Meet the Small Animal Team

James Cavanagh BVSc MRCVS

Local boy James qualified from Bristol University and having cut his teeth in Wiveliscombe, he joined us here at the Mount in 2009. He is an experienced surgeon and is particularly interested in small animal medicine. Not only an excellent vet but also a first class centre for a local Rugby team!

Victoria Lui BVetMed MRCVS

A graduate of London's Royal Veterinary College, Vicky joined us in 2008 and quickly became very popular with the clients. Her meticulous approach has made her an excellent clinician and allows her to keep a cool head, even while under the hot lights of the operating theatre. She has a keen interest in soft tissue surgery. If her head isn’t in a book you might bump into her walking her two little dogs Tinkerbell and Buttons!

Eric ChantBVMS MRCVS

Another Wellington local, Eric Chant started his career at the Mount as a student over 20 years ago! He joined the Mount soon after leaving Glasgow vet school, and has been a partner for over a decade. Responsible for the advancement of the hospital in recent years, he and his fellow partners have turned the Mount into an outstanding 24 hour facility. He has a keen interest in all areas of small animal work and is our in house orthopaedic surgeon.

Sally Payton RVN

Sally is our head nurse and is responsible for the nursing team. She oversees the hospital and operating theatres, as well as finding time to help the younger nurses with their stage 1 & 2 of the Royal College veterinary nursing qualifications. Over the past ten years, she has worked her way up to the top position and is a very popular and valued member of the team.

Gina Harrison VetMB MRCVS

We welcome Gina Harrison, who joins the veterinary team. Gina graduated from Cambridge University in 2010 and then spent the next year completing an internship at The Royal Veterinary College, London. Gina joined us in August 2011 and has a keen interest in small animal internal medicine and diagnostic imaging. When not working, Gina enjoys walking with her dog Teal, and baking cupcakes and brownies.

Kate Vestey BVM&S MRCVS

Having graduated from Edinburgh in 1997, Kate began her career in the Cotswolds, joining us in 2001. She has a keen interest in internal medicine and a very caring manner that works wonders with the pets in the hospital. She enjoys tackling some of the more complex cases but says this is nothing in comparison to bringing up her three young sons!

Charlotte Freeman BVM&S Cert VOphthal MRCVS

Charlotte Freeman joined the practice in 2003 and has been a firm favourite amongst the clients ever since.After her first few years of companion animal work , she developed a real interest in eyes and ocular surgery. After a sabbatical that saw her working under a prominent Veterinary Ophthalmologist, she returned to the Mount. Charlotte became a partner in April 2011 and also went on to succeed in gaining her Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology. To help her deal with the demands of such a specialized field, she can regularly be seen out running with her husband, the local award winning fishmonger!

Graham deBollaBVSc MRCVS

Graham is the senior partner at the Mount, with well over 30 years experience in the field. He has been a key figure in advancing the Mount into becoming a Royal College accredited small animal veterinary hospital. His gentle manner and great empathy for pets has led him to become one of the most respected vets in the South West.

Jacki Cook COAPE Advanced Diploma

Since 2000 Jacki has been attending training courses on a wide spectrum of subjects relating to companion animal behaviour. These led her to start the puppy parties at the practice and eventually led to her receiving her Diploma in companion animal behaviour and training in 2009. Using her extensive knowledge she has helped a large number of pets with issues of aggression, anxiety, fear and phobias. Jackie says that “training your dog never stops” and having bred over seven litters of Labrador puppies, she has had more than enough experience of her own!