Who We Are and Why We Love What We Do.
We love what we do. Simple as that. Being a vet to us really is the best job in the world.
What other job is exciting, rewarding, elating, sometimes frustrating or even heart breaking and that's all before lunch time! If that is how you feel about your job you naturally do your best and give your all.
At Hunters Lodge, we are a dedicated team, passionate about providing the best care for your beloved animals. As an independent veterinary practice, we pride ourselves on our personalised approach, taking the time to understand both you and your pets.
Your Vets
All our vets have a wealth and breadth of experience. This helps us manage complex surgical and medical cases, ensuring that your pets receive the highest standard of care. What truly sets our team apart is our ability to communicate with clients. By having an open dialogue, and listening to you, we enable you to make informed decisions, ensuring your pets receive tailored treatments that best suit their individual needs.
You can see all our vets have been in practice for over 10 years, read on to find out why We Love What We Do.
Helen Stephens
BVetMed MRCVS
"I still love my job even after 25 years in practice, it just bets better. Every day is different and has its own challenges. Sometimes it's tough, but more often, it's exciting and so rewarding. Working together with such a great team makes all the difference. I always appreciate the trust clients have in me to look after their much beloved member of the family. Its is a real privilege."
Helen graduated from the Royal Vet College, London and has been with us since 2007.
Helen has a GP Certificate in Small Animal Medicine.
Grant Smith
BSc BVSc MRCVS
"I love the variety of the work I get to do. Every day is different and I get to see such great characters both human and animal. I love being in a practice small enough that I know the clients and pets really well but still able to make a big difference."
Grant graduated from Bristol University has been with us since 2008.
Special interests in pain management, surgery, pet poultry and end of life care.
Lucy Denton
BVMS MRCVS
"I love that I graduated over 20 years ago and still enjoy all aspects of general practice. In particular though, I value the relationships I build with clients and being part of the bond they share with their pets. I have a thoughtful approach and try to make every visit calm, friendly and supportive. I feel very lucky to work within a team which feels like a family and this helps us provide the best care. "
Lucy graduated from Glasgow University and has been at the practice since 2019. Lucy has an additional GP Certificate in Feline Medicine.
Nicole Balt
BVSc MRCVS
"I am very proud to say 'I am a vet' when people ask me what I do for a living. I have been part of the profession for 14 years and I can honestly say I love what I do.
I treasure the relationships we make with clients and their beloved pets and feel privileged to support and help them through all the ups and downs owning an animal brings.
It truly is the most fulfilling profession and what a joy to work with such an amazing team at Hunters Lodge."
Nicole has been with us since 2022 and has a special interest in surgery.
Kate Simpson
BVSc MRCVS
"I love...meeting and getting to know our clients and their animals, it is the best part of my job. Every day is different and there are so many things I enjoy- from finding that grass seed (!), treating a wound and seeing it heal, making a diagnosis, to supporting an older pet with an ongoing medical condition. To do this job I am fortunate to be able to call on over 20 years of personal small animal veterinary experience. I am part of an immensely talented, friendly and supportive team. Working at Hunter’s feels like a family and I like to think our patients feel that too."
Kate has been with us since 2023 and has done an internship at the Royal Veterinary College and has special interests in medicine and cardiology.
Nursing Team
Veterinary nurses play a vital role in the care and well-being of your beloved pets, ensuring that they receive not only the best medical attention but also the comfort and compassion they deserve. In a veterinary practice, vet nurses are the heart of the operation, fostering a bond with pets and their owners, and ensuring that every visit is as stress-free and positive as possible for everyone involved.
Nicki RVN
Head Nurse
"I started working at the practice in 2009 and went on to complete my training here, qualifying as a Veterinary Nurse in 2012. Over the years I’ve enjoyed building strong relationships with both our patients and their owners, and I feel very lucky to be part of such a supportive team. I have a real passion for caring for animals and making their visits as positive and stress-free as possible. Outside of work, I’m kept busy with my stubborn dachshund, house rabbit and two children, and I enjoy spending time in my garden."
Natalie RVN
Lead Nurse, Ewhurst
"After 20 years as a veterinary nurse, I still enjoy coming to work every day. No day is ever the same, you never know what might walk through the door. I love working in the small village of Ewhurst as the clients get to know me and I get to know them and their pets. I am a clinical supervisor at the practice training animal nursing assistants to become fully qualified veterinary nurses. I enjoy passing my experience and knowledge onto the student, and it also helps keep my knowledge up to date, as the profession is forever evolving."
Helen RVN
Lead Nurse, Guildford
"Hi, I’m Helen! I’ve had a passion for animals ever since I was a little girl, so becoming a veterinary nurse felt like the perfect path for me. I qualified in 2004 and still absolutely love what I do. Every day is different – you never know what’s going to come through the door, and I still get a real buzz from that! I really enjoy getting to know the animals and their owners, and being part of a team that works together to make a difference in their lives."
Andrea RVN
Veterinary Nurse
"I still really love my job - and I've been a vet nurse for longer than some of my colleagues have even been alive!
I find it hugely rewarding really connecting with both the clients and the patients and I love to aim to make each animal's visit - especially when they are in with us for the day, as positive as possible. I'm so proud to work for a practice where I would trust every one of the vets to treat my own animal, and therefore those of our clients, to a high standard, with great thought and care and as if it were their own."
Gemma RVN
Veterinary Nurse
"As a veterinary nurse, I find real value in being able to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners. Every day brings something new, and I appreciate the opportunity to use my skills in a hands-on, meaningful way. Being part of a team that’s focused on animal care is something I respect."
Kat RVN
Veterinary Nurse
"I have worked in the veterinary industry since 2012 and with the help of the amazing team at Hunters Lodge I qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in early 2024.
I love being a nurse as no day is the same and I am always learning something new. There can be some harder times however overall this career is rewarding in so many ways. From watching puppies and kittens grown up, to seeing how puppy like the oldies can be. Being able to have the trust of our clients to support them and their pets through the ups and downs is a great honour."
Emma RVN
Veterinary Nurse
"I qualified in 2014 after studying Veterinary Nursing and BioVeterinary Science at the University of Bristol. I enjoy being part of a friendly, supportive team and have a passion for science and ongoing learning."
Jocelyn ANA
Nursing Assistant
"After 16 years experience in practice I still love my job. I love providing compassionate care for animals whilst supporting the team to deliver high standards of care. I have a wide background in animal care and a love for all animals. Whether I am comforting an anxious animal, assisting with diagnostics or helping with the daily duties, my goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of animals and their families."
Admin Team
The Reception and Admin team play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation of day-to-day care for both pets and their owners. This dedicated team is responsible for managing appointments, coordinating the flow of patients, and providing great customer service. By efficiently handling enquiries, billing, and follow-up communications, the Reception and Admin team not only supports the clinical staff but also create a welcoming environment for clients, helping to make each visit to the practice a positive experience.
Judith
Accounts Manager
"Hi, I'm Judith and I've worked for Hunters Lodge for over 10 years! I am an admin assistant and look after the accounts.
Having lost our lovely black labrador Barney, our family pet is now a cross-eyed black and white cat called Hurricane."
Louise
Receptionist
"With over two decades experience within the veterinary industry, many of those years have been at Hunters Lodge.
The part of my role that I enjoy the most is building relationships with clients and helping them to receive the best care for their pets. The team at Hunters Lodge are all so knowledgeable and compassionate that it is a privilege to be part of it."
Danielle
Receptionist
"My role at the practice means I get to be the first person to welcome clients and their wonderful pets through the door, which I love. It is a joy seeing the bonds everyone has with their little friends and I enjoy learning about what makes them special. Each day brings something new, and the variety of cases keeps me constantly engaged.
Danielle is a hugely knowledgeable team member and is a part time dog walker and behaviourist/trainer."
Chris
Receptionist
Chris is semi-retired but comes in to help cover holiday. She is always a happy spirit and a joy to have around, we really miss her when she isn't here.