OUR TEAM
Meet the experts behind our care
Our Vets
Matt
Together with his wife Sam, Matt opened Cornish Paws in August 2019. He has been a vet in Cornwall since graduating in 2007. Matt is an experienced small animal General Practitioner with an interest in animal behaviour and nervous patients.
Since the huge rise in corporate veterinary ownership, Matt has really enjoyed growing this independent practice.
The Cornish Paws team strives to provide the highest level of service possible and an enjoyable working environment for our lovely staff.
Bill
Bill qualified in 2011 from Cambridge and has worked in small animal practice ever since. He enjoys the variety that comes with general practice and has a keen interest in medicine, completing a post graduate certificate in 2018. Originally from Sheffield, Bill met his wife Kate at veterinary school and she first introduced him to Cornwall, her favourite part of the country. They are now very happy to be settling here with their 18 month old son and terrier cross Dillon. Outside of work Bill enjoys walking, cycling and tennis.
Alex
I qualified from Cambridge in 1997 and have worked in Cornwall ever since, first in mixed practice and then in small animal practice for the last 10 years. I gained the Certificate in Veterinary Radiology in 2003 and continue to like taking pretty pictures. I enjoy almost all aspects of small animal work, especially medicine, soft tissue surgery and neurology.
I live with my partner and 3 daughters (9,9- yes twins, and 11) and we have a dog, a cat and 3 rats. Outside of work, I like mountain biking, running and being on, in or under the sea. I love showing the girls what an awesome place Cornwall is to grow up.
In my spare time I volunteer on the BDMLR seal pup hospital vet team treating sick and injured seal pups picked up from around the coast of Cornwall before they go on to rehab at the Seal Sanctuary or RSPCA West Hatch, it is currently the busiest part of the season and we have 9 pups in.
Visiting Experts
Katie
After qualifying in 2001, Katie worked in mixed, then small, animal practice, quickly developing an interest in all aspects of small animal surgery.
Katie gained her Certificate in Small Animal Surgery in 2007 and became a RCVS recognised Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery. She has many years of experience in first opinion and referral practice.
She provides advice on case management and radiographs and allows us to treat advanced surgical cases at our practice, by visiting us, when needed.
Katie Lenton
BVSc CertSAS MRCVS
Oliver
Oliver is an RCVS recognised Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Cardiology. He graduated from the University of Bristol Veterinary School in 2002. After working in mixed practice for two years he trained in veterinary cardiology, working at a busy animal hospital practice in Bristol. Working alongside Dr Luca Ferasin, he obtained his Certificate in Veterinary Cardiology in 2010. Oliver has since worked in animal hospital vet practices and has been accepting cardiology referrals since 2010.
In 2014 he moved to Cornwall and became the first resident veterinary cardiologist in the county. In 2018, Oliver established an independent mobile small animal vet cardiology service providing care for patients in the familiar surroundings of their primary care practice.
Oliver works at Cornish Paws as a resident vet, two days a week, as well as being available for scanning.
Oliver Garrod
BVSC Cert VC MRCVS
Our Nurses
Vicky
Vicky has been working as a veterinary nurse since qualifying in 2013. She has two gorgeous Golden Retrievers and a feisty old cat. Vicky has fostered quite a few dogs over the years for Last Chance Hotel and found it very rewarding.
In her spare time, she enjoys walking and hanging out with her dogs.
Vicky - Head Veterinary Nurse
Wendy
Wendy has been a veterinary nurse for over thirty years in various places all around
the country.
She recently moved back to Cornwall with her husband, two children, two cats and a geriatric spaniel which are all rescued (the pets - not the husband and kids!).
Wendy - Veterinary Nurse
Sonya
Hi, I’m Sonya and while writing this have a cat planted firmly on my lap, he says he’s helping, but I’m thinking he’s just after the warmth! Having recently moved to Cornwall from Devon, where I was a zoo nurse for the last seven years, I’m looking forward to settling in and getting to know the local area, starting my veg patch and introducing more chickens to my flock. I’m also looking forward to working with my new colleagues at Cornish Paws and meeting all the lovely new animals that would like a cuddle, rather than thinking I look like a tasty snack!
Sonya - Veterinary Nurse
Caitlin
Caitlin has just recently joined us and completed her qualification as a veterinary nurse. She has a passion for wildlife and exotic medicine, and has reared many baby birds and mammals, to be released back into the wild . In her spare time she can be found out walking, at shows, or training with her gundogs.
She has four beautiful dogs called Ezra, Lily, Oak and Roe.
Caitlin - Veterinary Nurse
Leanne
I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2012. Fortunately I love all aspects of nursing, and thoroughly enjoy nurse clinics as I enjoy meeting people and their pets. My husband and I are owned by 5 cats, Molly, Saffie, Patsy, Poppy & Sushi, and in my spare time I enjoy reading and knitting and taking coastal walks.
Leanne - Veterinary Nurse
Freya
Freya has been qualified as a veterinary nurse for two years, and has a particular interest in surgery and caring for inpatients. Freya has two pet guinea pigs, and outside of work enjoys reading, painting and gaming, alongside renovating her house!
Freya - Veterinary Nurse
Our Receptionists
Jen
Before joining the Cornish Paws family, Jen worked as a veterinary receptionist in her previous practice for 14 years. She is now looking forward to sharing her experience here.
Jen’s favourite breed of dog is a Labrador and she enjoys walking and spending time with her family.
Fiona
Fiona is originally from London where she was a registered nurse. Upon moving to Cornwall over ten years ago, Fiona’s animal family began to grow when she moved in to veterinary reception work.
She has five, fairly naughty dogs, six very demanding cats, a guinea pig herd and a couple of chinchillas and a degu. Fiona also loves walking the Cornish coast.
Veryan
Before joining the lovely team at Cornish Paws I worked as a veterinary receptionist in another practice and in various customer service roles.
I have a house full of animals including Bella my beautiful LabxCollie, 3 cats, 3 VERY naughty ferrets, a bearded dragon and various colonies of exotic beetles... and my husband Dave!
I have a keen interest in Medieval history and Archaeology and have qualifications in both subjects.
Henry
I’m Henry and I was born and raised in Cornwall, and I have 3 years veterinary reception experience.
As a family we have a Rhodesian Ridgeback called Dudley and I also care for a gargoyle gecko and have previously had a praying mantis.
In my spare time I love spending time with my family and have quite a few hobbies including fishing, gaming, cricket and enjoying our Cornish wildlife.
I look forward to meeting all your faithful companions.
Sandy
I have worked as a veterinary receptionist for three years, and I have recently joined Cornish Paws and am looking forward to getting to know all the team and especially looking forward to meeting all the lovely clients and their wonderful pets.
My own dog is a gorgeous Sprocker called Busby
In my spare time I enjoy cold water swimming and reading, plus I have three children and three grandchildren to keep me very busy.
