CareVets Kilbirnie

Claire qualified as a veterinary surgeon from University College Dublin in Ireland in 2016. She worked for two and a half years in a mixed animal practice in Ireland, where she specialised in Bovine Obstetrics. Claire came to New Zealand in November 2018 and after travelling around the country for 2 months, she decided to settle in Wellington. She moved around Wellington for 2 months before coming to work in CareVets Kilbirnie. Claire is particularly interested in soft tissue surgery, reproduction, and gastrointestinal disease. Claire has played Gaelic football since she was 6 years old and has been playing with the Irish team in Wellington since moving here. In her spare time, Claire likes to hike, read, cook, and swim. She has two dogs and two cats at home in Ireland. As she has no pets in NZ, she has accumulated several potted plants over the past few months.

Linda originally studied at Victoria University of Wellington and achieved a BSc in Biochemistry/BSc (hons) Physiology before returning to academia and gaining her Veterinary qualification, graduating with the year of 1988 from Massey University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. Linda was the original owner of Kilbirnie Animal Health Centre & Cattery before selling to CareVets in November 2015 and thankfully, she stayed with us. Linda really enjoys forming relationships with her clients and their pets and has been fortunate enough to establish long-term relationships with her clients over the many years she has worked at Kilbirnie. Linda is particularly interested in oncology, soft tissue surgery and pain management. She currently has quite the collection of animals at home including a pack of Curly Coated Retrievers, cats, goats, pigs, cows, chickens, ducks and geese. In her spare time, Linda breeds and shows her Curly Coated Retrievers and also enjoys gardening and cooking.

Dr Bayley graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Massey University in 2006. He then went on to work as a mixed practice Veterinarian in Southern Waikato for several years before moving to the UK. During his early career he had already developed a special interest in Ophthalmology, and he took this further while overseas by completing his Royal College of Veterinary Scientists Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2011. On returning to New Zealand he worked in companion animal practice, before beginning his residency training with mentor Dr Tony Read at Veterinary Ophthalmic Referrals in Adelaide. During his residency training Dr Bayley was awarded a Master of Veterinary Science with distinction from Massey University. He completed his ECVO residency training in 2018 and went on to pass his ECVO diplomate board examinations in early 2019.

Dr Bayley is recognised by Dogs NZ (formerly New Zealand Kennel Club) to perform eye screening and certification for inherited eye disease. He is active in teaching both undergraduate and masters students at Massey University and continuing ophthalmic research. He has presented at national and international Veterinary conferences. He is an associate member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and has served as examiner for his chapter. He is on the editorial board for Veterinary Ophthalmology, an international journal.

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Linda achieved her Class 1 Veterinary Technician qualification through the Royal Army Veterinary Corp in the British Army in 1994. After relocating to New Zealand, Linda settled in Upper Hutt and joined the CareVets Kilbirnie team in November 2015 as Clinic Manager. Linda is responsible for the smooth running of the clinic and enjoys interacting with staff and clients who come through the doors. She also likes to keep her hand in on her clinical work and has a special interest in emergency medicine and surgery cases. She also has an interest in companion animal behaviour and can offer advice to clients in need. In her spare time, Linda enjoys relaxing at home reading, watching movies, socialising with friends and playing board games. She also enjoys camping, travelling, and spending time with her three dogs.

Sam qualified in 2018 with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing through UCOL in Palmerston North and joined the CareVets Kilbirnie team soon after qualifying in June 2018. Sam loves every aspect of her job from nursing the most challenging of cases right down to cleaning the clinic. She has a particular interest in nursing geriatric feline patients and helping her clients care for their elderly pets. During her spare time, Sam enjoys taking part in several activities including running, netball, bush walking, swimming and water-skiing, as well as spending time with friends. Sam also enjoys spending time with her own pets and currently has two rescue cats, Oscar and Felix.

Kaukau graduated from Otago Polytechnic with her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2022/2023. She began nursing in 2020 and joined CareVets Kilbirnie in January 2023. Kaukau enjoys meeting clients and their pets and has an interest in laboratory work and emergency and hospital care. At home, she has a cat named Lily and two rats called Shingle and Peak. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, yoga and spending time with her friends.

Sam graduated from Auckland Unitec with her NZDVN in 2021 and joined the CareVets Kilbirnie team in 2022. She has a 12-year-old Jack Russell at home who gets to live the high life, sunbathing and eating treats, and often pops in for visits. Sam is passionate about providing a high-quality of care that is unique for all patients, to meet their individual needs, and if you have a terrier, she may steal them for a cuddle!

Tyla graduated and got her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from Otago Polytechnic in 2022. She joined the team at CareVets Kilbirnie in 2020. Tyla enjoys anaesthesia, cytology and supporting her patients through their recovery journey in the clinic. She has a keen interest in marine biology and anything that involves the ocean. She is very passionate about client education to help ensure every animal receives the best care throughout all life stages. Tyla has two cats at home that are both rescues and spoilt rotten. She loves food and anything outdoorsy, her favourite pastime is relaxing outside in the sun with friends.

Una qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2018, achieving a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing through Weltec, and joined the CareVets Kilbirnie team in September 2018. Una enjoys being able to work with a range of animals and loves learning new skills relating to her job. She particularly enjoys encountering different situations and learning how to comfort and support her clients and their pets. Una has an interest in wildlife and conservation and enjoys the challenges that nursing wildlife patients presents. In her spare time, Una likes to read, draw and paint. She also enjoys practising martial arts.

Molly joined CareVets Kilbirnie in July 2021, having worked in veterinary clinics since 2018. Molly greets all the clients with enthusiasm and a smile and enjoys interacting with them and their pets. Molly enjoys socialising with friends during downtime, watching crime thrillers and reading a good book.