CLINICAL DIRECTOR/ FOUNDER

Dr Don graduated from The University Of Melbourne in 2012 and throughout the last decade has continued to hone his clinical skills across several general practices in Victoria. He was the Head Vet at a busy ASAV Hospital where he oversaw and lead a bustling team of Veterinarians and support staff to provide gold standard levels of care to his patients.

As a primary care clinician, he has seen puppies being welcomed into their new family on Day 1 and been there to guide elderly dogs across the Rainbow Bridge. The unbreakable bond a dog shares with its family is a beautiful thing to behold, and he considers it an utmost privilege to be part of this beautiful relationship with you.

In 2023, he obtained further post-graduate qualifications in small animal surgery through the International School of Veterinary Post-Graduate Studies (ISVPS) and became a Fear Free Certified Professional.

His clinical interests include soft tissue surgery, oncology, gastrointestinal medicine, cardiology and engaging with pets in a Fear Free method.

Dr Don is owned by two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi and a rescue Cavoodle that show him what it means to enjoy life and smell the roses whenever you can.

PRACTICE MANAGER

Harlow comes with managerial experience that spans across three decades and two countries, working at state, national and international levels.

Moving into the veterinary care industry in 2021 he brings with him a fountain of managerial knowledge and innovative business-sense to help propel Melbourne Dog Clinic to the forefront of companion animal care.

While managing Melbourne Dog Clinic he has returned to studies and is currently completing Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

SURGEON SUR DEMANDE

Dr Joycelyn is a highly regarded Veterinarian. She is the youngest ever Boarded and Fellowship-trained Small Animal Specialist surgeon in Australia.

Shortly after graduating from the University of Melbourne in 2012, she completed her internship and residency at Advanced Vet Care. She has conducted research into spinal and neurological spinal conditions. During her residency training, she completed international externships including the world renowned Colorado State University for further specialist training in surgery (oncology, soft tissue and orthopedics).

Upon her return to Australia, she thereupon became a Partner at one of Victoria’s premier emergency and specialist vet centres where she continued to practice and hone her veterinary skills. Her tenure has seen her navigate her surgical and clinical skills not only in the veterinary scene but also contributes to the local charity scenes.

VETERINARIAN

As a child, Dr Vicky had a great love for animals and science, so veterinary medicine was a happy combination of the two. Following the completion of a Biomedical Science degree from the University of Melbourne, Dr Vicky pursued an additional year of honours research at St Vincent’s Medical Research Institute, contributing to studies on the cell cycle and cancer. She then received her veterinary degree from the University of Queensland in 2013.

During her 7-year tenure at a fast-paced, small animal clinic in North Balwyn, Dr Vicky proudly led a vibrant and cohesive team that delivered exceptional patient care, and an outstanding pet ownership experience. She is excited to bring that same energy to Melbourne Dog Clinic.

With a genuine commitment to client education, Dr Vicky is focused on practising a high level of preventive medicine that is adaptable to the diverse needs of each patient and client. She is dedicated to ensuring that all pet owners are well-informed about their pets' health and well-being.

Dr Vicky has special interests in senior/geriatric patient care and palliative care as she is incredibly passionate about the powerful human-animal bond. As an accredited Mental Health First Aider (for humans), Vicky’s resolve for compassionate care extends from pets to their parents and to fellow colleagues. She is also in the final stage of completing qualifications in veterinary acupuncture, which she looks forward to being able to offer.

Dr Vicky loves travelling the world and experiencing different cultures. More local hobbies include hiking and discovering all of what the beautiful state of Victoria has to offer. She is also an avid foodie, enjoys a silky Pinot Noir, and most importantly, loves a good boogie!

Currently, Dr Vicky is the executive house manager to 3 rescue cats – Rosie, Tomas and Kiki, and an exceptionally sweet Chinchilla Rabbit named Biggie aka Bigs…as well as whatever wildlife she might be helping rehabilitate!

HEAD VET NURSE

Dean has nearly two decades of Veterinary nursing experience and has trained extensively in Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine and Oncology, across multiple tertiary level care hospitals in Victoria.

Dean's journey began in the UK, where he laid the foundation for his Veterinary career. In 2006, he completed his training and earned his qualifications as a Veterinary Nurse. In 2015, Dean made a significant move to Australia, where he joined the ranks of a bustling emergency department within a highly active clinic. However, his inquisitive nature and thirst for knowledge led him to explore the fields of Oncology and Medicine within the Veterinary world. For the past 4-5 years, Dean has been a stalwart in these departments, continually expanding his knowledge and expertise to better serve the four-legged patients under his care.

Previously, Dean embarked on a new chapter in his career, bringing his wealth of experience to the Green Cross Veterinary Hospital. Here, he assumed the pivotal role of Team Leader for Medicine,Oncology and Neurology taking on the responsibility of guiding a team of dedicated professionals in providing top-notch care to animals in need. In addition to his role in these departments, he also lead the charge in the Blood Bank Program, ensuring that blood products are readily available to support critical cases.

Dean's career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the welfare of animals, his dedication to ongoing learning and his leadership in Veterinary nursing. With a career spanning both the United Kingdom and Australia, Dean has a lasting impact in the field of Veterinary medicine. His journey is an inspiration to all who share his passion for animal care and welfare.

HEAD DOG GROOMER

Marion has over 25 years of grooming experience starting in the mid ‘90s, after taking a redundancy from the Banking industry and purchased a mobile franchise to follow her passion for dogs. In that time, she has worked in various salons and vet clinics and previously managed a small team of groomers. 

Her passion for animal behaviour goes back to childhood; her Grandmother told her “dogs talk to us but they talk with their bodies, learn their language”. Marion followed this through University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and has worked with all sorts of animals through the years from crocodiles and bees to dogs and cats. Eventually she found her passion in dog grooming and combined her love of animal behaviour with a creative flair for making dogs pretty. 

She currently shares her home with a Kelpie and a Standard Poodle, two cats, two birds and a number of reptiles. 

Constantly learning is her passion, through attendance at seminars and online learning in both grooming and dog behaviour. She enjoys supporting new groomers to find their style and is looking forward to helping dogs enjoy the grooming experience. 

VETERINARY NURSE

Caitlin is a few months away from completing her Bachelor’s in Veterinary Nursing at LaTrobe University at the end of 2024. During her studies she has presented a review on Shar Pei Autoinflammatory Disorder at the course conference, and centered her final year capstone project on Sighthound anesthesia techniques and considerations. She is always looking to learn and expand her knowledge in order to provide a high level of care to her patients.

She has an interest in ethical breeding, reproductive health, emergency and critical care medicine and oncology.

DOG GROOMER

Arlene has recently completed grooming school and obtained her Certificate III in Animal Studies in Pet Grooming. Throughout the program, she gained hands-on experience with a diverse range of dogs, including Golden Retrievers, Samoyeds, Maltese, and various cross breeds including oodles of Oodles. 

Arlene is very keen on working with all different kinds of dogs and loves the variety of coats they come in. She is ready to put her skills to use and continue learning and growing within the industry.

VETERINARY NURSE

Natalie is a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Nurse with experiences gained in both Melbourne and Hong Kong. 

Although Natalie is currently pursuing a degree in Occupational Therapy, her passion for animal care remains a driving force in her career.

Natalie’s journey in Veterinary Medicine began this year, fuelled by a lifelong love for animals and a commitment to their well-being. From a young age, she was drawn to the companionship of animals, a connection that deepened when her family welcomed Potato, a Bichon Frise, into their home. This bond inspired her to pursue a career where she could combine her compassion for animals with her dedication to providing precise and effective care.

In her role at Melbourne Dog Clinic, Natalie is committed to delivering the highest standard of care to every patient. Her meticulous approach, coupled with a warm and compassionate demeanour, ensures that each animal feels safe and cared for during their visit. Natalie’s goal is not only to provide initial treatment for  her patients but also to support their long-term health and happiness, ideally seeing them thrive in environments beyond the clinic.

Natalie looks forward to contributing her skills and passion and working closely with pet parents to ensure their beloved animals receive the best possible care.

VETERINARY NURSE

Gayle has had a strong passion to work with animals from the age of 4. Much to her mother’s delight she brought home all the stray cats and birds and frogs and lizards in the neighbourhood . Nothing was ever too small or large to make friends with.

After school life Gayle fell into the world of cooking. Completing an apprenticeship and training young chefs. Knowing that something was missing Gayle reached out to a local animal Sanctuary where she volunteered on her days off. This eventually gave Gayle the opportunity to find a job in the veterinary industry (no more cooking) and, as they say, the rest is history.

15 years on, completing Cert 4 in Vet Nursing and Cert 4 in Practice Management, Gayle has worked in mixed animal practices, emergency centres, speciality centres and veterinary wholesalers. Gayle still says this industry is just the best, 'We get to save lives each day, no two days are ever the same and we get to go home at the end of the day after being rewarded with cuddles and licks all day long'.

It’s also a tough industry with tears and emotions. But she wouldn’t have it any other way. Gayle is looking forward to this next chapter at Melbourne dog clinic.

Old man Steven was a Red Heeler X who was born in 2007 and rescued from a beef cattle farm in 2009 while Dr Don was on student placement. Being well into his twilight years, Sundowners Syndrome, the onset of dementia and a recent splenectomy have considerably slowed him down but he still enjoys slow walks and chasing a ball in the park. He is also the politest dog you could possibly ever meet. 

Sadly, Steven “Bestest Boi” Woo was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in May 2024 and with a sudden decline in health he decided to walk across the Rainbow Bridge that same month.

Barney was born in 2013. He is an overly proud and boisterous Pembroke Welsh Corgi with Middle Child Syndrome.

Loud and proud, chunky yet funky, large and in charge.

He is charismatic from nose to tail noisily making new friends wherever he goes. His favourite things are tennis balls, sleeping (and snoring) and having the last word on everything.

Jujubee Royale was born in 2020. She is an intelligent, cheeky and fun-loving Pembroke Welsh Corgi with a head-strong self-assured personality.

She idolises her older brother, Barney and loves playing games with her sister, Gia. Her favourite things are eating all the blueberries, making monkey noises, hogging all the toys and running, running and running.

Gia was born in 2021 and is a Cavoodle. She is a rescue dog that came to us via a rescue shelter

She had low confidence, anxiety and several behavioural issues. Through lots of behavioural training and love she is settling in well with her brothers and sisters. Her favourite things are snacks, zoomies with her sister and loving you with all her heart.

Pauly joined The House of Woowu in July 2024. He is a Cardigan Welsh Cardigan with lion-sized paws.

With bright captivating hazel eyes he is in for some adventures with his two new sisters and much older brother.

His favourite things are Jujubee, grabbing balls and getting everyone to chase him, and chewing everything in site (as a puppy does).