Basildon Pitsea 24 Hour Hospital Vets for Pets

Shola graduated in 2002 and has practiced in different settings across the world.
He is currently undertaking two post graduate certificates in Advanced Small Animal Surgery and Advanced Orthopaedics.
He opened Vets for Pets Basildon formerly known as Companion Care Basildon in 2010 with just 7 team members.
At work Shola has a particular interest in Surgery and Orthopaedics, he also has a special interest in Spinal surgery and has undertaken various courses and postgraduate training to enable him perform these life changing surgeries.
Outside of work Shola is married with 3 children and enjoys playing football.
Coming to work for Shola is a vocation as he counts himself very fortunate and feels his job is the best job in the world, being privileged to work with great people and lovely pets every day.

Lauren qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, UK, having spent time with us as a student. She loves being there for families at some of their toughest times with a poorly pet and being able to support them while she tries to help them. She has a keen interest in emergency medicine as well as the non-clinical aspects of the veterinary field, like communication and wellbeing. At home she has lovely rescue cats called Mouse and Rat and two snakes called Scaramouche and Galileo. Outside of work she likes to spend time with family and friends, cook and bake, and get outside in the fresh air.

Vikki took her bachelors degree in zoology prior to obtaining her veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK in 2020. She has an interest in diagnostics and inpatient care. Outside of work, she is kept busy by two human children and one very naughty toy poodle, called Copper. She also enjoys reading and yoga.  

Thurston is a graduate from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK, where he completed extra programmes in diagnostic imaging and clinical pathology. He also has a degree in Medical Physics and Bioengineering, enabling him to fully appreciate the possibilities of CT and MRI technologies in veterinary medicine. He has recently obtained a General Practitioner Certificate in Canine and Feline Medicine, with a view to complete further studies to become an RCVS Advanced Practitioner. 

Thurston enjoys problem solving, which helps in diagnosing unusual medical cases and he is not deterred by complex patients with many different factors to consider. Thurston's main interest is general internal medicine. This is diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases, everything from infections to hormone imbalances to skin conditions. 

In his spare time, Thurston is fond of cryptic crosswords, Scrabble and mixing cocktails at home.

Anastasia qualified from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece in 2018. She also has a Masters in health crisis management and is currently studying for her post-graduate certificate in surgery. She has a strong interest in surgery, especially laparoscopic procedures. She loves all animals for their kind and pure hearts and believes being a veterinary surgeon is a privilege- She can't image herself doing anything else! Outside of work, she likes reading, exercising and spending time with her family and friends. 

Monika graduated from Trakia University in Bulgaria in 2014. She has a strong interest in cardiology and is currently studying for her post graduate certificate in small animal cardiology. She also has interests in diagnostic imaging, exotic animal medicine and surgery. She is relishing the opportunity to use her passion for medicine to benefit her patients and their owners. Monika has a little Maltese called Fluffy. In her free time, she enjoys taking him for walks in nature, cycling and trying to learn to play the guitar. 

My name is Pippa and I graduated from the University of Liverpool in July 2021.

I enjoy all aspects of veterinary practice at the moment but I hope to pursue particular interests in Ultrasound and Ophthalmology soon.

In my free time I love to travel; my favourite places I've visited so far are probably Costa Rica or Iceland! I don't have any pets yet but I'd love a big dog in the future 😌

Zografia graduated from Aristotle university of Thessaloniki and did her Erasmus practice in University of Turin, Italy.

Having one year of experience working in London she describes working with animals as her dream job. Zografia believes that the key to being a good vet is passion, dedication and kindness. Her interest lies mainly in dermatology, but she wants to extend her knowledge to all aspects of veterinary medicine.

In Zografia's free time she likes reading and exercising.

Jake graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2024 and has a passion for patient welfare and ensuring good quality care.

Jake's main interests are in soft tissue surgery and oncology.

When not at work he loves spending time with his young daughter and his two cats which are called Rat and Mouse!

Alberto is from Italy, where he grew up.

He studied Veterinary Medicine in Valencia, Spain and moved to the UK immediately after graduating. Alberto's main area of interest is Exotic Pet Medicine, in fact his ambition is to become a European Specialist in this field.

To this purpose, Alberto completed a rotating internship in 2024 and joined the ISUPS Exotics GP Certificate Programme.

In his free time, Alberto enjoys going to the gym, techno music events with friends, videogames and outdoor activities such as photography and skiing. 

Hi, I'm Sarah! I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2013 and joined the Vets for Pets team in 2015. Since then, I have progressed from RVN, to Deputy Head Nurse, to Head Nurse.

The parts of the job I enjoy the most are nurse consults, particularly diabetes and hyperthyroidism. I also love managing and supporting the growing team of 30 nurses within our 24 hour service, as well as in theatre and in dental radiology. 

In my spare time, I love to travel with my husband and two children, play games and get creative with sewing, painting, or halloween sfx. I have two staffie dogs and two rescue cats, who are longhair tabby cats. 

Hi, I'm Hayley! I joined Vets for Pets in 2018 and I am the Deputy Head Nurse here at Basildon Pitsea. Currently, I am studying for my level 3 diploma in small animal hydrotherapy. 

My professional interests are surgery and theatre nursing, as well as physio and hydrotherapy. In my spare time, I enjoy swimming and caring for my dog, a Saluki Lurcher called Raffles, my Greyhound called Ellie and my two cats, Tom Thumb and Molly. 

I have been working as a qualified Veterinary Nurse for the past five years. In that time I developed a passion for inpatient care and medical nursing. I have recently completed a Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care and I am looking forward to finding my next challenge.

In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym and playing with my cat Skipper.

Hi, I'm Reece! I began working for Vets for Pets in 2013 as a Student Veterinary Nurse and quickly fell in love with the practice! After qualifying, I also have qualifications in Animal Management, Laboratory Technicians, Anaesthesia and Exotics and Wildlife. 

My main interests are pain relief, cardiology, teaching and ultrasonography. 

Outside of work, I enjoy drawing and tattooing, going to the gym and exploring trying new things. I also love looking after my dog, Drake, who is a Rottweiler x Great Dane. 

Hi, I'm Emily! I started working at Vets for Pets Basildon Pitsea when the practice first opened in 2010, after qualifying as a Veterinary Nurse with a BSc (hons) in Veterinary Nursing from the Royal Veterinary College. 

I worked at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals at the Royal Veterinary College as a Medicine Nurse for a year, where I gained valuable experience in nursing more complicated medical cases and general referral nursing.

I have a keen interest in nursing rabbits but also in anaesthesia, both of which I have completed further courses in. I have recently gained my Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care allowing me to further my knowledge in this area. Also, I am a Cat Friendly Ambassador at the practice.

Outside of work, I enjoy looking after my Abyssinian cat, Leo, my two rabbits Teddy and Scarlett and my Rottweiler, Lola.

Hi, I'm Emily! I graduated from Writtle in 2018 and have been a Registered Veterinary Nurse ever since.

I have a special interest in diagnostic imaging and surgical nursing. I have also completed a variety of courses to help increase my knowledge and practical skills in these areas! 

When not at work, I enjoy outdoor activities, drawing, spending time with my family and playing with my hamster.

Hi, I'm Josie! I began working at Vets for Pets in 2019 and I am currently a Registered Veterinary Nurse. 

I enjoy inpatient care, particularly tending to each patient's individual needs and holistically nursing them back to health and seeing them recover. I enjoy learning about medical conditions and how they affect the rest of the body and I also have interests in ECC (emergency and critical care) as well as surgical nursing. 

I enjoy looking after my guinea pigs (my favourite animals), Poppy, Buttercup, Honey and Hazel. In my spare time, I spend time looking after my piggies, seeing friends and going on walks and bike rides.

Hi, I'm Lily! I joined the practice in 2020 and I am currently studying my level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. 

I love working in inpatient care and nursing the animals back to health and seeing them progress throughout their recovery journey. I also have an interest in emergency care. 

In my spare time, I care for my French Bulldog, called Bits who was a rescue dog and a pseudohermaphrodite. Outside of work, I enjoy going on adventures with Bits and volunteering with young children and performing. 

Hi, I’m Bethan. I am one of the Registered Veterinary Nurses here at Vets for Pets. I gained my qualification in 2023 through the college of animal welfare, I also have an NVQ Level 3 in Horse Care Management. I have a special interest in animal behaviour and would like to expand this knowledge into a certificate. I enjoy spending time taking care and looking after the inpatients.

In my spare time I regularly compete my horses across the country in dressage. I have 3 horses, 2 cats and a Chihuahua.

Hi, I'm Jodie! I joined Vets for Pets in June 2018 as a Veterinary Care Assistant and I am now a Registered Veterinary Nurse. 

Theatre is my favourite part of the job as it is the area I find the most hands on and I am constantly learning new things. In my spare time, I like going to the gym and keeping fit outside of work, as well as meeting up with friends. 

Hi, I'm Sarah! I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in March 2022 and am planning to begin my schedule 3 course in March 2023. 

My favourite aspects of the job are surgical nursing and inpatient care .

In my spare time, I enjoy looking after my dogs, Freya and Nigel as well as socialising with my family and friends. 

Hi, I’m Shannon. I started at Vets for Pets in November 2023 as one of the night nurses. I graduated from Brighton University in 2015, and soon became a Head Nurse at a busy 24 hour hospital which gave me great experience and allowed me to develop in all areas of nursing.

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time out and about with my dog Olive who I hand reared from a puppy & my mums Golden Retriever Ada. I have a rescue cat called Toby and when not with them I enjoy going out with friends and going on holiday abroad

Hi I am Izzy and I am a Physiotherapist and canine hydrotherapist here at Vets for Pets Basildon Pitsea. I graduated University in September 2022 and joined the team here in January 2023. I always knew I wanted to work with animals ever since I was little and found physiotherapy and rehabilitation was something I was interested in. Aiding in an animals recovery post surgery or in helping improve the quality of life of those with degenerative diseases is very rewarding. 

Outside of work I enjoy walking my dogs, sailing, reading and spending time with family and friends. 

Hi, I'm Ellie! I joined Basildon Pisea Vets for Pets in 2021 as a Veterinary Care Assistant. I have a level 3 Animal Management Diploma and I am currently studying Veterinary Nursing. 

I have a keen interest in surgery, wards and exotics. What I love the most is seeing the animals that we helped in post-operative care all better and happy.

In my spare time, I enjoy looking after my two tuxedo cats, Poppy and Penny (a rescue from our practice), my ball python called Nydra, my 3 crested geckos, Neo, Peeko and Le Leche and my 15 tarantulas!

Hi, I'm Hannah! I joined the Vets for Pets team in March 2021 and I am currently a Student Veterinary Nurse.

I have always loved animals, and love being a vital part of helping an animal recover and get back home to their families. My interests lie within lab work and inpatient care. 

In my spare time, I enjoy horse riding which I have done for over 12 years now and would love to own a horse one day. I also spend time looking after my cat, two rabbits and my Puerto Rican rescue dog. 

Hi, I'm Jenna! I started working at Vets for Pets Basildon Pitsea as a Veterinary Care Assistant in January 2021.

Leonie took a Level 3 Animal Management course in college and soon after got a position as a Patient Care Assistant at a veterinary practice in 2019.

Leonie progressed onto becoming a Student Veterinary Nurse in 2021 and is soon to qualify in the upcoming months.

Leonie joined the Vets for Pets team in October 2023 as she was keen to become a hospital veterinary nurse. Leonie has a keen interest in rabbit nursing, having two of her own at home, as well as two cats, chickens and a Border Collie.

Hi, I'm Maisie! I am at college studying hard to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse. 

My current favourite area is inpatient care, as I am able to get to know patients whilst caring for them and giving them plenty of love. I am also head of lab and have a love of pathology! 

At home, I have 7 cats and a deaf American Bulldog, called Bonnie. In my spare time, I love swimming, travelling and exploring different cultures. 

Hi, I’m Lily a Student Veterinary Nurse here at Vets for Pets Pitsea

My favourite thing about working here is growing my knowledge on all animal species to enhance my care for each and every patient. I own 4 rabbits, Monty, Mouse, Teddy and Elton, a hamster, toeless and a cat, marmalade. I have a keen interest in small furries!

Hi, I'm Ben! I joined Vets for Pets in June 2022 as a Kennel Assistant having always wanted to work with animals. I have an interest in inpatient care and I am now studying as a Student Veterinary Nurse.

I have previously worked in retail and volunteered in my spare time at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary.

In my spare time, other than volunteering, I spend time with family and friends. 

Hi, I'm Emma! I am a Veterinary Care Assistant here at Basildon Pitsea Vets for Pets. In my role, I enjoy the variety of animals that come into our practice and love being a helping hand. I also enjoy lab work and working closely with inpatients. 

Outside of work, I enjoy caring for my black and white short-haired cat, Felix and making enrichment for my two Dutch Cross rabbits, called Orla and Otis. In my spare time, I enjoy sailing and socialising with friends. 

Hi, I'm Kayleigh! In 2018 I qualified with a level 3 in Animal Management. I joined Vets for Pets Basildon Pitsea in 2020. 

The parts of the job I love include impatient care and in general taking care of the animals. I would love to learn more about anaesthesia! 

In my spare time, I enjoy looking after my pets Betty, a rescue cross-breed and Sid, my pet rat. I also like rock climbing and spending time with family and friends. 

Hi I’m Scott!

I started as a Veterinary Care Assistant here at Vets for Pets Pitsea in 2023.

I have a BSc in Zoo Management and have been working in the veterinary industry since 2017 starting out as a Client Care Manager and then also a Veterinary Care Assistant as part of an out of hours emergency team. Previously having worked with a wide range of animals including tigers, wolves and pygmy hippos I’m now aiming towards eventually becoming a qualified Veterinary Nurse.

Hi I’m Kylie!

I have a BSc in animal science as well as a level 3 veterinary support assistant diploma.  I’m currently employed at Vets for Pets Basildon as a veterinary care assistant and have been employed since July 2023.

I have wanted to work with animals my entire life and hope to be able to study veterinary nursing in the near future and gain my RVN certification.

Hi, I’m Summer! I’m a vet care assistant here at Vets for Pets. I have recently received my animal management level 3 qualification. I love all my roles here but particularly enjoy giving a helping hand to the nurses here as they have so much to teach!

Outside of work I like to further my knowledge of the veterinary industry, look after my Burmese cat teddy and crochet.

Hi I’m Katie. I joined as a twilight VCA here at Vets for Pets Basildon in August 2024.

I’m enjoying getting to learn so much from a variety of cases I see here in the 24 hour hospital and being able to give love and comfort to your companions whatever species they may be.

I have a dog called Fletcher and 2 tortoises, Tortellini and Pesto who I send a lot of my free time with when I’m not at work or at university where I am studying to be a vet.

Hi, I’m Louise and I started here with vets for pets as a Veterinary Care Assistant in summer 2024. I qualified to teach people to ride horses in 2012 and did that alongside caring for horses prior to working here. I love that I’m learning so much about the deeper aspects of care for such a big variety of animals!

Out of work I’m kept busy keeping up with family life with my partner and two children and looking after my two horses, leopard gecko and African land snail!

Nikki is one of the Joint Venture Partners at Basildon Vets for Pets hospital.
Nikki and her husband Shola opened the practice in 2010 and have grown in size and service levels ever since. The practice turned into a hospital providing 24 hour care in 2018 and now have nearly 70 team members in their hospital, all striving daily and passionately to deliver gold standard excellent care to every one of the patients in their care.
In work Nikki is very involved with the running of the hospital from marketing to recruitment, but her real passion lies in the professional development of every member of her team, being a part of her teams professional journey and seeing them blossom and flourish, she finds extremely rewarding.
Her greatest professional achievement is the recent expansion of the hospital that enabled the creation and delivery of the first of its kind within the Vets for Pets family, a CT and MRI diagnostic imaging facility as well as a hydrotherapy and rehabilitation suite; fulfilling a long standing dream of providing a “one stop” holistic service.
Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures.

Hi, I'm Karen! I have been with the team since they opened in 2010. I started off in reception but found my expertise lie within insurance and finances! I am proud to say that I now run this department. I love my job and feel that every day provides something new.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending my free time with my family and taking my teenage son to his many football matches. I also has a Staffie, called Daisy, and a 50 year old tortoise called Dave!

Hi, I am Stephanie, my Vets for Pets journey first started in 2015 at a lovely small but busy first opinion practice. As the Practice grew, I was lucky enough to progress and develop my skills as a Practice Manager. In October 2023, I was offered the opportunity to join the wonderful team here at Basildon Pitsea Hospital as Head of Client Services.

I feel passionately about patient and client care and ensuring that we offer a high standard of service to them both. So to see how this Practice has grown and the great facilities that it has to offer under one roof, is really exciting to be part of.

I enjoy supporting others through training and development to see them grow and feel empowered in what they do. It is very important to me that our team feel supported in the work that they do and have opportunities to train and develop their skills as individuals in areas of keen interest to them.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, which also includes our little rescues – two Guinea Pigs, a Cat and a Tortoise!

Hi, I'm Lucy! I joined Vets for Pets in 2018 after leaving school. Before joining, I had several part time jobs in kennels and a cattery.

I have always loved animals and caring for them. I have my own pets at home, including a Welsh Springer Spaniel, Oscar and a horse called Eddie. In my spare time, I enjoy going out with my friends and spending time with my pets.

I am really enjoying my time here at Vets for Pets. 

Jackie is our Senior Client Care Advisor. She holds qualifications in animal care and feline and canine behaviour. She is also part of the British Veterinary Receptionist Association and holds the Client Care Bronze and Silver Awards. At home, Jackie has two cheeky dogs known as the Binkys, as well as an extensive collection of insects, spiders, beetles, reptiles and frogs. 

Hey, I’m Jade and I started working here in November 2023 as the Dispensary Manager.

I have over 7 years’ experience of working within pharmacy. From working in Boots as a pharmacy advisor to a Veterinary Referral Practice dispensing and ordering medication. I really enjoy learning about the different types of medication and how they work.

I have two guinea pigs Pippin and Frodo.

In my spare time I love spending time with my little boy and family and going on holiday.

Hi, I am Eloise, I am a Finance Co-Ordinator here at Vets for Pets Basildon Pitsea. My favourite part of my role is being around the animals, particularly the dogs and seeing them go home once they are feeling better. At home, I have many dogs who I just can't resist bringing home! My most loved breeds are miniature dachshunds. Outside of work, I enjoy walks with my dogs and then cuddles on the sofa! 

Hi, I'm Danielle! I joined Vets for Pets in 2022. I previously worked as a receptionist in hotels. I have a keen interest in progressing my career here within Vets for Pets.

In my spare time, I enjoy socialising with friends and family and going to see shows in London.

Hi, I'm Becky! I joined Basildon Pitsea Vets for Pets at the beginning of 2023 and have been enjoying my time working as a Client Care Advisor. I have always loved animals and have previously worked in a dog boarding kennels and customer service roles. I have two dogs of my own which I enjoy caring for! 

My name is Emma, I have owned animals since I was little.

I have had many animals from horses to dogs, rabbits and reptiles. Animals are a big passion of mine so working in the vets has been a dream for many years. 

Hi, I'm Fern,

I'm new to the Client Care Advisor team here at Basildon Pitsea Vets for Pets. I have previously worked in a facilities role for a charity in London.  

Hi I'm Georgia! I joined the Vets for Pets team in April 2022. I previously worked in security in London for the railways.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Hi I am Nicola,

I am a Client Care Advisor here at Basildon Pitsea Vets for Pets.

In 2004 I qualified as an Animal Nursing Assistant. My favourite thing about my role is working as a team, meeting all the animals and building a rapport with clients so they leave happy. I have 2 cats, Foggy and Willow, a bearded dragon and a musk turtle. Outside of work, I enjoy photography, watching the local ice hockey team, volunteering with Big Cats and going on adventures with my son, like our Snowdon trip! 

Hi, I'm Tayla! I joined Vets for Pets in November 2021, having previously worked in a customer service role at an events security company.

I have always liked the idea of working within the animal care industry and like to deliver high standards of customer care. 

In my spare time, I look after my 3 children, 3 dogs, 2 cats and 2 tortoises that keep me very busy!

Hi, 

I'm Vincent, I have just finished my studies at Lincoln University in Bio-Veterinary Science and have begun my journey in the industry.

I have always had a passion for animals since I was little and really enjoy working in a face to face environment. 

I take pride in customer service as well as all the quality services that we provide.

Hi I'm Amie,

I've always worked in a customer facing role and love to provide excellent customer service. Add some cute animals into it and this is literally my dream job!

At home I have a very crazy working cocker spaniel called 'Clemmie'