CareVets Glen Eden

Jim qualified from Massey University in New Zealand and has built a varied and rewarding career working in veterinary clinics across both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He joined the CareVets team in 2022 and works full-time at the Glen Eden clinic.

As a general practice veterinarian, Jim has a particular interest in diagnostics and imaging, including ultrasonography, as well as dentistry and surgery. He enjoys working through complex cases and guiding them toward positive outcomes, with a strong focus on patient comfort, quality of life, and practical, compassionate care. Jim values clear communication and working closely with owners to find solutions that suit both pets and their families.

At home, Jim shares his life with two dogs, four cats, and a flock of chickens, giving him first-hand insight into the joys (and occasional chaos) of a busy animal household.

Dr Charlotte is a compassionate veterinarian with a strong focus on providing high-quality care and clear, supportive client communication. She is passionate about owner education and building trusting relationships with both clients and their pets.

Originally from England, Charlotte graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2018. She has a background in emergency and critical care, with special interests in general surgery and ultrasonography. She moved to New Zealand in 2024 and has enjoyed settling into the local community.

Outside of work, Charlotte enjoys cycling, running, and spending time with her dog, Abby, and her cat, Lois.

Dr Katie joined the CareVets team in 2025 after relocating from Invercargill, where she worked in a busy mixed-animal practice. Alongside her Veterinary Science degree, she also holds a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, reflecting her passion for wildlife and conservation.

Her professional experience spans a wide range of species, from companion animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs through to some of Aotearoa’s unique native wildlife, including kiwi, kororā (little blue penguins), takahē, and tuatara.

Continuous learning and professional development are central to Dr Katie’s practice. She is currently preparing for examinations to become a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in Avian Medicine & Surgery, as well as Medicine and Surgery of Unusual Pets.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her cats, playing piano, practising yoga, and getting lost in a good book or video game. She also has a partner… who she tolerates.

Dr Petra grew up in a small town near Hannover, in northern Germany. She qualified as a veterinarian (Tierärztin) from Hannover Veterinary School in September 1995 and registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in London later that year. She spent nearly 10 years working in small animal clinics across England before moving to Auckland, New Zealand, with her Kiwi partner in October 2005. Dr Petra passed her New Zealand National Veterinary Exams (NZNVE) in November 2006.

Since 2007, she has worked as an independent veterinary locum for small animal surgeries in the Auckland area. After taking maternity leave, she resumed part-time locum work in 2012. Dr Petra has been a part-time veterinarian with the CareVets Glen Eden team since August 2015, contributing her expertise to her local West Auckland community.

Gina is a West Auckland local who is passionate about creating a caring and supportive experience for both clients and their pets. She takes pride in building strong relationships and ensuring everyone feels comfortable and well looked after.

At home, Gina shares her life with her cat and a bearded dragon, who keep things interesting. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and unwinding with a good book.

Naruia, known as Ru, graduated with a Certificate in Animal Management in 2015 and a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2017. She is a registered veterinary nurse with the NZVNA. Ru enjoys working with all species but has a special interest in exotics, including birds, reptiles, and pocket pets. She has been fortunate to work with incredible animals at Butterfly Creek, such as meerkats, otters, and cotton-top tamarins. At home, she cares for many beloved pets, and her dogs are lucky enough to join her at work each day. Ru loves being a veterinary nurse and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Jessica brings over 14 years of experience to the team and obtained her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2011. She shares her home with her dog, Amara, two cats—Frankie and Clio—and her two young children. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys bike rides with her children, visiting Kakamatua with her dog and family, and spending quality time with her loved ones.

Gemma graduated with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2020 and joined CareVets Glen Eden in 2023. She is our “bunny lady” and has extensive knowledge in rabbit nursing care and husbandry. Gemma cares for two very special bunnies of her own: Piper, who has only one kidney, and Jasper, who has three legs. In her spare time, she enjoys competitive cheerleading, reading, and listening to Taylor Swift.

Robyn graduated with a Certificate in Animal Management in 2010 and completed a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2012. She became a Registered Veterinary Nurse through the NZVNA in 2018. Robyn has a true passion for emergency nursing, finding it both challenging and incredibly rewarding. At home, she shares her life with a gorgeous cat, Arizona, adopted from the SPCA, and a very noisy cockatiel named Pikachu.

Amanda has extensive knowledge and experience in the veterinary industry and has been with the clinic for many years. She enjoys interacting with clients and their pets, always going above and beyond to help them. In her spare time, Amanda is involved in canine obedience training and competes in dog shows. She is a fancier of the magnificent Cane Corso breed and owns two, Enzo and Kiaraa, with a third on the way. In contrast to these large dogs, she also cares for wee Miss Piper, the clinic’s mascot dog.

Melissa joined CareVets Glen Eden as a veterinary nurse in 2018. She is passionate about animal welfare, supporting rescue and rehabilitation efforts as well as public education to improve the wellbeing of pets and wildlife. Melissa has a special interest in canine behaviour, fitness, nutrition, and enrichment. In her spare time, she enjoys the company of her three rescued Pit Bull mixes, Rocky, Ramona, and Maverick.