Learn About
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide professional, top quality care in a warm and friendly environment. We aim to treat every pet like part of our own family and offer them the best in general health care, holistic and preventative medicine.
Our staff are compassionate and strive to offer the highest level of veterinary excellence to the local community.
Our Approach
It is not a secret that, here at Caroline Springs Veterinary Hospital, we are actively trying to create an environment that your pets will feel comfortable and safe in.
We treat your pets as if they were our own. We know that we would only leave our pets where they are cared for and loved in safe hands, just as you would too.
Our Team
Dr Timothy Chan
Veterinarian
Tim graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2013 and worked with us as a locum vet. He later moved to NSW and worked in a small animal clinic for a year before returning to Melbourne. Familiar to the practice, he has rejoined the team at Caroline Springs since 2015.
Tim enjoys working as part of the amazing team where he is able to always put his patients first. He loves all aspects of being a vet and especially enjoys getting his hands dirty in the surgical theatre. He has developed special interests in dentistry and soft tissue surgeries. He also hopes to further his knowledge in small animal ultrasonography, where he can help his patients with minimal stress and trauma.
Despite his allergies and asthma, Tim has a furry family with five very spoilt cats (Taro, Nori, Murmur, Sweetie & Soya, not arranged in order of most to least favourite). In his spare time, he enjoys gaming and catching up on TV series, although nothing beats his love for soccer.
Dr Grace Holden
Veterinarian
Grace grew up surrounded by a menagerie of animals- cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and canaries- and decided at an early age that she wanted to be a vet. She studied a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Health and Disease before completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne. Previously, Grace has volunteered as part of a team providing veterinary care to outback communities in the Northern Territory and has also travelled to South Africa to volunteer in a lion conservation program.
Grace is passionate about rabbit medicine and surgery and hopes to build on her knowledge in this area.
In Grace’s spare time she enjoys reading, water skiing and catching up with friends.
Dr Ebony Cappelletti
Veterinarian
Ebony joined the Caroline Springs team in 2020 after completing a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne. Growing up with a passion for animals and science, Ebony knew from a young age she wanted to be a veterinarian. Ebony loves all aspects of general practice, but is particularly interested in diagnostic imaging and emergency and critical care.
In her spare time Ebony enjoys powerlifting, being outdoors and is a bit of an adrenaline junkie. She shares her home with a mischievous Border Collie named Bailey and a fluffy ginger cat named Rascal. Ebony hopes to further her knowledge in radiography, ultrasonography and emergency medicine in the future.
Dr Michelle Gray
Veterinarian
Growing up in suburban Melbourne, Michelle always loved animals. After graduating in Veterinary Science in 2005 and initially working in mixed practice, Michelle has spent the last 10 years in small animal practice.
Michelle recently completed a course in Veterinary Behaviour and is studying for membership examinations later this year. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her dog Sorin.
Dr Miriam Flores
Veterinarian
Miriam graduated from the University of Melbourne with a passion for small animal surgery and rabbits. She first joined the Caroline Springs Vet family as a student during her final years of study. It didn’t take long for her to see the devotion the staff had for all things furry, and knew this was where she wanted to work after graduating. Miriam is a proud bun-mum of a minilop named Oreo.
Dr Narissa Shen
Veterinarian
Narissa graduated from Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne. Since childhood, having a huge love for animals and helping the strays inspired her to become a vet. A proud cat mum to Squid who is her foster fail that she adores. Narissa is always looking to learn and improve her skills in veterinary medicine to provide the best possible care to her patients.
Dr Virginia Stobart
Veterinarian
Virginia grew up on a small farm surrounded by animals and subsequently graduated from University of Melbourne in 2000. She spent a couple of years in mixed practice in Victoria’s south west before travelling overseas to work in England and travel through Europe, Scandanavia and Africa.
Upon her return to Australia she moved to Canberra where she worked as a locum in various small animal practices eventually finding herself employed full time in one of Canberra’s largest and busiest Veterinary practices. A wide and varied case load including some Zoo work allowed Virginia to gain a lot of internal medicine, emergency and soft tissue surgery experience. Virginia returned to Victoria at the end of 2010 with her husband and 2 small children to be closer to family. Since that time they have welcomed another 2 children to their family and also have one dog and one cat.
Virginia joined Caroline Springs Veterinary Hospital as a Saturday Vet (and occasional week day fill in) in 2012 and thoroughly enjoys being part of a fantastic team. The rest of the time Virginia is kept very busy by her 4 small children and her garden.
Dr Bee Leong
Veterinarian
Bee joined Caroline Springs Veterinary Hospital as a Locum vet in 2023. Currently Bee is working with us part time and has a background in emergency.
Judy Rand
Business Manager
Judy has been involved in the Veterinary industry for the last 40 years. She is a fully qualified veterinary nurse and has studied practice management, accounting, marketing and psychology.
Judy has been involved in setting up Accredited Veterinary Hospitals, worked in Zoos and also was involved in the setting up of the Caroline Springs Veterinary Hospital. She has worked with all species of animals from Elephants to mice. Judy has a true passion for animals and believes in being an advocate for all pets.
Living on a farm and breeding Stud Red Poll cattle, Judy has names for them all and they come when called. She is also owned by three delightful chocolate Labradors. Tia, Sienna and E- Claire. Tia is the mother of Sienna (one of 15 pups) and E- Claire is the latest arrival. E- Claire – short for chocolate éclair, was one of 7 pups born this year. They both enjoy helping around the farm and delight in jumping into the dam anytime they can- rain, hail or shine! (true water dogs). She also has two cats, a naughty torti called Shelley and a Burmese called Polly –all very spoilt adopted cats that came to live with Judy when they needed new homes! Peacocks, geese and bantams also wander around her farm along with three Alpacas!
Pets are her passion.
Lisa
Practice Manager RVN
Lisa has been working in the veterinary industry for over 25 years, starting off as a kennel hand in a mixed practice when she was 15 years old. Lisa has worked at various practices around Melbourne, both inner city and in country Victoria. Lisa is a registered nurse, obtaining her qualification a number of years ago. Lisa also has qualifications in Vocational Education and Training, leadership and human resources.
Lisa is passionate about education and training for nurses and also works part time teaching Veterinary Nursing students at TAFE.
Lisa is a keen advocate for animal rescue and has 4 rescued pets at home. Smokey, a 10 year old Maltese cross breed, Tom, a 14year old Pug who is deaf, Scout an 8 year old domestic short hair, Maple is a 3 year old dwarf lop bunny and her latest acquisition is Cherry the spoodle.
Crissey
Veterinary Nurse Co-Ordinator
Crissey started her Veterinary career in 2001 and soon thereafter completed her Veterinary Nursing course at Box Hill Tafe. Crissey enjoys all aspects of Veterinary Nursing, especially paediatric medicine and has been a valued member of the Caroline Springs Vet hospital for many years.
Crissey’s family has many furry members! These include two dogs and four. One of her cats, Tonka, was brought into the clinic as a stray with a broken leg. Unfortunately his leg had to be amputated but luckily for him he found a loving home with Crissey.
Crissey is kept busy these days looking after her son and will often have foster kittens running around her house.
Melissa
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Mel started with the clinic while she commenced her studies at university. Having now completed a bachelor of Biomedicine majoring in animal immunology and medicine at Deakin University. Mel has found a real passion for Vet nursing especially surgical nursing and the aftercare of patients. Mel also works as one of our consultation nurses.
Mel has a strong interest in exotics including birds and bunnies. While not at work, Mel enjoys time at the beach with her Husband, Hayden; drinking tea, snuggling Harley, her Rottweiler and relaxing with Gavin and Trevor, her cockatiels.
Renee
Veterinary Nurse
Renee has been working at the clinic since 2008 as a kennel hand before continuing as a nursing assistant. In 2011, Renee decided to trial other career pathways and ended up as a manager in a small store. It wasn’t very long until Renee realised that her passion and family was left behind at Caroline Springs Vet Hospital. Renee started back with the Caroline Springs Vet team in 2013 and has since completed certificate 4 of veterinary nursing.
Renee has lots of hobbies including renovating her house with her Partner Jeremy. They spend a lot of their time in the shed tinkering with their cars and bikes. Renee is most happy when being around her fur baby’s including “Buddy” a boxer x and Four very naughty domestic cats “Grizzles”,“Puddens”, “Meatball” and “Kushy” and her human family (especially her adorable nieces).
Jessica
Veterinary Nurse
Jessica decided to pursue a career in Veterinary Nursing after volunteering at the RSPCA and completing a Cert III in Animal Studies. She started working at the Caroline Springs Veterinary Hospital at the start of 2019 after completing her work placement at the clinic in 2018. She has completed her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing.
When Jess is not working she is kept busy by her twin boy toddlers and her fur babies. Which includes Stan the 16 year old Jack Russell X Fox Terrier, Riley the Staghound, Ted the black domestic longhair and Pirate the one eyed, one eared tuxedo domestic long hair.
Jacqueline
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Jackie started with us in November 2020 as a work placement student studying her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing with the Kangan Institute of Tafe and was then offered to officially join the team in February 2021. Jackie officially completed her studies at the end of 2021. Along with her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, Jackie holds a Ceritificate II in Animal Studies and a Certificate III in Companion Animal Services. Her current passion within the clinic is surgical and emergency nursing, but she loves all aspects of her role.
Jackie is also a proud mother of two beautiful girls and currently is a fur mum to 2 gorgeous but cheeky cats and a Short Neck Murry Turtle.
Melody
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Melody’s greatest passion is working with and helping animals. Veterinary medicine is in her blood; It has been said that she watched her first spey from a bassinet in her mother’s veterinary clinic! Her love of animals initially led her to complete extensive studies at both TAFE and University, with the intention to branch into wildlife / park ranging after obtaining her science degree in Parks, Recreation and Heritage. As fate would have it, her natural abilities with animals were called upon by her Mum when her head nurse decided to travel the world. The rest, as they say, is history…
Melody (or Ralphie as she’s known by many) has now been Vet Nursing for over 20 years and is a Registered Veterinary Nurse. Ralph is currently studying a veterinary professional course in wildlife treatment and care through Taronga Zoo
Mel has a special interest in Exotic veterinary care so is just as at home nursing your snake, bird or guinea pig, as she is your dog or cat. Mel is owned by 2 very spoilt kittens and a neurotic German Shepherd dog. All live in harmonious turmoil with her husband and 3 young children. Outside of the animal world, she enjoys cooking, the outdoors, camping and day tripping, and watching and collecting all things Supernatural
Olivia
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Olivia graduated from studying her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2022 and joined our team whilst completing her work placement with us. Olivia is an enthusiastic learner and loves her career as a veterinary nurse.
Chris
Veterinary Nurse
Chris is a nice, caring guy with a big heart for caring for animals. His interests are animals (obviously!), working out, playing games and hanging out with friends and family. Chris has 3 pets including a dog, a cat and a blue tongue lizard. He has had his first pet Max the dog for about 13 years and he is Chris’ best friend. Missy the cat is 11 years old now; Chris loves Missy so much and she is his cuddle buddy. His most recent pet is Sunny the blue tongue lizard; Chris has had Sunny for just over a year now. Sunny is such an amazing pet, he loves walking about Chris’ room and exploring.
Chris has completed his certificates 2 and 3 in animal studies and has also recently completed his final year of certificate 4 in veterinary nursing.
Maggie
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Maggie has been passionate about animals her whole life. Starting her career in a not for profit animal organisation and moving on to working in an Emergency vet clinic to begin her skills and find her love for nursing.
Maggie has particular interest in critical care. Maggie has completed her certificate IV in veterinary nursing and is excited to continue learning and broadening her knowledge and skills.
Maggie has an apricot toy cavoodle at home who’s name is Ron. In her spare time she loves to go on road trips and adventures and travel to new places
Amber
Veterinary Nurse
Amber has always been extremely passionate about animal care and welfare, and always knew she would end up in the animal industry.
She started at the clinic in 2023 with her Certificate III Animal Studies and Bachelor of Science in hand.
After volunteering at RSPCA, working in clinic and studying animals in tafe and uni, Amber has discovered her love for canine training and behaviour, a passion she enjoys sharing and continues to expand her knowledge of.
When she’s not at work, she’s usually found with her head in a new craft, her 2 dogs, Sylas the German Shepherd and Delilah the Greyhound, by her side.
Rachel
Veterinary Nurse
Rachel has been passionate about providing the the best care to fur babies since a young age, so, it came as no shock that she wanted to work with animals.
Rachel has worked as a Veterinary Nurse for over seven years with both domestic and exotic animals. Over those years, Rachel has gained a collection of her own fur babies.
After moving from America, Rachel has joined our team at Caroline Springs in June 2023 and spends her free time gardening, reading and playing with her fur babies.
Stefanie
Nursing Assistant
Stefanie joined the Caroline Springs team in Feb 2021 after completing placement for her Cert III in Animal Studies.
Stefanie is passionate about animals and aspires to broaden her skill set within the Veterinary nursing industry. She is currently studying her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing to become a qualified vet nurse.
Madison
Veterinary Nurse
Madison is our newest addition to the CSVH team and has recently graduated studying her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2022. Madi is a keen reader and enjoys learning new things. Madi is our go to nurse for all things bunny related.
Samantha
Veterinary Nurse
Profile coming soon 🙂
Shania
Veterinary Nurse
Profile coming soon 🙂
Ella
Kennel Hand
Ella Started working at Caroline Springs Veterinary Hospital after completing work experience in year 10. On top of keeping all the patients clean and comfortable, Ella assists the vets and nurses when carrying out procedures. Ella is hoping to study veterinary science when she finishes school.
Kerryn Martin
Dog Trainer
Kerryn is a passionate trainer who loves what she does! She enjoys working with all ages of puppies and dogs (ok…she is a bit biased toward puppies). She also enjoys working with their owners (you) to help you learn as much as you can to help you and your dog develop a great relationship and a dog with really nice manners.
Kerryn has been training for 5 years in a variety of settings including Keilor Obedience Dog Training Centre (a volunteer community club), Responsible Pet Education and the RSPCA. Kerryn continues to upskill herself regular attending many seminars and workshops and in late 2013 travelled to the USA to attend the 5 day APDT Conference – a great experience. Kerryn has trained in Flyball and basic Agility and Trieball and is a qualified C.L.A.S.S. instructor. Kerryn has a spoodle called Indy.
Kerryn is a member of the APDT here and in the USA, the Pet Professional Guild and Dogs Victoria.
What We Do
We try to keep waiting times to a minimum and direct you and your pet into consultation rooms and away from the busy reception area as soon as a room becomes available. In the reception area we are aware of providing visual barriers to reduce arousal between dogs and to reduce anxiety in cats and exotic animals.
We provide separate dog and cat consultation rooms. Cats and dogs pick up on each others scent and this can cause distress to cats and arousal to dogs if different species frequent a small area.
The cat consultation room utilises pheromone technology with a Feliway diffuser that runs 24 hours a day. Feliway is a pheromone (scent molecules) that causes a reflexive sense of wellbeing when cats inhale the smell. Humans cannot smell feliway and only cats receive its calming benefits.
The cat consultation room provides cats with an area to explore on our large and solid scratching post. Many cats prefer to be examined on a ledge of the cat gym rather than the examination table. An enclosed igloo bed, sprayed with feliway, encourages many cats to nestle into the bed. Most cats feel safer examined when some protection has been provided and they are not exposed to slippery surfaces and bright lights. The igloo can be lifted onto the exam table with the cat remaining there for most of the physical check.
We will spray your cat carriers with feliway to reduce car travel anxiety in cats during your trip home. Ideally the cat carrier should be sprayed before the cat is put in it at home and transported to the vets. We will spray the bedding for free if you bring it in before your cat’s scheduled visit.
The dog consultation room uses the dog pheromone, Adaptil, as a diffuser that runs 24 hours a day. This pheromone has been shown to reduce arousal and anxiety in dogs. Humans cannot smell Adaptil and only dogs receive the calming benefits.
Dogs will usually be advised to be let off the lead in the consultation room and explore whilst the vet takes a history and talks to you and your pet first. This gives the dog a chance to become settled and accept treats before any physical examination.
We have a real interest in making owners aware of the importance of recognising early signs of anxiety and giving appropriate information to prevent behavioural problems. We offer veterinary behavioural consultations and have a positive qualified reinforcement dog trainer on the team to help you with any issues, big or small.
Our animal wards are separated into cats, small dogs and large dogs, equipped with pheromone diffusers to minimise stress.
We play “calming music for dogs” which is a CD of classical piano music. This background music is shown to relax dogs in the dog wards. We are also conscious of reducing noise in the prep area and wards as loud sharp noise distresses animals.
We use “calming caps” which help relax dogs and cats by reducing the visual stimuli in an unfamiliar environment.
We have in stock the “thunder shirts” which utilise the calming sensation of pressure wraps to reduce anxiety. The shirts can be fitted in the hospital and used during your pet’s stay, during travel to the hospital and for other times where your pet may experience anxiety, such as during fireworks and lightening.
As with people, all animals have varying pain thresholds. Owners know best how their pet responds to pain. In addition to injections given in hospital, we give owners the option of using extended pain relief for their pets after any surgical procedure.
Like all veterinary clinics, we use medications, sedation and anaesthetics to reduce pain and cause relaxation to enable procedures to be performed safely and humanely.
We have the most popular puppy playschool in the area.
Our Facilities
- Separate cat and dog consultation rooms – Feliway, Adaptil diffusers to help relax your pets.
- Premium hospital wards
– Classic music; scientifically proven to relax and calm dogs.
– Feliway and dap diffusers
– Warm fluffies, blankets and beds
– Stress free environment - In house Pathology
- Hydrobath – fresh water to wash and rinse, no time limit.
- Digital xray
- Purpose built puppy school and dog training room (with heating and air-conditioning)
- Modern anaesthetic machines and latest monitoring equipment
- Otoscope for deep ear examinations
- Voroscope and Dioptre lens for magnified eye examinations
- Full dental equipment
- Isolation Ward
- Specific euthanasia/grieving room
- Great central location
- Ample off street parking at rear of Hospital – driveway situated at rear between McDonalds and the Police Station
- Long opening hours