Leeds Birstall Hospital Vets for Pets

I’m Keith the youngest of four son’s all of which are currently practicing vets, as is my father but who will be soon retiring. I grew up in Cheshire and qualified from Liverpool University in 1997. After a period of small and large animal practice I started full-time small animal work in 1999 and have worked all over the UK since. In 2006 my wife Julie and I travelled across Africa and our first son Ollie was born in South Africa. After returning to the UK in 2009 and working in several large practices in West Yorkshire, both Julie and myself fell in love with the countryside and people of this region and decided at once to set up home, expand our family (Ollie, Amelia and Charlie) and start our own veterinary practice inside Pets at Home, Birstall. I love all aspects of my veterinary work, and have a particular interest in orthopaedic surgery, completing my Certificate in Small Animal Surgery in 2015. I have never been happier than when owning my own practice and working with my enthusiastic team.

After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College (London), I travelled in Peru working for a neutering charity before moving back home to Leeds. I have worked at a busy practice in East Yorkshire, before joining the Birstall team at the end of 2017. I enjoy all aspects of general practice but am particularly interested in canine and feline medicine.

Jonay graduated from the Universitiy of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain in 2005, and is recognized by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Medicine. Jonay has experience of working within 100% Small Animal Clinics in the UK since 2010 and is a member of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and the Small Animal Medicine Society. He achieved his BSAVA Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2017. Jonay has worked at Birstall Vets4Pets since March 2021 and has a particular interest in Internal Medicine, Endoscopy and Ultrasonography, both at first and second opinion. In his spare time, Jonay loves spending time with his family, doing sport and cuddling his three cats Pooky, Daisy and Crumble. His greatest personal achievement was running a 90k trail ultramarathon in Fuerteventura in 2013 in under 14 hours.

I'm Alun, I grew up in Salisbury, Wiltshire but Yorkshire has been my home since 2018. I have a strong interest in Medicine and Epidemiology and I'm currently studying at Birstall for my PgCert in Small Animal Medicine. Away from work you'll find me playing sport or enjoying the beautiful British countryside and trying to spot its wildlife.

My name is Ana, I graduated from Spain in 2018 and I have been working as a vet in England since 2019. I like cooking, exploring and love animals. I like internal medicine but what I really enjoy is surgery. I have a rescue cat called Patch and you will generally find me trying to translate bad jokes from Spanish into English (Usually never making sense)

Hi, I'm Caroline. I graduated from St George’s University, Grenada, West Indies. After having completed my clinical rotations at University College Dublin, I returned to the North of England to work in West Yorkshire.  Having worked in small and large Practices as both permanent and Locum staff I developed an interest in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) medicine.

I'm currently in my final year of a specialty certificate in ECC, and I'm enjoying using this knowledge during my shifts working nights here at Birstall.

When I'm not at work I enjoy getting out in the countryside hiking and wild camping with Bracken my Border Collie, but we haven’t quite managed to convince Mischief and Chaos the cat's yet.....

Hi, I’m Emily! I grew up in Wakefield and I graduated from Liverpool University in 2022. In vet school I always had an interest in clinical pathology and imaging, so I’m excited to explore these interests here at Birstall. Outside of work you’ll find me walking my springer spaniel Jasper, reading, or at the gym!

Hi, my name is Claire and I’m the Head Veterinary Nurse at Leeds Birstall. I’ve been in practice since 2004, and I qualified in 2007 from Myerscough College. In 2014, I decided that anaesthesia management was what I enjoyed the most and I undertook an advanced certificate in anaesthesia.  I've also recently passed my Advanced Nursing qualification so added more letters to my name! I’m currently studying toward my Bachelors Degree in Clinical Veterinary Nursing.  In my spare time I love walking my two English Springer Spaniels with my husband.

Hi, my name is Tammy, I'm a Senior RVN.  I have been working in vet practice since 2000 and qualified as a veterinary nurse 2004. My passion in the profession is nurse consults and well-being. I also enjoy training colleagues and students which has recently inspired a new role for me at Birstall as Student Nurse Coordinator. I live with my 10 year old daughter Olivia who has the best sense of humor... Just like her mum! Sadly I no longer have any pets of my own as I lost them both to old age in the summer of 2021. One of my hobbies at home includes baking which means I often bring tasty treats to work and the team affectionately call me 'Mama Tammy'.

Hi, I'm Sarah, I've been with Vets4Pets Birstall for 3 years. I have a very strong interest in companion Animal Dentistry and I like to make sure your pets receive the best possible care whilst in for their procedure.  I have been within the Veterinary profession for 7 years and absolutely adore being a nurse.

Hi, I’m Helen, also known as ‘Fitzy’ or the crazy cat lady. I have worked in Veterinary practice for the past 20 years, I joined Vets4Pets in October 2013 and absolutely love it. I enjoy both the medical and surgical aspects of nursing, particularly anaesthesia. I am very passionate about animal welfare and have previously worked for rescue charities both home and abroad. I’m a volunteer for the Blue Cross and run a small re-homing cattery from home on their behalf. Outside of work I have 2 children, Jenson and Sienna, but to add to that 4 of my own rescue cats; Panther, Puma, Cheetah and Alley Kat, my ambition is to one day work with real big cats. I also have two Guinea Pigs, Percy and Peppa pig as well as two chickens; digger and dumper.

I began my career working in veterinary practice in 1999 and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2004. Initially I enjoyed all aspects of the veterinary nursing but after years of doing nurse clinics it was apparent that clients were asking more and more advice on canine behaviour and especially training puppies so this is what I decided to dedicate my career on. In 2011 I decided to work only part time as a veterinary nurse so I could educate myself and gain experience in behaviour and training. I began my own home boarding and dog walking business which enabled me to observe and learn about canine behaviour. I began running puppy parties, working with dog trainers, running puppy and adolescent training classes. I took a break from veterinary nursing in 2017 to concentrate on my degree, returning in 2019 as I was finishing my FdSc. I came back to veterinary practice to be able to help more dogs and hopefully after completing BSc I will long continue my education in this area.

Hi, I’m Vicky and I joined Vets4Pets Birstall in 2014 as a Veterinary Care Assistant. In 2018 after two years of training at the practice, I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse. I am passionate about providing a high level of personal care to all of our patients. I have loved getting to know many of our clients and patients over the years and hope to continue to support them in the future.

Hi, I'm Lauren, also known as Titch. I have been at the practice for 3 years, starting off as work experience then worked my way up to a Veterinary Care Assistant, and now I'm in my first year of training as a Veterinary Nurse. I love taking care of all your lovely pets that come to visit us and being involved in different cases. I love every minute of my job and hopefully spend many more years here. I also love Corgis.

Hi, I am Emma known to all the team as Waggers. I have been at Leeds Birstall for 3 years now, I love animals and the great outdoors. I was brought up on a farm so when I'm not at work that’s where I'll be with my border collie Charles, my little hens and beautiful horses.

I am currently a student nurse working both day and night shifts. I have always had a huge passion for animals and I couldn’t be happier working in the Veterinary Industry. I have an interest in laboratory work and ECC and once qualified, I hope to further my knowledge within these areas.

I started in practice in 2014 shortly before finishing my degree. My favourite aspect of the job is inpatient care and medical nursing, I love watching the patients health improve and seeing them go back home to their families.

I started studying veterinary nursing in September 2019, first at another practice and then here at Birstall. I enjoy all aspects of being a nurse, my favourite being nurse consultations. I enjoy creating a relationship with clients and making it so they have that familiar face at the practice. I have 2 horses, a chihuahua and a Lhasa apso of my own. If you’re wondering where I am in the practice, look for any chihuahuas and you’ll usually find me.

My name is Jess, I joined Vets4Pets Leeds Birstall in 2019 as a Veterinary Care Assistant. I’m now following my dreams and studying to become a Veterinary Nurse. I feel privileged to work with such an amazing team to develop my career within the Veterinary Industry. When I’m not at work, I am looking after my 2 cats, 6 rats and horse.

I'm Sam and I'm one of the 3 night nurses at Birstall. My favourite part of the job is caring for the inpatients, although I'm happy to deal with anything that life throws at me. Surgeries, emergencies, wound management cases, poisonings to name a few. I treat every patient as if they are my own. Damo, my boyfriend of 11 years and I live at home with Beanie, our miniature Yorkshire Terrier, who loves to twirl for treats and loves to see how fast he can remove squeaks from toys. We used to do agility so can he can do A frames, jumps, seesaws, reverse see-saws, hoops of fire and more. Dainty is my 18 year old Irish Sports Horse who adores jumping. She squeaks with excitement when she sees her tack or the trailer to go out competing and does her very best to take care of me when we ride. When I'm off work, we compete in dressage, showing, show jumping and cross country.

I've loved animals since I was a kid. My house was like a zoo, I had hamsters, dogs, cats and every creature you could possibly find in the garden! I always knew I wanted to work with animals which is why I went straight into college to study for a qualification in Animal Care. Further to this, I advanced onto a level 3 qualification in Animal Management where I was able to get my first placement in a veterinary practice. Since then I've been through University and worked in many different practices. I love working in a veterinary environment and I hope to be a RVN one day.

Animals have always been my biggest passion! I love every kind of animal there is from the biggest giants to the smallest critters. I always knew from being young that I wanted to work with animals which is why I studied a level 3 national extended diploma in animal care and management. I absolutely love working in a veterinary environment and hope I can progress and become an RVN in the future.

Hi I’m Chelsea.  I have worked in the veterinary industry for the past 7 years, before this I trained in beauty therapy but later decided that working with animals was my passion and the career path I wanted to go down. I have worked in practices all over Yorkshire both full time and as a locum Veterinary Care Assistant.  Along the way I have learned so many new skills working in both 1^st opinion and in a hospital environment. I started working at Birstall in September 2021 and I’m really enjoying my time here and I'm looking forward to see what the future brings here at Birstall. In my spare time my favourite thing to do is go to the pub, take naps and bath time.... Oh and I love penguins!

Hello, I’m Kathryn, one of the Registered Veterinary Nurses here at Birstall.  I started out in practice in 2009, which was where I was lucky enough to train to become an RVN, qualifying in 2015.  Since then I’ve discovered a love of learning and a passion for ECC and Medical Nursing; completing the Vets Now Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care, followed by the BSAVA Merit Award in ECC and Anesthesia.  I’m currently studying for my Medical Nursing Merit Award and hope to complete more courses in the future!

I have been at Birstall since December 2021, loving every moment being part of an awesome team who are dedicated to giving your animals the very best care.  My happy place is on the wards nursing the inpatients, seeing them through until they get to go home again.  I currently live with my 3 furries, my beautiful rescue cat Tallulah and two very cheeky guinea pigs, Saffron and Flora.

My name is Krishna, I qualified in 2013 and worked in a variety of small animal clinics in Yorkshire. I am currently studying for my PgCert Cert AVN in emergency and critical care. My favourite part of my job is inpatient care, spending time with the patients and trying to make their time in hospital as comfortable as possible.  The happiness when you discharge them back to their owners is the best feeling ever. I have volunteered abroad helping to care for dogs in Sri Lanka and hopefully I will get to do this again. 

Hi, I’m Chloe! I’m a student nurse currently in my second year of my degree. I love animals and seeing all your pets come into the practice. When I’m not in work I enjoy spending time with my dog Rosie. I’m also interested in ECC which I want to study once I am qualified in a few years time.

Hi, I’m Holly and I’m fairly new to the Leeds Birstall team. I have an extended diploma in animal management and this is my first placement inside a veterinary practice as a Veterinary Care Assistant .  I love every minute of my job and I am looking forward to progressing in the veterinary industry. In my spare time, I love taking care of my rabbit, Chase and Bulldog, Weller.

I’m Julie, one of the partners at Vets4pets Leeds Birstall, and I have an absolute passion for animals (both domestic and exotic). Having studied my BSc. Honors degree in Zoology at Edinburgh University (1997) and PhD in Biological Anthropology from the Zoological Society of London and UCL (2005), I specialised in Primatology (monkeys, apes and rainforest ecology). I’ve spent most of my working career abroad, managing wildlife conservation projects in both Asia and Africa and also presented wildlife documentaries for BBC1 (Scotland the Wild 2005, and Living with Monkeys - Tales from the Treetops 2009). 2006 saw Keith and myself embark on a one-year overland trip where we drove through northern, Western and Central Africa, visiting wildlife conservation projects along the way. Having returned to the UK and settled in lovely Yorkshire, my time is spent overseeing & developing our amazing 24/7 Small Animal Hospital whilst looking after three little monkeys of our own (Ollie, Amelia and Charlie) as well as our dog (Hobnob), cat (Domino) and two adorable rabbits (Gingernut and Nibbles).

I joined Birstall in September 2019 as a Client Care Advisor and I have since progressed onto various roles leading to my current role as Client Account Manager. I lead a team of Client Account Administrators who deal with the day to day finance throughout all aspects of the business.

I've always had a passion for animals and their welfare.  My favourite being Highland Cattle, although we don't see them in practice!

I live with my partner and we have an English Bulldog called Nancy who likes to come in to the practice to see the team from time to time!

Hi My name is Maria.  I'm the Client Care Manager here at Birstall and I manage the fantastic front of house team of Client Care Advisors.  I've worked within Vets4pets since 2017.  I have a partner,  2 beautiful sons and a crazy French Bulldog.  I don't like cricket, oh no, I love it!! 

Hi, I'm Nick the Clinical Team Manager. I Recently Joined the team in May 2022. I don't have a veterinary background, but have always worked in a customer focused environment and believe if you have a strong, friendly, motivated team, we can deliver the service you and your pets deserve!
In my spare time I am a keen golfer.  I love to travel and spend time with my wife and 2 sons. We have also had a new addition to the family in the form of Cooper the Black Labrador Puppy.

I started at Birstall as a Client Care Advisor in September 2020 and since May 2021 I've been working within the Finance Team as a Senior Client Accounts Administrator. I have a passion for travel and animals. I have previously worked overseas doing voluntary farm work, working with elephants as well as stray dogs and cats at a rescue sanctuary. I have 2 rescue dogs called Romeo (who was adopted from Spain) and Rodney (who was found as a stray when he was around 4 weeks old), we also have a cat called Brigitta and a rescue kitten called Klaus. I love to go for long walks with the dogs, reading, going to the gym and spending time with friends and family.

Hi, I'm Lou.  I've worked for Vets4Pets for the last 7 years and I've been here at Birstall since January 2019.  I started as a Client Care Advisor and now I manage the pharmacy and stock.  When I'm not in work in enjoy spending time with my friends and family.  I enjoy going on long walks with my dog Hettie and finishing off in a country pub.  I also have a cat called Bindi, a horse called Puzzle, a rat called Bella and a leopard gekko called Groot...  He's so cute! 

Hi I'm Lara and I am a Client Accounts Administrator at Birstall. I have a rescue dog called Jessie and in my spare time love taking her on adventures and have a keen interest in Anime.

Hi, I’m Lauren and I’m a Client Accounts Administrator. I have a beagle called Holly (my favourite breed!),a Golden Retriever called Copper and 3 beautiful cats Luna, Phoenix and Chester. I also have my hands full with my 2 crazy kids. I have always loved animals and one day hope to pursue a career within the nursing team.

Hi, I'm Georgie. I am a Client Care Advisor here at Birstall Vets4Pets. You will find me on reception to assist with all your needs and most importantly, cuddle your furry friends!

Hi,  my names Natalie I'm a CCA at Leeds Birstall Vets4Pets. I am completely animal crazy.  I own many animals including my horses, my English Bulldog Bruce, a snake named Barry, chickens, rabbits and even a spider named Penelope. I have spent many years in customer service.  I really enjoy meeting and being able to help people and their furbaby's in anyway I can.  I adore my job and the team I get to work with.  We all have a great passion towards our customers and there furbaby's needs.