West Melton Vet Centre - West Melton Vet Centre 3/736 Weedons Ross Road

Dr. Jacoba Vaessler - Veterinarian & Owner

I am a NZ Citizen born South African. My career kicked off in the veterinary field in 2002. I started my own business with a focus on Large Animal Reproduction and preventative care to ensure maximum yield for my clients. I worked across borders in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. In 2011 I decided to take a break from my private practice and signed up with Zoetis Animal Health as Technical and Marketing Manager. (With part time Locum work as a Small Animal Vet for private practice.) My focus was teaching CPD's to vets and training new graduate vet students around new products and development in the veterinary field. I was also involved with research and the registration of new veterinary products. And helped out as external examiner for a few years at Onderstepoort. During this time our first child was born, and we decided to make a move to NZ in 2014. I was then contracted to MPI for 6 months and took up a position with MSD Animal Health. During this time our second child came along. I started to miss private practice and decided to return and open a practice in West Melton October 2017. I have a special interest in animal reproduction. And I enjoy working with difficult clinical cases. I hold a Diploma in Veterinary Technology (SA), a Post Graduate Diploma in Livestock Health and Production (UK), and a Degree in Veterinary Sciences (SA)

Rudi Vaessler - Owner & Accountant 

Rudi Vaessler - Owner & Accountant

I was born and raised in Namibia, but are now a NZ citizen. I hold a BCompt in accountancy from South Africa. But has also completed a Graduate Diploma in Accounting NZ. I make sure the Vet Centre staff get paid on time; all our creditors are being kept happy; and that the books are being kept up to date for the IRD, bi-monthly and yearly financial statements. I do work for a few different companies as accountant, in my private capacity. In my spare time I also coach CrossFit and is an eager weightlifter.

Dr. Rachael Hunt - Veterinarian

Dr. Rachael Hunt - Veterinarian

Hi, I am Rachael and I’m one of the veterinarians at WMVC. I live on a lifestyle block with my husband Ed, children; Clark Quinn, and Avery and our 5 dogs. I enjoy working at West Melton due to our enthusiastic and empathic team as well as the wide range of friendly clients, and interesting cases. In my spare time I love training dogs, so typically you can find me with my family competing with our dogs in dog sport such as agility, scentwork, or tracking or we may be just out enjoying walking them at the river. I look forward to meeting you and your pet next time you visit the clinic.

Dr. Teresa Moore - In-House Locum

Dr. Teresa Moore - In-House Locum

I'm one of the vets you might meet when you bring your fur-baby in to see us. I have been a vet for a while now (you'll have to work hard for me to admit exact years) - been around the block vetting cows, horses, goats, lions, birds of prey, pigs, tautara, turkeys, rabbits and rats, and then of course, the more familiar cats and dogs! I am a local living here in West melton - so most of you have seen me helping out with something one of my four kids is having a go at. I love this community, the clients of our clinic and the great group of colleagues I get to come to work with! I look forward to seeing you and your pet and having a yarn.

Sarah Findlay - Head Veterinary Nurse

Sarah Findlay - Head Veterinary Nurse

Hello my name is Sarah. I have lived in West Melton since I was 6yrs old and have watched the community grow to what is is today. Growing up on our small farm with our dogs, cats, sheep, horses and chickens taught me love and respect for all types of animals from a very young age. I graduated as a veterinary nurse in 2011 and have been at the West Melton Vet Centre since 2018. I really enjoy the challenges and rewards the role brings. I believe pets are not just pets they are part of our families and integrate themselves into our lives in special ways. I look forward to seeing you and your fur babies in the clinic.

Aurora Heagney - Veterinary Nurse

Aurora Heagney - Veterinary Nurse

Hi my names Aurora, I'm originally from Darfield but have been living in West Melton for the past few years. I've been working at West Melton Vet Centre as a vet nurse since June 2021. I enjoy all things animal and between myself and my partner we have four dogs. Harvey a Husky x Huntaway, Scooby and Colt who are both Huntaways and Shaggy the Beardie. If im not in clinic you'll probably find me down the river or at the willows with my dogs.

Alex Heaphy - Veterinary Nurse

Alex Heaphy - Veterinary Nurse

Alex graduated with her Diploma of Veterinary Nursing in 2018. She lives with her 3 animals, Jynx the cat, Hana the Golden Retriever & her partner Jeremy. Alex has an interest in nutrition and runs our free weight loss consults. In her spare time, Alex volunteers at the South Island Wildlife Hospital, and enjoys playing indoor football & board games.

Emma McKay - Veterinary Nurse

Emma McKay - Veterinary Nurse

I am a long-term local to West Melton, having spent much of my adolescence here. I now have the privilege to raise my family in the area. I have two dogs and a cat all having come to my care in varying states of disrepair. They can be considered “foster fails” as I fell in love with each too much to rehome them. I hold a Diploma in Vet Nursing and enjoy all aspects of the role. I have a soft spot for geriatrics and for small dogs, although I’m not biased and will give love to all the fur friends!

Nikita Summerfield - Veterinary Nurse

Nikita Summerfield - Veterinary Nurse

I’m one of the Vet Nurses here at West Melton Vet Centre, I graduated my Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2022 and have been working at West Melton Vet Centre Since 2020. I grew up on a lifestyle block in West Melton and have always had a passion for all animals, having had many pets of my own. My dog Kora is a crazy, energetic blue heeler who keeps me busy, I have two rabbits Basil and Juniper, two pet mice Vanellope von Schweetz and Sofia the First and some pet chickens. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, baking, training Kora in agility and teaching her new tricks.

Angie Willemse - Receptionist

Angie Willemse - Receptionist

Hi, my name is Angie and I have been on reception with the wonderful team at West Melton Vet Centre since November 2021! I love the admin side of things and welcoming you and your furry friends into the clinic. Having grown up on a farm in South Africa, many years ago, I am very comfortable with animals and we have our own wonderful little Jack Russel called Lucky. In my spare time I love to be in the outdoors, or spending time with family and friends.