We have expanded!

We have expanded, allowing us to further increase our services and care for the pets of Ashford. Our new facilities include an additional consult room.

Ashford Companion Care

Inside Pets at Home
Gallagher Retail Park
Norman Road
Ashford
Kent
TN23 7DH
01233 641 003

Closed Now

Need emergency care? See out of hours information.

Opening Hours

  • Monday  - 
  • Tuesday  - 
  • Wednesday  - 
  • Thursday  - 
  • Friday  - 
  • Saturday  - 
  • Sunday  - 

Parking available

  •  Free parking available
  •  Allocated disabled spaces

Meet the team

Cormac Website pic

Dr Cormac Higgins

Practice Owner and Veterinary Surgeon

MVB MRCVS GP(Cert)Endo

Read Dr Cormac Higgins bio

From Longford in Ireland, I qualified at University College Dublin. Moving to England I opened the Companion Care Surgery in Ashford in 2007. My particular interest is internal medicine.

I have a general practitioner certificate in endoscopy which allows me to perform minimally invasive procedures to remove items such as stones which would otherwise require major surgical operations with longer recovery times for our patients.  I am also able to perform laparascopic (Key-hole) procedures such as spays for suitable patients.

I have a naughty little schnauzer crossed border terrier named Raya, a whippet called smudge and spaniel whippet cross called Ahsoka or "Snips" for short who all regularly come to work and keep us all busy with their cheeky antics.

Gareth Website Pic

Dr Gareth Smedley

Veterinary Surgeon

BVETMED MRCVS

Read Dr Gareth Smedley bio

I joined the practice in 2018, after qualifying from the Royal Veterinary College in 2017.

I enjoy both surgical and medical cases and, currently I am undertaking a certificate in small animal medicine which will give me new knowledge and skills to benefit the practice and our patients with more complex medical cases.

Although I don't currently have any pets of my own, I did grow up in a house full of assorted creatures.

Holly Website Picture

Dr Holly Tinsley

Veterinary Surgeon

BSc BVSc MRCVS

Read Dr Holly Tinsley bio

I joined Companion Care Ashford after graduating from the University of Bristol in 2020, with a degree in Veterinary Science as well as a degree in Cancer Biology and Immunology.

Outside of work I spend most of my time walking my lurcher called Brinley, and looking after my pony and six cheeky ferrets. I also enjoy cooking, going to the gym and have recently started to crochet!

Within the veterinary profession, I am still deciding which area I would like to advance in with further certification; but find cardiology and imaging particularly interesting.

Emily Website Pic

Dr Emily O'Connell

Veterinary Surgeon

BVM BVS MRCVS

Read Dr Emily O'Connell bio

I joined Companion Care Ashford as a new graduate in 2021 after qualifying from the University of Nottingham.

I have an interest in multiple areas but am especially interested in ophthalmology and hope to pursue this interest further in the future.

I am also the proud owner of a lovely senior cat called Pickle who I’ve had since she was a very playful kitten.

Uma Bio Pic

Dr Uma Selvon

Veterinary Surgeon

BVMSci MRCVS

Read Dr Uma Selvon bio

I graduated from the University of Surrey in 2022. After working for a year in a local small animal practice in Maidstone, I joined Companion Care Ashford in 2023.

I haven’t yet decided what areas I’d like to focus on in the future and am currently enjoying all aspects of general practice, particularly medicine cases.

I don’t yet have pets of my own, but frequently see and help out with all the family dogs, cats and rabbits!

When I’m not at work I enjoy reading, cooking/baking and have recently purchased a paddleboard

Dr Lucyann Cornwell

Veterinary Surgeon

BVetMed MRCVS

Read Dr Lucyann Cornwell bio

More info coming soon!

Dr Catherine Williams

Veterinary Surgeon

BVMSci MRCVS

Read Dr Catherine Williams bio

More info coming soon!

Jazz Website Pic

Jasmine Fisher

Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse

RVN CFVH Nut

Read Jasmine Fisher bio

I joined Companion Care Ashford in 2015. Whilst here I have gained my Certificate in Canine and Feline Nutrition and am about to start my Medical Nursing Certificate.

In-patient care is my favourite aspect of my job as I love giving time to each individual patient to ensure they have everything they need for their recovery.

My other passion is my two pooches, Lady Fluffington the Corgi and Lord Maxx the Dachshund.

Jess Website Pic

Jess Button

Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse

BSc (Hons) RVN CC

Read Jess Button bio

I joined the Companion Care team as a student veterinary nurse in 2014, qualifying from the Royal Veterinary College in 2016 with an honours degree.

I have since trained as a Clinical Coach so that I can support student nurses with their training and development and have become our practice's first Mental Health First Aider.

I am currently working towards my certificate in Medical Nursing, an area I am particularly interested in.

Outside of work, I love to spend quality time with my two dogs and developing my skills in photography.

Ellie Website Pic

Ellie Clare

Registered Veterinary Nurse

RVN

Read Ellie Clare bio

I started nursing back in 2004 and went on to qualify and become a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2009.

I joined the fabulous team here at Companion Care Ashford in 2020 and absolutely love my job! I enjoy all aspects of Veterinary Nursing (there are many!) particularly supporting our clients with advice on preventative pet healthcare, meeting and caring for your pets as if they were my own and working as part of a brilliant team of Vets, RVNs, SVNs, VCAs and CCAs.

I’ve had various pets throughout my life; fish, guinea pigs, birds and dogs. Currently I have tropical fish and a beautiful, yet challenging, Dutch Shepherd, Ziva. She enjoys training and playing but most of all she loves a cuddle on the sofa!

Karys Website Pic

Karys McGrattan

Registered Veterinary Nurse

BSc (Hons) RVN

Read Karys McGrattan bio

I joined the team in March 2022 after completing my placement hours as part of my degree, and graduated from Edinburgh Napier University in July 2022 with a degree in Veterinary Nursing.

I have a particular interest in animal behaviour and radiography and I hope to one day specialise in canine and feline behaviour.

I have two French Bulldogs called Lola and Jude and a cat called Ash.

Outside of work I enjoy walking the dogs and I love travelling!

Raine Website Pic

Raine McAlister

Student Veterinary Nurse

Read Raine McAlister bio

I joined Companion Care Ashford in 2021 as a Veterinary Care Assistant and I recently gained my VCA qualification.  I am now training to qualify as an RVN.

My job role allows me to constantly keep learning and growing in the hope that in the future I will be as wonderful as our other nurses.

Whilst I do not have any pets of my own currently, I have grown up around many animals and looked after many in my free time. My interests include drawing/painting and reading, particularly on ancient civilizations.

My hopes for the future are to adopt a senior cat of my own and qualify as a veterinary nurse.

Hannah website pic

Hannah Petts

Student Veterinary Nurse

Read Hannah Petts bio

I have worked at Companion Care vets as a Veterinary Care Assistant since August 2021 and previously worked as a Animal Care Assistant at a practice in Sevenoaks.

Prior to the veterinary industry l worked in a very different sector, travelling the world as cabin crew for British Airways.

I have recently completed a veterinary care assistant course, which has hugely helped me expand my knowledge in veterinary care and my confidence at work overall. 

I am currently training to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse.

I have two crazy boxers and a cretan hound at home and in my spare time I love to paint, which mostly centre around animals or pet portraits.

Leah Photo

Leah Rolfe

Veterinary Care Assistant

Read Leah Rolfe bio

More info coming soon!

Libby Website

Libby Scott

Veterinary Care Assistant

Read Libby Scott bio

Libby realised that she wanted to pursue a career in veterinary nursing after her work experience in her local veterinary practice.

Libby is currently working as a VCA at the practice and hopes to begin her studies towards becoming a Veterinary Nurse in the near future. Libby loves meeting all the different personalities of the animals that walk through our doors and giving them lots of TLC during their time with us. Outside of work Libby volunteers her time looking after ponies, donkeys, pigs and goats at a local Primary School as well as enjoy spending time with her 2 year old crazy Labrador Smithy.

Holly Goddard

Veterinary Care Assistant

Read Holly Goddard bio

More info to follow soon!!!!

Vicky Website Pic

Vicky Duffy

Practice Manager/Registered Veterinary Nurse

RVN

Read Vicky Duffy bio

I have been working as a veterinary nurse since 2001, working in a large mixed hospital practice, another small-animal practice, which also included opening a brand new surgery, and then came to Ashford in 2011 to be head nurse for Companion Care. In 2015, I completed my certificate in leadership and management and have taken the role of practice manager for the Ashford, Folkestone and Dover surgeries.

My personal interests within nursing involve nutrition, laboratory work, radiography and physiotherapy.

Since my role has changed within the team, I am excited about the new challenges it will bring and different aspects of which I can focus my attention on. I will regularly be based at the other surgeries, and I look forward to meeting all the customers and their pets.

I have a naughty Border Jack who regularly comes to the practice with me and is regularly entertaining us with his antics in the office.

Sheila Website Pic

Sheila Bryant

Client Care Advisor

SQP

Read Sheila Bryant bio

I started working for companion care in 2011 after being a hairdresser's receptionist.

To help in my role I have completed my SQP (Suitably Qualified Person) qualification which allows me to dispense and provide advice on certain medications and have to carry out regular courses to keep up to date with any changes.

I enjoy all aspects of my role and have previously been a finalist in the Petplan Veterinary Awards which was such a huge honour and I was very grateful to have been nominated by our lovely clients.  

I have Koi carp and pond fish and often babysit Binx, my daughter’s cat.

Sarah Website pic

Sarah Simpson

Client Care Advisor

Read Sarah Simpson bio

I joined Companion Care Ashford in April 2021 and am thoroughly enjoying my role here as a Client Care Advisor.

The job is very varied and busy. I hope to progress in many areas and look forward to what more I can learn. I love talking to the clients and of course cuddling all the furry clients!

Outside of work I enjoy walking my dog, Paddy who I rehomed in 2020 from Bulgaria. I also have a little, black cat, Jasper, who I rehomed from the RSPCA in 2014.

Eviewebsitepic

Evie Schembri

Client Care Advisor

Read Evie Schembri bio

I started working at Companion Care in June 2022.

I have always worked with animals, and used to be a zoo keeper!  When I’m not at work, you can find me at home on the farm with my pet cow, Baby. I love my job as I can help owners and hopefully make it a bit easier for them.

In the future I want to work towards an SQP qualification and therefore improve my knowledge on medication that has been prescribed for our patients.

Fleur Twyman

Client Care Advisor

Read Fleur Twyman bio

More info coming soon!!

Companion Care Ashford is committed to bringing you affordable, high quality care via a modern, well equipped practice, including a lab, pharmacy, digital x-ray and ultrasound. Plus, on site car parking too!

The friendly team can't wait to meet all of their new clients!

Reviews

Services

  • Emergency cover
    Even if we are closed, we have your pet covered.
  • Microchipping
    A microchip can help retrieve lost pets
  • Operating Theatre
    An operating theatre with gaseous anaesthetic facility for surgical procedures.
  • Separate Cat & Dog Waiting Areas
    Separate cat and dog waiting areas, designed to ensure your pet is kept in a comfortably stress free environment.

Show more services

  • Digital X-Ray
    Digital X ray equipment is available.
  • Isolation Unit
    A special ward to care for animals with contagious diseases.
  • Endoscopy
    An endoscope is a long tube connected to a light source and video camera that sends real time images to a television screen for viewing. Endoscopy is the use of an endoscope within internal structures and organs of the body. The endoscope can be inserted through natural openings such as the mouth, nose or rectum to reach the structure of interest.
  • Blood Pressure Monitor
    Used to measure the range of blood pressure as a preventative treatment to identify early signs of systemic hypertension.
  • Biochemistry
    Allows an assessment of the functionality of a patients organs.
  • Haematology
    Allows the assessment of a patient's blood and blood cells.
  • Tonopen (measures eye pressure)
    Measures your pet's eye pressure.
  • In-house Laboratory
    A range of analytical tests and equipment to assist in the rapid diagnosis of illness.
  • Weight Clinic
    Monitoring clinic to help dogs and cats achieve optimal weights – both if they have been under or overweight
  • Prescriptions
    We can provide written prescriptions upon request.
  • Health Plans
    Designed to cover all the regular pet care essentials such as vaccinations and flea and worm prevention, whilst saving you money.
  • Insurance Claim Processing
    Pet insurance is an policy you take out for your pet. This can be an individual policy for each pet you have, or some providers will let you have a multi-pet policy.
  • Nutritional Advice
    Advice and support for our pet's diet.
  • Nurse Clinic
    Appointments with a highly qualified nurse which can cover anything from nutrition and fitness advice, grooming techniques, to pet socialisation classes.
  • Locally Owned
    This practice is locally owned.
  • Keyhole Surgery
    In human medicine ‘keyhole’ surgery or laparoscopy has been used for many years given its reduced surgical trauma and quicker recovery times compared to traditional 'open' surgery.
  • Hospital Ward
    Suite of custom-built kennels for the housing and monitoring of in-patients.
  • Bereavement Support
    Making the decision to say goodbye to your pet is one of the toughest you’ll ever make. Pets provide us with unconditional love, friendship and comfort, so it is normal to have intense or conflicting emotions when it comes to euthanasia. At Vets4Pets we’re here for you and your pet for every step of your journey together.
  • Open 7 Days a Week
    We are open 7 days a week.
  • Dentistry
    The treatment and prevention of dental disease
  • Ultrasonography
    A diagnostic imaging technique that allows vets to view internal organs, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, bones
  • Hearing Loop Induction
    Hearing Loop
  • Wheelchair friendly
    Wheelchair friendly
  • Microscopy
    The use of magnification to view cells not visible to the naked eye. Used to look at blood cells, hair cells, microscopic parasites and many more
  • Lungworm Testing
    Diagnostic tests to see if a pet has lungworm. Available as a blood or fecal test
  • Feline Friendly Clinc
    Feline Friendly Clinc

Practice accreditations

  • GOOD IN-PATIENT SMALL
  • GOOD TEAM SMALL
  • GOOD DIAGNOSTIC SMALL
  • GOOD CONSULTATION SERVICE SMALL

More accredidations

  • Cat Friendly Clinic Logo Silver (1)

Offers

Offers

Discount for NHS staff & members of the Armed Forces

Dog-Companionship

Offers

£88 Puppy and Kitten Welcome Pack

Puppy on blue background

Offers

Free Health Check for pets re-homed from Lord Whiskey re-homing centre

border collie dog in long grass

Health Plans

Health Plan

Complete Care

From £9.99* per month
Complete peace of mind
complete-care-mainlozenge

Health Plan

Complete Care Plus

From £19.99* per month
A complete care plan for your 7+ year old pet's continued good health
complete-care-plus-lozenge

Out of hours

Vets Now Ashford
Inside Cinque Ports Veterinary Hospital
Ashford Road
Kingsnorth
Ashford
Kent
TN23 3EA

Telephone: 01233 879 913

Standard consultation fees start from £324.50.