CareVets Mt Wellington

CareVets Mt Wellington has a suite of medical, diagnostic and surgical facilities along with a range of pet food and supplies. We utilise fear free methods and can help with a sore tooth, a mystery lump, an itchy paw and everything in between.

We also offer special interest services catering for some more exotic patients such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, reptiles and amphibians. Whether your exotic pet is due for an annual health check, has a medical problem or just seems under the weather, we have the expertise to offer the best care for your exotic pet.

CareVets Mt Wellington has been granted Gold Level Rabbit Friendly Practice status by the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) – the only clinic to achieve this status in Australasia!

Address:

129 Mt Wellington Highway, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060
Phone: (09) 527 7636
Email: mtwellington@carevets.co.nz
Or contact us here.

Opening Hours:

Monday 8:00am – 7:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 7:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 7:00pm
Thursday 8:00am – 7:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday CLOSED
Public Holidays CLOSED

If you require veterinary attention outside of our opening hours please contact your nearest After Hours Vet:
Animal Emergency at VSA – Sylvia Park: 09 849 2121
Manukau After Hours Veterinary Clinic: 09 277 8383

Our Team:

Dr George Tharakan
BVSc AH
Veterinarian

George graduated from University in 1979 in India. He worked from 1979 to 1995 in mixed animal practices which involved reproductive services, surgery and medicine for cattle, buffalo, goats, pigs and even elephants! He was actively involved in the Tiger Project Sanctuary for many years. George and his family migrated to New Zealand in 1996 and he passed his New Zealand Veterinary exam in 2002 before joining the team at CareVets Mt Wellington in 2007. His areas of interest are medicine and soft tissue surgery, and he is dedicated to ensuring that Carevets Mt Wellington clients and their pets receive the best possible veterinary care.

Dr Jenny Jang
Veterinarian

Dr Jenny Jang is a veterinarian from Massey University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She has a strong foundation in general practice, working with both small and large animals in the Waikato, and is a regular weekend veterinarian at CareVets Mount Wellington. Prior to veterinary medicine, Jenny spent over 10 years as a pharmacist in Aotearoa, where she gained a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours). She also completed a Certificate in Animal Science before pursuing her lifelong passion for veterinary medicine.

Jenny has a particular interest in companion animal dermatology and pathology. Outside of work, she enjoys tennis, growing vegetables, and caring for her three beloved Burmese cats and dog.

Dr Kasturi Nadarajah
DVM
Veterinarian

Meet Dr Kasturi, our passionate Veterinarian! Inspired by her beloved pet Tommy’s health struggles at the age of 16, Dr Kasturi made a heartfelt vow to dedicate her life to veterinary care. This promise led her to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2016. Her journey in small animal practice took her to the serene Langkawi Island for five enriching years, followed by three years at a premier referral practice in bustling Kuala Lumpur. Along the way, she gained diverse experience through internships at the National Zoo of Malaysia, various turf clubs, CP swine and poultry farms, and even as a sponsored intern under Dairy Australia. In 2022, the allure of New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes beckoned, prompting Dr Kasturi to pass the Australasian Veterinary Board Examination. She now brings her passion and expertise to CareVets Mt Wellington, where she has been making a difference since 2023. Outside the clinic, Dr Kasturi’s heart beats for her family and her two adorable furbabies, Laxmi and and Vidya. Her special interest includes feline medicine, dermatology, cytopathology, and surgery. Join Dr Kasturi on a journey where pet care meets passion, and together, let’s create a healthier, happier world for our beloved furry companions!

Dr Kezia Lockhart
BVSc MANZCVS (Medicine and Surgery of Unusual Pets)
Exotic Veterinarian

Kezia is one of our Veterinarians at CareVets Mt Wellington. After graduating from Massey University in 2012 she worked in Papatoetoe for 3 years before heading to Bristol (UK) on her OE with her partner and her bunny Pabu. After 5 years of working in the UK she is happy to be back home in Auckland. Whilst working as a Veterinarian she has developed a passion for pocket pet medicine and surgery with a particular focus on rabbits. Kezia is passionate about trying to increase the knowledge and welfare of pet rabbits within New Zealand. Recently she became a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in the chapter of Medicine and Surgery of Unusual Pets. This means through extensive examination by the college she has been shown to be an advanced practitioner in the treatment of rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, chinchilla, reptiles and amphibians. Kezia thinks pets hold a special place in every family and she loves seeing the bond between them and their owners. Outside of work she enjoys yoga, indoor bouldering, travel and spending time with her partner and two bunnies.

Leah
DipRVN
Clinic Coordinator

Leah is our new Clinic Coordinator and new to Auckland, New Zealand. She studied Veterinary Nursing in University College Dublin, and qualified in 2010. After spending a year working in Australia, she returned to Ireland, and has spent most of her career working in companion animal practice there. Leah has plenty of experience in both general and emergency practice. In her spare time, she likes hiking and camping, and is looking forward to exploring as much of New Zealand as possible.

Amy
DipVN
Lead Veterinary Nurse

Amy is a Registered Veterinary Nurse with extensive experience in clinical practice, education, and professional leadership. She gained her National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing in 1997 and, after a brief stint in general practice, joined SPCA Auckland. While there, she completed her National Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (DipVN) in 2006 and spent nine years working in shelter medicine.

Seeking new challenges, Amy taught veterinary nursing students at Unitec before joining Auckland Zoo’s veterinary department in 2011, caring for both zoo animals and native wildlife brought in by the Department of Conservation. In May 2024, she joined CareVets Mt Wellington.

Amy has also played an active role in professional leadership, serving on the NZVNA Executive Committee from 2008 and as President from 2021 to 2024. She stepped down from the NZVNA Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees for Companion Animals NZ in June 2025.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time with her family, tending her vegetable garden, and pursuing hobbies such as photography and cross-stitch.

Ellie
DipVN
Veterinary Nurse

Ellie is a veterinary nurse with a big heart for animals. She began as a student at CareVets and graduated in 2024 with her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. Passionate about animal care from a young age, Ellie loves turning her passion into a career where she can make a difference in the lives of pets and their families.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her cat Chino, going to the gym, and relaxing by the beach.

Lynn
DipVN
Veterinary Nurse

Lynn is a veterinary nurse who steps in when other nurses are on holiday, unwell, or when the clinic is especially busy. She has a special love for small furry mammals and enjoys helping their caregivers provide the best possible care. Her own furry family includes six rabbits, four guinea pigs, three cats, and a never-ending stream of foster pets and wildlife rescues.

After a long career in human health, Lynn followed her passion for animals, graduating with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2023. She has particular interests in rabbits, guinea pigs, and the nutritional needs of exotic pets. Lynn’s previous qualifications include a PhD in Human Clinical Nutrition, a BSc (Hons) in Human Nutrition & Dietetics, and a Diploma in Animal Welfare. She also works in other exotic clinics in Auckland, including the One Stop Bunny/Exotic Shop, and volunteers at the SPCA.

Mik
DipVN
Veterinary Nurse

Mik (they/them) graduated from Unitec in 2022 and jumped straight into a role here at CareVets Mt Wellington. They hold a strong passion for the smaller pets, owning 3 rabbits and 2 cockatiels. Mik enjoys teaching people how to improve the lives of the often overlooked pets and reframing the way people look at them. Outside of work they can be found with their partner or pets either enjoying the sun or home with a project.

Nash
DipVN
Veterinary Nurse

Nash joined the CareVets Mt Wellington team in 2021 as a student vet nurse, and graduated with her DVN in 2022 and is currently one of our bubbly veterinary nurses. Nash’s father was a veterinarian in the beautiful islands of Fiji for 25 years and that sparked her passion for animals at an early age. She is Fijian-born but raised in Aotearoa since the age of three. You can catch Nash out at the front of house or assisting our wonderful team at the back. Her drive lies in simply being that smiley, friendly face that greets you as you enter through the door and ensuring that your pet may get a cheeky treat or two. In her spare time, Nash likes to spend time with her family, going for long drives in her yellow car and hanging with her two fur-babies Cinder & Snowy.

Sophie
BVet
Veterinary Nurse

Sophie holds a Bachelor in Veterinary Technology and works part-time at CareVets Mount Wellington. She is passionate about animal welfare, behaviour, and husbandry, and enjoys supporting pets and their families to provide a gold standard of care. At home, she shares her life with two rabbits, two cats, a foster rabbit, and a dog.

Outside the clinic, Sophie enjoys painting, gardening, and hiking up mountains to enjoy the outdoors.

Elspeth
Lead Receptionist & Veterinary Nurse

Elspeth gained her Veterinary Nursing qualification at Unitec and started working at our Parnell clinic in 2005. In 2019 she joined the team at CareVets Mt Wellington. Elspeth lives with her husband, their 2 children, their Burmese cat Evie and their high energy Vizla Ruby. Since the pets in her family are very important family members, she understands how important the care of your pet is to you. Also being a mum Elspeth understands how busy it can be juggling the pets and the children. She enjoys taking time to get to know our clients to be able to give advice relevant to you and your pet.

Tarsh
Receptionist

Tarsh is our weekend receptionist and can also be seen during the week as a student veterinary nurse. After seven years working as a builder, she decided to follow her passion for enriching the lives of animals, leading her to study for a Bachelor in Veterinary Nursing at Unitec, with plans to continue at Massey University. Tarsh loves sharing a smile and helping wherever she can, understanding how important pets are to their families and aiming to gain the knowledge to ensure pets stay happy and healthy.

Outside of work and study, Tarsh enjoys sunrise walks, learning Dutch, running marathons, and taking part in ballet.

Melissa
Support Staff
Mia
Support Staff
Bess
Clinic Cat