Kim first experienced the rewards of working with animals through volunteering for her local Veterinary clinic from the age 13. After High School, Kim took on a full time role and attained her Veterinary Nursing qualification in 1995. Her genuine care for the health and well-being of animals extends further than the workplace, as Kim also trains and competes in obedience with her Pomeranian “Wicket”, owns and has bred Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and has a passion for Birmans. Kim has been with Pet Doctors Howick since June 2009, and was previously based in Taranaki, moving to Auckland to live with her Fiancé, Alexis.

The Nurses

PAT WOOLLASTON - Veterinary Nurse and Client Relations

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be, and have been involved with animals - mainly dogs , horses and cats. I have ridden for many years – enjoyed Pony Club when younger and been involved in racing & breeding thoroughbreds when older. As a primary school teacher I taught in Christchurch [Crusader supporter!]and then locally at Pakuranga Heights, Cockle Bay and Howick Intermediate schools.

When Auckland University of Technology (then AIT) started their course in veterinary nursing I trained and qualified as a veterinary nurse and have worked in the Howick Veterinary Clinic since it opened in 1974 and am in charge of nursing at the clinic. I was able to combine both my teaching and veterinary nursing careers when for some years I was invited to tutor at Unitec in Animal Management and Veterinary Nursing.
Dog behaviour and breeding are of particular interest to me, and I really enjoy teaching the clinic’s puppy pre-school classes. During my time at the clinic I have met some wonderful people and their pets.

Outside the clinic I am very involved with Labradors. My kennel name is “Southerly” which I share with my close friend Joan Antrobus. Over the last thirty years we have bred a number of Show Champions, two Show Grand Champions and one Grand Field Trial Champion. Some years ago now I was awarded the honour of being made a life member of the Labrador Club. I am also a member of the New Zealand Kennel Club. With the time left over from keeping dog hair out of the butter I sometimes marvel at my fortunate life – doing the things I enjoy, with people I enjoy being with. I have two sons and three grandchildren.
I love this country with all its diversity. I walk, swim, read, write, would like a huge pay rise to buy more New Zealand art, but above all time with family is most precious.

SALLY FELTON - Veterinary Nurse and Client Relations

After qualifying as a Veterinary Nurse in England I came to New Zealand and ended up living in Whitford with Barry and our two children Wendy and Christopher. There we have a two acre block where I keep my horse, three sheep, two Labradors and two cats. Over the years I have hunted and done a small amount of competitive riding, but now prefer to hack across country, preferably where we can go with the dogs.

I have enjoyed having several litters of Labrador puppies from several bitches over the years and Panda, my current breeding bitch, is one of the nicest and a very good mum.

I have become involved with the puppy kindergartens which are run at the Clinic and find them very interesting and rewarding.

Outside the Clinic I am very involved with the management side of Horse Trials both at One Day and Three Day Event levels.

DARRELL JEFFRIES Veterinary Nurse                                             (her dogs Teal & Paris in the photo)

Darrell has been with the Howick Veterinary Clinic since 1987. In 1992 she attained her Animal Science and Technology Diploma that makes her a qualified Veterinary nurse.
She has had animals most of her life and currently owns three Labradors, one cat, and farms beef and sheep on ten acres in Hunua where she live with her husband Max.
They have two children and two grandchildren all of whom enjoy the country lifestyle.

Darrell enjoys the breeding and behavioural aspects of her Labradors and livestock.
Her other interests are walking the dogs in the country, gardening, working on the land, going on holidays and spending time with her grandchildren.

Because I enjoy animals, I find my work at the clinic very satisfying.

KIM JURY - Veterinary Nurse 

Kim first experienced the rewards of working with animals through volunteering for her local Veterinary clinic from the age 13. After High School, Kim took on a full time role and attained her Certificate in Veterinary Nursing in 1995. Her genuine care for the health and well-being of animals extends further than the workplace, as Kim also trains and competes in obedience with her Pomeranian “Wicket”, owns and has bred Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and has a passion for Birmans. Kim has been with Pet Doctors Howick since June 2009, and was previously based in Taranaki, moving to Auckland to live with her fiancé, Alexis.

TONI 

HEATHER O'NEILL

Prior to working at the Howick Veterinary Clinic ( as a reliever) Heather was a Zookeeper at Auckland Zoo and also worked with native animals at a theme park. She is a fully qualified veterinary nurse and lives with her family on a small lifestyle block with miniature horses, goats, dogs, cats, chooks (too many), rabbits, guinea pigs (also too many), birds and fish. Her spare time is spent showing rabbits and guinea pigs and committee work with several small animal clubs.Her two daughters are following in her footsteps and a very tolerant husband can often be heard complaining he's at the bottom of the "Family Foodchain". Luckily he can cook. Heather dabbles in gardening with a passion for planting trees for wild birds to enjoy

NATALIA