Southampton Companion Care

After qualifying from Bristol Vet School in 1994, I spent over 5 years in a mixed practice in Suffolk dealing with small animals and horses. During this time I gained my certificate in Veterinary Radiology. I then moved to a small animal hospital practice in the New Forest where I developed my interests in imaging, internal medicine and dentistry before joining Companion Care in 2008 and opening the Southampton surgery.

I have four dogs called, Lola, Polly, Jazz and Hazel, and one husband called David. When not working I like to relax by horse riding and walking in the New Forest.

Joining us in 2020, Alice is one of our Veterinary Surgeons who enjoys working with dogs, cats, and small furries. Qualifying in 2018, she has shown a strong interest in imaging, she is currently working towards achieving a Certificate in Radiology and Ultrasonography She enjoys her role as a general practitioner, thriving in routine surgeries. Outside of work, she enjoys running and hiking with her dog Cuba.

Originating from Bermuda, Ruskin started his career in the animal industry working at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, which is where his love for exotics began. After studying at The Royal Veterinary College and Bristol University and gaining his Accelerated Degree in Veterinary Science, Ruskin became part of our New Graduate Scheme joining our veterinary surgeon team in 2023. In the future he plans on ­­­­­­­­­doing Continued Profession Development (CPD) in Dentistry and Exotic Welfare.

Carly is one of our Joint Venture Partners and also Head Nurse, in charge of making sure our nurses are working to the best of their capabilities. Starting when she was just 16 years old as a Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA), Carly has worked in veterinary nursing for her entire working career (over 18 years!). She particularly enjoys performing dentistry procedures and ear flushes. She is also talented in dog grooming, doing most of the de-matt procedures in the practice. At home, Carly has a dog called Luna, a cat called Beryl, and a panther chameleon called Arlo.

Nikitia is one of our Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with a passion for improving end of life care for all companion animals and clients alike. She has two dogs called Cooper and Bella, 2 guinea pigs and 2 degus. Nikitia is also devoted to small mammal care and demonstrating how to increase their quality of life. She and husband Sydney enjoy exploring the UK countryside outside of work.

Starting with us as a temporary locum nurse, Lauren recently became a permanent team member in 2024. Qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) in 2020, Lauren is highly interested in dog behaviour. She recently got her BSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and is our Behaviour Clinic nurse, teaching Puppy Education classes for new puppy owners. Outside of work Lauren likes horse-riding and going for walks with her 2 dogs Walter and Cooper.

Marie is one of our Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) who has been in the industry for 30 years, gaining tremendous knowledge during this time. Whilst she has experience in most veterinary sectors, she particularly enjoys inpatient care, ensuring all our patients have the best hospitalisation care possible. She, and her 2 spaniels Hartley and Brooke, enjoy spending time with the family on her days off.

Roelisha is one of our qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) who organises our work experience students. She is in charge of our weight loss/gain clinics at the practice, working out the correct calorific intake for each animal that’s part of the weight clinic. She also recently gained a Certificate in Advanced Nursing of Reptiles and Amphibians. At home she has 2 cats, Atticus and Flynn, and a bearded dragon called Honey.

Klaudia is a second year Veterinary Nursing Student from Sparsholt College who is completing her work placement year with our practice. She is a big avian fanatic and has her own green-cheeked conure called Hazel. Whilst studying with us, she is eager to gain more knowledge about surgical nursing and learning how to perform Schedule 3 procedures herself. In her free time Klaudia enjoys visiting her family and her lurcher, Milo, in her home country Ireland.

Mark is our Practice Manager and handles all things admin and insurance. He makes sure each day runs smoothly and that client support is kept at a high standard. He loves dogs, especially the bigger breeds as he has an Akita x German Shepherd called Melchi. Any dogs that visit our practice are guaranteed to be offered many treats by Mark, even if they are only walking passed the front desk. Mark enjoys spending his free time writing novels and walking Melchi.

Charlene has been a receptionist with us since 2013 and has gained a wealth of knowledge from this time. She particularly enjoys socialising with clients and ensuring our reception area stays clean. When not at work she enjoys watching her kids play football, taking family trips around the UK and can be quite often found at the gym.

Jess is one of our receptionists who started with us in 2021 after finishing her Zoology course. She is fully qualified as a zookeeper and having previously worked as a reptile keeper and specialising in them for 2 years, she is one of our go-to for herptile and invertebrate husbandry advice. When not at work, she spends her time looking after her disabled ‘wonky’ cat Lando with fiancé Callum.

Jenny joined our Veterinary Receptionist team in 2022 and has a soft spot for cats and aquaria in particular, even having a cat, Ragnar, and a fish tank with shrimp and tetras. Jenny has a degree in Oceanography and before working in the veterinary sector, she worked abroad in Greece, mostly in the sea. When not at work, she can be found swimming with her son and her fiancé, or playing cornet in the ‘New Forest Brass Community Band’.

Starting with us in 2022 after deciding she wants to help improve pets’ day-to-day life. She is a huge dog and rabbit lover – having a dog (Mya) and rabbit (Stormy) herself. She is passionate about helping reduce stress for animals when visit our practice.

Adam is one of our Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA)’s studying to become a Student Veterinary Nurse (SVN). Becoming a VCA in 2022, he has shown a keen interest in ultrasound imaging and radiology, hoping to specialise in this further in his career. He is currently undertaking a course to become a Qualified VCA.  At home, he and wife Roni spend time with baby Aoife and their 2 cats, Quinn and Cardboard and his pacman frog Mango.

Kirsty is one of our Veterinary Care Assistants (VCAs) who started with us in 2024. She most enjoys helping animals recover post operation from the anaesthetics and sedation they may have been under. During her time as a VCA she has gained a Level 2 Certificate in Assisting Veterinary Surgeons in the Monitoring of Animal Patients Under Anaesthesia and Sedation. Kirsty also enjoys the amount of rabbits and guinea pigs patients we have in comparison to her previous practices. On her days off she enjoys going for walks around the New Forest with her 2 dogs, Tommy and Neo.

Sharn is one of our Veterinary Care Assistants (VCAs) who will become one of our Student Veterinary Nurses (SVNs) in June 2024. She has a keen interest in general anaesthetic care, ascertaining patients have a smooth general anaesthetic and recovery whilst staying with us. Alongside that, she enjoys learning about dog behavioural training, frequently practicing on her own 2 Doberman, Dotty and Delilah.