lions. This involved filling the sea lions’ fish/squid with different coloured glitter to differentiate their faeces!

Felicia is driven by a desire to collaborate with her colleagues to save the lives of critically ill animals. It is for this reason that she undertakes ongoing studies. Over the last year, she has undertaken courses in thoracic imaging and ultrasound techniques and uses.

Felicia is highly involved in her emergency patients’ aftercare and liaises with their usual vets when they leave NEVS.

An owner of two senior pets, Cooper, a 13-year-old domestic shorthaired cat who is very cheeky and outgoing, and Nala, a 12-year-old Greyhound who is a sweet old lady, Felicia hopes that all pet owners have the privilege of seeing their pets live long, happy lives.

Dr Helen Paris – BVSc, MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine), GCertSAECC

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE VET

Helen is an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian who has been part of the NEVS team since 2016. She graduated from Bristol University in the UK in 1997 and holds a Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care, as well as Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.

With 13 years’ experience in emergency and critical care, Helen brings a depth of clinical knowledge and steady decision-making to complex cases. Helen has particular expertise in snake envenomation and mechanical ventilation, and finds great satisfaction in managing prolonged and challenging cases. One of her proudest professional achievements was successfully weaning a dog off a ventilator after 16 days of intensive care.

She is committed to ongoing professional development and recently attended IVECCS in San Diego, including an endoscopy workshop. Helen plans to continue expanding her skills in endoscopy and ultrasound. 

Outside of work, Helen enjoys running, hiking, camping, and reading, and volunteers her time assisting Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services with injured wildlife. Her home is shared with an eclectic group of animals, including two Border Terriers (Bramble and Bean), two cockatiels, a snake, two bearded dragons, and a family of skinks.

Dr Justine Smith – BSc (Hons) BVSc (Hons) GCertSAECC

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE VET

Justine is an experienced Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian with a broad clinical background and a long-standing career in emergency medicine. She has worked across a wide range of veterinary settings, including small animal urban practice and large animal mixed practice in rural New South Wales, before focusing her career on emergency and critical care.

After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2002, Justine completed a rotating internship in medicine, surgery, and emergency care at a large specialist hospital in Sydney. She has since spent over 16 years working in emergency and critical care units at specialist hospitals, managing a wide variety of medical, surgical, and trauma cases.

Justine enjoys the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of emergency medicine and values a practical, thoughtful approach to complex cases. Her experience includes managing critically unwell patients, supporting clinical teams during high-pressure situations, and contributing to positive outcomes through clear decision-making and teamwork.

Outside of work, Justine enjoys bushwalking and hiking, and spending time outdoors with her family. 

Dr Alisha Borglund – BVSc

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE VET

Alisha kicked off her career volunteering in South Africa in a vaccination and spay/neuter program. On her return to Australia, she worked in a busy general vet practice in Wollongong but soon got homesick and returned to the Northern Beaches.

Alisha was a very welcome addition to the NEVS team. She joined us as a casual in 2015, during the height of the hectic tick season. Alisha is a graduate of the University of Sydney and became a permanent part-time member of our veterinary team in 2017.

Alisha brings a warm and friendly approach, and her caring and kind nature means that your pet is in excellent hands. Alisha is a skilled ultra sonographer with advanced Veterinary Point of Care Ultrasound training. She has also been involved in training other veterinarians in these techniques.

Still a Northern Beaches local, Alisha is an advocate for rescue animals. She has adopted two rescue cats and a dog called Ned. When not spending time with her young family, Alisha can be found running in the great outdoors or satisfying her wanderlust travelling Australia and other parts of the world.

Kasey – CertIV Veterinary Nursing, Dip ECC, CertIV TAE, NCert(TMedNsg)

NURSING MANAGER

Kasey has achieved great things since starting veterinary nursing in 2006. She has attained a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, a Diploma in Emergency and Critical Care and a Certificate IV in Training.

As a specialist surgery nurse, Kasey learnt a lot about anaesthesia for critical surgical cases.

Immensely qualified, Kasey’s proudest achievement to date is establishing NEVS’ blood donor program, which marries up with her special interest in transfusion medicine, for which she has earned her Nursing Certificate in Transfusion Medicine. 

Kasey keeps a calm head in the face of crisis. Her passion for veterinary nursing is evident when leading the NEVS nursing team.

Her household includes Angus, a black Labrador with boundless enthusiasm who also donates blood as part of our canine blood donation program, and Mia, her much-loved 19-year-old Siamese cat.

A Northern Beaches local, you might see Kasey out and about in her V8 Holden Ute or in the garden tending to her beautifully fragrant frangipanis.

Alex – CertIV Veterinary Nursing

NURSING MANAGER

Alex joined the practice on Christmas Eve in 2019 and has proven to be an everlasting gift to our veterinary practice. She is one of our lead nurses, capably mentoring and guiding the nursing team.

Alex is a highly knowledgeable staff member with a special interest in surgical procedures and several qualifications under her belt, including a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Her thirst for learning also saw her undertake further study in pharmacology and anaesthesia in 2023.

Alex owns an energetic off-track thoroughbred. When she’s not riding horses and caring for sick animals, Alex loves exploring Australia’s beautiful marine life while snorkelling.

Cassie – CertIV Veterinary Nursing

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE LEAD NURSE

Cassie is one of our Lead Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Nurse at NEVS and has been part of the team since October 2020. She is a Registered Veterinary Nurse and holds a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, graduating in 2018.

With five years’ experience in emergency and critical care, Cassie thrives in the fast-paced nature of emergency nursing, where no two shifts are ever the same. She enjoys the variety and challenge of ECC work and values being part of a team that supports patients and their families through difficult moments.

Cassie is proud of stepping into a leadership role and is passionate about creating a supportive, friendly team environment that embraces growth and positive change. She is committed to ongoing learning and has recently completed RECOVER CPD and the Lincoln Institute Veterinary Management course. She plans to continue building her skills through conferences and further professional development.

Outside of work, Cassie enjoys spending time away with her husband, two children, and their two Italian Greyhounds, Kevin and Layla – affectionate (and unapologetic) bed hogs.

Andressa 

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE LEAD NURSE

Joining the NEVS nursing team in 2021, Andressa was a qualified vet in Brazil and is working towards obtaining the qualifications she needs to become a practising vet in Australia.

Andressa has developed her skills as a Veterinary Nurse with NEVS, undertaking copious amounts of theoretical study and working closely with our exotic patients and patients requiring ventilation.

She has studied various subjects, including emergency and critical care, advanced nursing, anaesthesia for critical patients, haematology, and endocrinology.

She loves the diversity and learning opportunities presented to her at NEVS. As a devoted animal lover (she owned six Yorkshire Terriers and an Amazonian Parrot in Brazil), you can rest assured that she has your pet’s best interests at heart.

Andressa enjoys dancing when not on duty, which helps keep her fit and happy.

Laura – BAnVetBioSc, CertIV Veterinary Nursing, RVN

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE VETERINARY NURSE

Laura is a Senior Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Nurse with extensive experience in managing complex and critically unwell patients. She holds a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience from the University of Sydney, a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (Registered Veterinary Nurse), and a Graduate Certificate in Science (Biomedical Science) from the University of New England.

Laura has worked in emergency and critical care since 2017, following several years in general practice, and brings a depth of experience from a range of specialist and referral settings. Her background includes ECC and ICU nursing at, theatre nursing for emergency surgeries, and working as a dedicated critical care nurse. She joined NEVS in early 2023 and now works as a Senior ECC nurse.

Her clinical interests include critical anaesthesia and the care of ventilated patients, particularly in emergency surgery and the management of unstable cases. Laura also enjoys technical nursing skills such as placing central and PICC lines, and takes pride in delivering meticulous, patient-focused care.

One of the most rewarding parts of her role has been participating in multiple successful CPR events at NEVS. Seeing a patient recover and walk out of hospital after being critically unwell is something she finds deeply motivating and meaningful.

Laura is committed to ongoing professional development and has recently completed the AIRC Leadership Intelligence Course and RECOVER Basic and Advanced Life Support training. She is currently undertaking the Vets Now Emergency and Critical Care qualification to further build her skills in emergency nursing.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys making pasta, growing vegetables, horse riding, and seeing live music with friends. She shares her home with Pigwidgeon and Fang (cats), Lemon the one-legged Indian Ringneck, and Posy, a Portuguese Water Dog puppy. A self-confessed night owl, Laura finds that working night shifts suits her perfectly.

Faye – Dip Veterinary Nursing, RVN

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE NURSE

A vet nurse with a wealth of specialist experience, Faye Hanshaw is a carer at heart. She is a natural when it comes to providing intense nursing care to the most critical cases, looking after them medically and providing them with much-needed comfort. She loves nothing better than nursing a critically ill animal back to health.

Over the years, Faye has worked as a general vet nurse, a senior ophthalmology nurse, a mobile vet nurse and an emergency and critical care nurse. She has developed a great breadth of knowledge and skills because of her diverse work experience.

Faye has used this knowledge to work as a lecturer, passing on her wisdom to up-and-coming veterinary professionals.

At the end of her shift, Faye heads home to eat good food, appreciate art and nature, and spend time with her sassy and endlessly entertaining cat, Darla and Kelpie, Rue.

Kayley – CertIV Veterinary Nursing

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE NURSE

A 2017 graduate, Kayley holds a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Since graduating, Kayley has spent four years working in emergency medicine. She has been a member of the NEVS team since 2020.

The thing that brings her greatest joy in her job is seeing critical patients starting to improve, knowing she helped make that happen.

Keen to be the best vet nurse possible, Kayley intends to further her qualifications and aims to start a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing this year.

Kayley has always loved animals and counts herself lucky to have a job working in such a rewarding position.

When not nursing sick patients back to health, Kayley lavishes her attention on Opal the cat, and Ash, the Lab x Staffy.

Although it’s rare to see her without animals, Kayley also enjoys crafting, camping, and making new memories with her family and friends.

Gavin – CertIV Veterinary Nursing, BVT

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE NURSE

Graduating in 2016, Gavin has spent his entire career in emergency veterinary care. He thrives in the fast-paced environment and enjoys the critical nature of emergency work. With his extensive background in emergency veterinary nursing, NEVS was thrilled to welcome him to the team in early 2024.

Gavin has since completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, further developing the advanced skills he uses to support our emergency veterinarians. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with his colleagues.

Gavin loves treating and caring for exotic animals at work and has a special affinity for feathered patients.

In the rare moments he isn’t working, Gavin loves relaxing at the beach and spending time with his animals. He has ‘a few’ pets at home, including his two five-year-old Dachshunds, Mia and Luna, Diesel, the 13-year-old Bull Arab and 30 birds of varying species.

Hollie – Dip Veterinary Nursing

EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE NURSE

Hollie is exactly the kind of vet nurse you want on hand in a crisis. She has 25 years of experience as a vet nurse. Fifteen of these years have been spent working in emergency care, which has taught her to work quickly and calmly to look after extremely unwell animals.

She has a great love for all animals and is a registered wildlife carer. Having looked after nine wallaby joeys until they were ready to be released, Hollie is skilled at caring for domestic and native animals.

Over the last year, Hollie has attended many conferences and webinars to ensure she becomes increasingly knowledgeable in her field. She has her sights set on studying and becoming more expert in complicated anaesthetics over the next year.

When not caring for critically ill patients and orphaned wildlife, Hollie loves spending time with her children and cat and collecting eggs from her many chickens.

Tracey Lambert – Dip Prof Prac Mgt, Cert IV Bus Admin

BUSINESS MANAGER

Although Tracey now works in the Administration Team as NEVS’ Business Manager, her background is in veterinary nursing. She fell in love with the profession after working part-time in a veterinary hospital while she was still at school.

Tracey attained a Certificate in Veterinary Nursing shortly after graduating high school. Since then, she has worked as a vet nurse in practices throughout Sydney, Melbourne and even further afield in London. A Northern Beaches local, Tracey came to work for NEVS as a nurse in 2005, where she worked solely in the emergency and critical care hospital.

In 2011, Tracey moved into the role of Practice Manager, coordinating the emergency vets and nurses, and ensuring the smooth running of the emergency vet hospital.

Determined to be the best practice manager she could be, Tracey completed a Diploma in Professional Practice Management in 2014 and a Certificate IV in Business Administration in 2017. Moving into the role of NEVS’ Business Manager in 2021 was a natural progression for Tracey, and her insight into the hospital’s medical and administrative aspects has proven invaluable to the NEVS team.

Outside of work, Tracey loves spending time with her Kelpie, who uses her herding instincts to stalk any cats that cross her path. This includes Tracey’s much-loved and very handsome ginger cat.

Briony – CertIV Veterinary Nursing

LEAD CLIENT CARE

Briony is a key member of the NEVS administration team and is often the first point of contact for clients during stressful and emotional moments. With a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and over 10 years’ experience in the veterinary industry, she brings both clinical understanding and calm, compassionate communication to her role.

Briony began her career in general practice in 2015, working across nursing, animal attendant, and reception roles before moving into emergency veterinary care. She joined Northside Emergency Veterinary Service in April 2023, where her primary focus is client care, ensuring  owners feel supported and informed throughout their visit.

One of the aspects Briony enjoys most about emergency work is seeing positive outcomes –  particularly when critically unwell patients recover and are finally able to go home. She also appreciates getting to meet a wide variety of dog breeds, without the commitment of owning one herself.

Briony has a soft spot for cats and shares her home with two rescued domestic short-haired cats, Coffee and Orville. Both have had a rough start to life – Coffee requires special care due to ongoing health needs, and Orville lost an eye shortly after rescue. Caring for them has given Briony a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of supporting pets with additional needs.

In the coming years, Briony hopes to continue developing her administration and client service skills within emergency veterinary care, helping NEVS deliver a smooth and supportive experience for every client who walks through the door.

Dianne 

CLIENT CARE

Dianne has a naturally caring and supportive nature, and this is reflected in her career choices.  Prior joining NEVS in 2021 as a receptionist, Dianne worked in dental and orthodontic practices. In both roles, she instinctively provides comfort to worried clients.

Dianne’s kindness is evident from the moment you speak to her on the phone to the time your animal receives treatment. Dianne will help you understand the practice’s processes, help you fill in any necessary paperwork, and always keep you informed about what’s happening. She’ll do everything she can to make your visit to the practice more comfortable.

Outside of work, Dianne enjoys spending time with her family and going for walks. She shares her home with Bailey, her much-loved 9-year-old Shih Tzu cross, who is a constant companion on her walks.

Rae 

CLIENT CARE

Rae is a customer service superstar with over 25 years of experience in customer-facing roles. She loves her role as a NEVS receptionist, finding the fast-paced nature of her work interesting and rewarding.

Rae performs her duties quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your pet is seen as soon as possible and treats all clients with the kindness and compassion they need in tense, emergency situations.

Rae grew up on the Northern Beaches and has lived here almost all her life, except for a short stint in country New South Wales. She has owned a diverse range of animals, including dogs, horses, cows and even an emu!

She loves native animals and has spent many years cultivating a native garden that attracts all kinds of native fauna, including native bees and butterflies.

When not in the garden or at work, Rae often looks after other people’s pets when they are away.

Abbey 

CLIENT CARE

Acting as one of our receptionists, Abbey joined the administration team in 2023 and is one of the caring voices you’ll hear when you ring our emergency clinic. She’s often the first person you will see when you bring your precious pet to us for care.

As a dog lover and owner, Abbey completely understands how stressful it is when your pet needs emergency vet care. She will guide you through the process of accessing care and be the reassuring face that lets you know you’re in good hands.

Currently studying at the University of Notre Dame, Abbey is building her skills and knowledge every day. She loves nothing better than seeing happy and healthy animals being reunited with their owners.