Get to know a bit more about our friendly team of vets and support staff!
  

Nell Petraello

Veterinarian & Practice Owner (Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) & Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc))

Since I could remember, I have always wanted to be a vet.  I grew up in South East Queensland and started pursuing my interests in animal studies after high school.

I completed a Bachelor of Applied Science specialising in Veterinary Technology and Animal Production at The University of Queensland, Gatton. 

Having worked as a veterinary nurse in a country town in WA, I had the opportunity to work with all types of animals including camels, llamas, chickens, horses and small animals.  I have travelled and camped throughout Australia and witnessed the magnificent wildlife the Australian outback has to offer. I have also travelled throughout Southern Africa and South America which exposed me to amazing wildlife and motivated my ambition to become a veterinarian.

I began my Veterinary Science studies in Perth WA and finished the degree at James Cook University Townsville.  Upon graduation, I worked for a local Townsville vet clinic and then at JCU Veterinary Hospital both in general practice. I particularly enjoy working with cats and dogs, chickens and avian species as well as small mammals.   

Addicted to the gorgeous weather and outdoor activities that North Queensland has to offer, my husband Shaun and I have settled in Townsville and consider ourselves locals.  I enjoy travelling, figure-skating, mountain biking, snorkelling, fishing and touch football.  I have three young kids plus a ball-crazy Jack Russel named Roaty and a loving cat named Finnius. Juggling kids, pets and a business keeps me very busy! 


Bennett Moncrieff

Veterinarian (Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc))

Bennett graduated from James Cook University in 2014 and started with the team from Vet2UrPet in 2019. He is a Townsville local and has always loved the tropical outdoors lifestyle. Outside of work he enjoys fishing, gardening and camping. I am NRL mad and support the Cowboys every home game!

He enjoys most fields in small animal veterinary medicine, but his special interest is soft tissue surgery and chronic pain management. Dr Bennett is our amazing orthopaedic surgeon when Dr Kay isn't visiting and has performed many successful TTO's and fracture repairs!

He likes most of the species of animals that come through the door but he absolutely love dogs. He has two dogs named Frankie and Dora, a little cat called Poppy and 2.5m python called Psych. Bennett and his wife have recently welcomed a baby girl - Harriet.


Angela Adagra

Veterinarian (Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) & Masters in Veterinary Science)

Angela has 18 years of experience in small animal practice and shelter medicine. She graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours Class 1) in 2004 and completed a three-year Master of Veterinary Studies from Murdoch University in 2015. She has spent time working in a variety of clinics in the United Kingdom, Sydney and Townsville. She enjoys the unique challenges of being a General Practitioner especially in the area of soft tissue surgery and internal medicine. 

In her spare time she enjoys camping and exploring Far North Queensland with her partner and two children. She also enjoys spending time with her animal family including two cats (Daphne and Bunty) and two dogs (Herman and Pikachu).

Dr Ang joined our team in 2022. We are so happy she chose us as she has brought with her a wealth of experience, knowledge and laughter to the team!

Staff Questions & Answers

Name & Nickname at work: "Angela. I'm normally called Ange at work"

Best part of the job: "Being able to make pets and their owners feel better even in sad times"

Favourite animal: "Chihuahua's - don't judge me hahaha"

What animal would you never get and why: "Gerbil! They bite!" 

What is your hidden talent or hobby: "I'm surprisingly good at Minecraft courtesy of my 7 year old son!"

What are the 3 items you would take with you on a deserted island: "An endless supply of Pepsi Max, toilet paper and my chihuahua" 

Favourite beverage on a Friday afternoon: "Sauvignon Blanc!"

  


Rachael Chaffey

Veterinarian (Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc))

Dr Rachael joined our team in 2022.

Dr Rachael finished 5 years of intense study at James Cook University to become a fully qualified veterinarian in 2021. It is a big achievement to get through this degree so we are very proud of her!

Upon graduating, we have taken Rachael under our wing and trained her through the guidance of our experienced vets and nurses.

Each day, she is becoming more and more competent and we feel she will soon be ready to face general practice with confidence.

If you see Dr Rachael, please be patient and know that she is still learning and know that any complex cases or decisions are always discussed as a team with experienced vets so we can formulate the best treatment plan for your animal.


Kayla Apap

Veterinarian (Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc))

I grew up in Tully on a banana and cane farm along side a variety of different animals. I made the move to Townsville to study veterinary science have have lived in Townsville since. I graduated in 2016 from James Cook University and have been working as a small animal veterinarian since graduating. I started with Vet2urpet at the beginning of 2020. 

I enjoy all aspects of small animal veterinary medicine however in particular internal medicine and soft tissue surgery. The part I love most about my job is being able to be a part of helping your beloved pets live healthy, happy lives. 

I have a cavoodle called Oakley who I adore. In my spare time I enjoy staying active, spending time with family and friends and travelling.

Kayla has recently had a gorgeous baby boy who keeps mum very busy! 


Kay Eccleshare

Senior Veterinarian (BVSc, MANZCVS (SA Surgery), GCertTertEd)

Please meet our visiting surgeon Dr Kay Eccleshare who is an expert in her field....

Dr Kay holds a membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in small animal surgery, and has over 30 years of interest and experience in surgery. Examples of cases (not exclusive) that Kay commonly performs are:

  • Cruciate surgery (DeAngelis or Triple Tibial Osteotomies (TTO) for full or partial cranial cruciate injury)
  • Corrective osteotomies for limb deviation
  • Patella luxation surgery
  • Hip toggles for coxofemoral luxations
  • Perineal hernia repairs (including more advanced cases) & anal sacculectomies
  • Fractures of pretty much any description
  • Ear surgery (lateral or vertical wall resections)
  • Entropion
  • Carpal and tarsal arthrodesis
  • PennHip Radiography
  • And much more!

She has also started Vet Skills Academy which are practical workshops designed to help general practice vets perform more complex procedures where referral may not be an option.  

On surgery day, we like to provide the best experience and care for your furry-friend, limiting the clinic to only ONE procedure per day so we can focus 100% on your pet.

Call us if you would like to have a chat to one of our friendly staff about your pet's problems that may be able to get corrected by Dr Kay.

 


Dr Ernie

Practice Mascot (Master of Cuddles)

Dr Ernie has been part of our business since the beginning and represents Dr Nell's jack russel terrier. He loves to give cuddles and mentor young children by educating them through our 'Pet Prep' Program at schools and Daycare's throughout Townsville. He has also competed in the annual 106.3FM Mascot Race. We love Dr Ernie! 


  

Tatiana Stefanos

Practice Manager (Master of all)

My family moved to Townsville many years ago and after falling in love with the lifestyle, decided to make NQ our permanent home.  I completed my education here and started work in the airline industry, before a career shift into healthcare about 10 years ago.   Though not having worked in the veterinary industry, I have had experience in medical and dental practice management.  I see many similarities in these fields, as  after all, we’re still committed to providing the best possible patient care, except now patients are furry, feathered or four legged.

I love animals and am passionate about their health and their importance in the community.  I have seen firsthand how pivotal they are to vulnerable members in our community.  Being responsible for a pet is not only enriching, but it also provides health benefits for the owner too! No wonder they become fur babies!

I value customer service, and compassionate and respectful communication. I’m committed to maintaining a strong team culture focused on providing gold standard care with compassion.  We love what we do and strive to improve.  

Outside of work, we have a hobby farm which is totally self sustained – off the grid 100%.  I have a little black toy poodle, Lulu, who is my constant companion.

 


Jolene Hansen

Receptionist

Jolene is our exceptional receptionist who keeps the clinic running smoothly. She's a born and bred Townsville local too!

Before Vet2UrPet, Jolene was a veterinary nurse for 18.5 years so it's safe to say you're in great hands with her trusty triage knowledge. Her favourite part of the job is developing a relationship with all the beautiful fur-babies and their owners that come through the door.

When Jolene isn't at work, she is busy taking care of her menagerie which consists of 2 two legged children Ellah & Alyssa as well as 2 dogs named Teddy & Dolly, 4 cats named Minty, Soxy, Reggie & Izzy, 4 guinea pigs, 2 birds, a visiting kangaroo & some fish as well. She also has her own pet sitting business which keeps her super busy!


Jessica Burns

Veterinary Nurse (Certificate II in Animal Studies & Certificate IV in Veterinary Nurse)

Jess  joined the Vet2UrPet team at the start of 2021 and she plays such an integral part of keeping the clinic running with being a friendly voice on the end of the phone, to ordering all the important medications & stock to keep the clinic running smoothly.

She has been Vet Nursing since 2016 and loves everything small animals, but most particularly all the kitty cats that  come into the clinic for visits, surgeries & hospitalisation.

In her spare time she loves to foster kittens, catch up with friends and family and sightsee our beautiful backyard of tropical North Queensland.

At home Jess has a Labrador cross called Midori & two ginger cats called CC & Ruth. They are too adorable!


Liz Cummings

Veterinary Nurse (Certificate II Animal Studies & Cert III Companion Animals)

Liz has lived in Townsville since 2020 and she immigrated here from the UK to live with her lovely fiancée, Craig.

She used to work in hospitality but always had a passion for animals and always wanted to care for them.

She has been working as a vet nurse since 2020 and has completed her Certificate II in Animal Studies and Certificate III in Companion Animals. She is currently enrolled and studying her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through ACVN.

She has an amazingly huge love for cats and have 4 cats of my own at home - Whiskey, Archie, Oscar and Ricket. Ricket is extra special as he has a condition called tarsal hyperextention which makes him disabled but super duper cute!

Liz & Craig have also recently adopted a little Cattle Dog cross named Daisy who is currently undergoing heartworm treatment.

We are thrilled to have Liz as a part of our team as her wealth of knowledge about cats and her caring nature for animals and peers is what makes her such an amazing nurse.


Emily Thomson

Veterinary Nurse (Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, Bachelor in Equine Science & currently studying Bachelor of Veterinary Science through JCU.)

Name and nickname: Emily / Em

Where you’re from: Toowoomba

Where you completed your training/are training: Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing (2016 NSW Tafe), Bachelor of Equine Science (2020 UQ Gatton), Bachelor of Veterinary Science (currently studying 1st year JCU Townsville)

How long you’ve been with Vet2UrPet: Since November 2021

Best part of the job: Assisting with complex medical work ups in hospital, also getting to meet everyone’s furbabies in their home.

Most interesting animal you’ve treated: A donkey

What pets you have: A Pomeranian x named Jacob.

Unfortunately we don’t have Em in the clinic all the time due to her busy study schedule at uni â˜šī¸ but we absolutely love having her as a workmate and team mate on the days she is working! She never fails to give us all a giggle and helping hand 💙


Kaylah

Veterinary Nurse (Certificate IV)

I have worked in the animal industry since 2018, having completed my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2020. My main goal is to work with animals, help them feel better so they can live a good life.

I have a huge soft spot for Staffies! I love how happy and affectionate they are. I have my own Staffy... of course! Her name is 'Missi' and she is the reason I pursued this career. In my fur-mily, I also have 'Denis' my Rednose Staffy mix, 'Gingy' the cat, my 2 South American Conures, 'Kiwi' and 'Kiko', and lastly, my Blue Gold Macaw, 'Azul'.

My pets are my Family to me, so my spare time is mostly revolved around them, but when time permits from my animals, I do also enjoy being in the garden, reading and kickboxing.

Staff Questions & Answers

Name & Nickname at work: "Kaylah / Hendo"

Best part of the job: "Getting to know patients and learning their individual personalities"

Favourite animal: "Avian - especially parrots and native birds"

What animal would you never get and why: "Spiders! I'd have almost any animal if I could but spiders scare me!" 

What is your hidden talent or hobby: "Muay Thai"

What are the 3 items you would take with you on a deserted island: "Axe, lighter and sunscreen" 

Favourite beverage on a Friday afternoon: "Something with alcohol of-course! Lemon Ruski's are nice"


Michal Nisenblat

Veterinary Nurse (Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing & currently studying Bachelor of Veterinary Science through JCU)


  
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