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.