About us

Alex built VetCare in 2004 and is proud of the advances the clinic has made in animal health care, and all the people and pets helped since that time. Alex loves all things to do with the ocean from diving, surfing and fishing to sailing and most other sports including boxing and kickboxing. In the weekends Alex enjoys escaping the big city to surf the waves in the Coromandel with his son Darius.

His abundance of knowledge and experience is extended out to the clinic all the way through to on air. You may see Alex starring on the morning show; The Cafe or hearing him on GeorgeFM, check out his Purina campaigns on our YouTube Channel too! It seems where ever you look Dr Alex is there for you.

Hey all! I’m Vicki.

I have a long history with VetCare Grey Lynn; it was the first clinic I ever saw practice in, even before I went to vet school. So my vet journey has come full circle, and I’m stoked to be a part of the amazing team! I’m really passionate about caring for our pets from day one - starting them off on the right foot, and also supporting their needs as they age. Outside of my clinical work I have a keen interest in veterinary mental health and wellbeing. I run The Riptide Project, and am a founding member of the Professional Wellness Group of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). I also have a soft spot for our New Zealand Heading Dogs and Huntaways. I’m an experienced fosterer and committee member for Retired Working Dogs NZ, a charitable trust which finds loving retirement homes for farm dogs after their years of hard work. I travel as much as my wallet and schedule allow; when I get time off for good behaviour. I also dabble in some film photography, and am a huge fan of good gastronomic experiences. I look forward to meeting you and your furry family members the next time you visit!

Hi I’m Henna,

I am originally from Finland, but have been calling New Zealand home for the past 7 years. I studied at Unitec and for Veterinary nursing and became very passionate about surgery and anaesthesia. I strongly believe in having a high standard of care for every patient that we see here at vet Care and treating every patient as if they were my own pet. I have been with Vet Care for about 6 years and am now the Clinic Manager. Last year I went to Tonga with South Pacific Animal Welfare organization and helped with all pets that do not get to have regular veterinary attention, I absolutely loved it and hope to go again soon. I have a little chunky cat called Milly at home, who I think is the loveliest little creature and I love spoiling her. On my time off I love cooking, travelling and spending time with Milly and my partner Lee.

Hi My name is Layla and I have been working as a veterinary nurse since 2008 and finished my qualification at Unitec in 2010. Prior to veterinary nursing I worked as a human nurse and then as a nanny for a few years so have always leant towards a caring job. I absolutely adore vet nursing and have a real passion for the surgical side of the industry. There is nothing I enjoy more than getting to know a patient, looking after them prior to surgery, making sure they have a smooth anaesthetic, being there to wake them up and seeing them recover in the hospital. I think it's important to take my time with my patients, being gentle and calm to try and build a trusting relationship and at the end of the day make their time when at VetCare as happy and stress-free as possible.

Hi my name is Danielle, I am the Clinic Manager at Vetcare Unitec. I graduated with a Certificate in Animal Management, and a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. I have been lucky enough to be working with Vetcare for 8 years now, you may recognize me from being down at Grey Lynn until my move to VetCare Unitec a year ago. I work with some of the best vets and nurses I know. Knowing that I am contributing to helping pet’s live happier, healthier lives with their human families, is why I love this job so much. I love being outdoors, I have a passion for art and all things creative. But my real love is animals, particularly my pets. I have a 7 year old black and white, called Sammy, he loves his food a bit too much, and is well known for stealing the neighbor’s food. Kitten is a SPCA rescue, who loves nothing more than cuddles.

Hi, I'm Denise! I graduated from Unitec with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2015. I’d previously worked in event management, human resources and as an executive assistant both here and in the UK, where I lived for 10 years. However a few years ago I started volunteering at the SPCA working on the ‘cat-flu ward’ and it ignited my nursing passion for animals. I completed a Certificate in Animal Care part time in the evenings in 2013 and gave up work the following year to study full time. I joined the VetCare team when we opened our Unitec clinic, at the end of my first year of study. It’s been an amazing learning journey so far and one that hasn't ended! I have been lucky enough to travel to Tonga as part of the Unitec team in association with SPAW (South Pacific Animal Welfare) where we performed 180 de-sexing surgeries in 5 ½ days – an awesome experience! When I'm not working I'm usually found pottering around at home being followed by my three cats, visiting family in Matamata or planning my next overseas trip.

Hey everyone! I’m Nat (or your pouches will know me as Aunty Nat who gives them all the treats). After working in an office for 10 years, I decided to follow my passion and study Veterinary Nursing at Unitec. It was the best decision I ever made! I love caring for your animals while they are poorly in hospital and treat them as if they were my very own. I have an 8 ½ year old Pit Bull Grey Hound mix dog Ebony, but we call her Weeny. She is a complete rat bag and has mummy wrapped around her little paw. She has had a lot of health issues over the years, so I know how much a caring nurse can reassure them. I look forward to seeing you and your pets in clinic!

My name’s Mandy and I’m one of the nurses here at VetCare! Hatch is my mischief maker slash best friend in the whole wide world. He’s a 3-year old Welsh Terror and the best dog to give free facials! Sometimes when I’m on babysitting duty for my parents, you may see his nose pop around the corner of the front desk! I started my days at VetCare in the cattery to fulfill to my daily “Meow Quota” during my 1st year of the DipVN course, prior to that I completed a certificate in animal care. When I’m not giving pats and brushing coats, you’ll most likely see myself and Hatch out West and far North catching the waves for a swim or climbing rocks for an adventure! We’ll be there all four seasons, rain or shine! We look forward to meeting you and the entire Fur Fam! You may even catch us sneaking out for a cheeky run at Meola Park on the lunch break!

Hi I'm Caitlin - Vet Nurse at VetCare Unitec, foodie and bona-fide doggie mum. Working with some of the best vets and nurses I know is one highlights of the job. The other is knowing that I am contributing to improving animal welfare through working with our awesome clients to help their pets live happier, healthier lives with their human families. On the days when I am not wearing my uniform, I enjoy tasting Aucklands culinary delights, working on my craft projects or hanging out with my fur baby Spencer - who you may have already met in our clinic.

Hi, my name is Marie. I am a senior nurse at Vet Care Unitec . I have been a vet nurse for 9 years, graduating from Unitec with a Diploma of Veterinary Nursing back in 2009. During my 9 years of nursing Cats and Dogs, I have also spent time working at an exotic referral clinic in Auckland where I got to nurse animals such as Moreporks, lizards and rabbits. I have a huge passion for all things bunny related and have been deemed "the bunny lady" by past colleagues and clients. I love all aspects of my job from medical to surgical but my biggest interest has to be nutrition and behaviour, I feel that these two roles play such a vital part in a pet’s health and wellbeing. My most recent interest and new challenge is cat behaviour, thanks to my mischievous rescue Pikelet. I live in One Tree Hill with my partner, my cat "Pikelet" and rescue bunnies “Willow” and “Winston”. They are all extremely spoilt. Willow and Winston are free range/ housed rabbits and even have their own Wendy House to sleep and play in! In my spare time I love to bake delicious treats, collect vintage treasures especially clothes and travel with my partner.

HI I'm Nally, one of the veterinary nurses here. After completing a commerce degree and working, I still wanted to work with animals so eventually began studying vet nursing. I started at VetCare in the cattery so there is a high chance I've looked after your kitty when they've stayed.

After fostering Wendy and Patsy, I knew couldn't give them up so welcomed them to the family recently. They're adorable, little mischiefs. I really enjoy working with the team here and caring for your fur babies.

Hi I'm Tank! My job is very important, I'm here to make the sick fur friends and their family feel better. If you sit down I'll be on your lap in seconds wanting cuddles. I enjoy baking in the sun in the window and in the evening reside to my penthouse. Some say I have a resting "female dog" face, but I'm a very friendly!

Hi I'm Dorothy! I am a golden african cichlid who is the queen of tank in reception at VetCare. My favourite part of the day is when I eat. When I'm hangry I rip out all the plants and race around the tank! I'm partial to a good flirt with various furry visitors, especially a good old cat tease.