Cara
Hi lovely furparents, my name is Cara and I work out the front welcoming you and your babies. The best part of my day is seeing your ‘little ones’...and you of course.
Up until 2011 I spent my working years in retail, until I suddenly decided I was in the wrong industry, so I retrained at CPIT and received my National certificate in Vet Nursing. Although I wish I had done this when I was a lot younger it is the best thing I have ever done.
My love of animals of any shape and size is something that has me thankful I have a very indulgent husband. So far I have only taken home birds and rabbits to look after...
Meet my fur family - Richter is a Dalmatian crossed with a Labrador and is completely black and is the biggest doofus you would ever meet. Buttercup is a golden retriever crossed with a border collie and she is the biggest cuddler who sucks up to anyone for a pat.
Kizzie (black & white), Meka (tabby with white) and Tilly (grey & peach) are my cats and they all have completely different personalities and quirks. They are actually the ones that rule the house.
Recently I took home a mini lop that was found, her name is Petie and as we couldn’t find the owners we decided she needed a friend, so after a little drive out to the spca we came home with Boo a small black bunny. Having not had bunnies before I did not realize what cool personalities they have!
I am looking forward to meeting you and your loved one(s) soon.
Sonya
Hi there. My name is Sonya. I began working at McMaster and Heap Vets in January 2015. Prior to joining the team here, I have been working in vet practices for the last 10 years.
You will find me in reception, where I love to meet and greet clients and their pets. I have 6 labradors at home, which take up all of my spare time in training and competing in competitions across the country.
You may spot my wee dog Dart (Lola look-alike), sneaking around behind the counter one day.
Looking forward to meeting you all!
Brooke
Hi my name is Brooke. I recently joined the McMaster and Heap team after moving up from Timaru with my partner where I previously worked at a mixed animal practice for two and a half years.
I have 4 fur babies that I adore. A Japanese spitz named Benji, a tabby cat called Bruce and two flemish giant rabbits called Beans & Bubbles (notice the B theme?)
I hold a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and am passionate about all aspects of nursing however I have a special interest in technical skills, nutrition and fear free methods to ensure your pet has a low-stress and positive experience so they want to come back and see us as much as we want to see them!
McMaster & Heap has a real family feel to it and the standard of care for our patients makes me feel proud to be part of the team, they really are treated like our own.
Amy
Prior to coming to the McMaster and Heap team I have worked in Administration for the past 25 years for a variety of industries including media, food and for the past 16 years engineering.
Horses were a family affair in my younger life with both my sister and myself spending a large part of our childhood and early adulthood immersed in horses which included competing, breaking in and reschooling. We still have two 30 year old horses (Teak and Lucy) who are both now retired and are living out their days being pasture ornaments.
I am passionate about animals and these currently include Hesta an elderly English bull terrier and a 2kg chihuahua called Bragi who rules the house with an iron fist. In my spare time you will often find me over at Blackball on the West Coast where we have a 110 year old family bach that is being slowly renovating.
Shar
Hi, I‘m Shar and I’ve been at McMaster and Heap Veterinary practice for many years now.
I completed my Vet Nursing Certificate at Christchurch Polytechnic. Canine behaviour was a small component in this course, which interested me, so I have also achieved a qualification in Canine Behaviour. I am passionate about animal care, and love that each and every day we are able to help make a difference in pet’s lives.
Most recently my role has been in administration, not hands on nursing. My fur-baby is "Gemma", a Black Lab Huntaway Cross (yes - just like Lola only naughtier). I also have two children, a 7yr old and almost 5yr old, so life is pretty busy.
I look forward to seeing you and your fur-friends at the clinic.