Veterinarians and Practice Owners
Dr Steve Heap BVSc. CertVOphthal
Dr Michele McMaster BVSc.
Steve Heap and Michele McMaster are the proud owners of McMaster & Heap, hence where the name came from. Purchased on April fools day 1999, it turned out to be the best decision we ever made. Twenty six years on, Steve and I still love being veterinarians every day. It’s a real privilege solving problems, for clients and their pets. Plus, running a large business of 35 staff brings Steve and I huge enjoyment and personal satisfaction. We work with an exceptional, talented, hard working bunch of awesome staff we regard as family. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Michele graduated in 1990, Steve in 1992 from Massey Vet School. Those five years spent studying and forming lifelong friendships are some of our best memories. We spent two great years in the UK travelling and gaining invaluable veterinary experience. Steve gained his Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology whilst in the UK. Michele grew up in Christchurch and eventually wanted to return home. An opportunity came up to purchase what was then “Rozens Vet Clinic”, so Steve and I jumped in boots and all. A decision we have never regretted.
Our best achievements are our three sons. Our theory behind owning our own business was so we wouldn’t miss out on anything the boys were doing. As it turns out, we both have been our boys biggest fans, with at least one of us cheering on from the sidelines.
Connor (28) now works as a surgical intern at Geelong Animal Referral Services (GARS) in Victoria, Australia. This is Connor’s 3rd surgical internship, with the end goal hopefully securing a 3 year surgical residency somewhere. Connor works with an expert team of surgical specialists and sees a huge caseload of orthopaedic and soft tissue surgeries, among his favourite being elbow replacements, spinal surgeries and hip replacements. He gets to see all the cool gear in action, including Arthroscopy, Laparoscopy, Fluoroscopy, CT and MR imaging. Connor enjoys living in Australia, made so much better with his cat “ Mako” for company. Connor is hard at work studying for his Australian membership exams (in Surgery), which are in May of this year.
Dylan (25) is still living in Houston with his fiancée Alexandra, soon to be married in May of this year in Austin, Texas. I simply can’t wait for a big family reunion. Alexandra has just finished medical school and is starting a Dermatology Residency programme. She is waiting to find out where she is matched. Dylan has recently started his own Tennis academy “Summit Tennis” and is enjoying sharing his passion, skills and vast knowledge of the game. The love of their life is Leia, a Houston SPCA Husky cross special, who is adored and doted on in every possible way. She has definitely made life better for Dylan living so far away from home and our pets.
Our baby son, Isaac (21), is still thriving and surviving in Melbourne, this year studying Honours in Political Science at Melbourne University. He also works at Grant Help, helping to secure Australian Government grants for small Australian businesses. He’s chief policy writer and loves what he does and the interesting people he gets to meet (sometimes cabinet ministers). He pops home over the ditch a fair bit, which is great for us.
Our pets fill our home life with joy, smiles and love. Macy is my constant consulting room companion (taking over from Lola) and she keeps me fit and active with all the walking we do around Christchurch. Our two ginger cats, Atticus the Mandalay and Maximus the large moggy, follow us around the house demanding cuddles, food and companionship. Pity they don’t like each other much.
Steve and I feel very privileged to work with incredible, kind, passionate colleagues and coworkers. We genuinely love animals and the job we get to do every day and we will always welcome new clients and their pets. We cater for people from all walks of life. Our aim is to treat and care for your pets with respect and gentleness, utilising all our training, skills and knowledge.
We are a family business first and foremost and will never be corporatised. We are all about upskilling, providing new improved services and listening to the needs of our staff and clients.
If you have any queries regarding becoming a client of ours, please reach out to us personally.
Kind regards
Michele & Steve
