“Helping Pet owners of Mersea Island and surroundings to maintain the well being of their beloved family pet, through provision of veterinary care and education on responsible ownership.”

As we prepare for the festive season and at a time where many of us plan to spend additional time and show appreciation for our loved ones, it seemed appropriate to talk about kindness. Kindness is something that we talk about a lot at the practice and is a quality that we highly value.

Ultimately most people that choose to join a caring profession like ours do so because they are kind, compassionate, and have a desire to do good. All of us came into this job because we wanted to help animals, people, and value the bond between the two.

In an ideal world we would always be dealing with happy situations, however, the reality of our profession is that sometimes we must break bad news and deal with sad situations.

One of the most difficult areas we must discuss with our clients is the financial side of the privilege of owning a pet. We are not a charity and do not receive government funding so our overwhelming desire to help and support pets and people in need must be balanced with a business.

Ola – Vet and Practice Owner

I really care about overall pet wellbeing which includes both physical but also emotional happiness. I want to help owners develop relationships with their pets built on kindness and am passionate about the benefits of education to improve both pet but also people wellbeing. My team are also incredibly important to me, and I am always focused on supporting their aspirations but also ensuring they feel valued and have positive wellbeing. My practice is built on an ethos of kindness, trust, and honesty.  

Rachael – Registered Veterinary Nurse 

I knew I wanted to work with animals from a young age and studied zoology at university to build on this passion. However, when I achieved my degree after three years and had no idea which way to go. A friend suggested veterinary medicine, this sparked an idea and I have not looked back since. I have been working in veterinary practice for almost ten years, working up from nursing assistant to registered nurse status. The role has not been without its challenges, but at the centre of my career has always been a love and compassion for animals and a strong desire to give them the best care I can provide.  

Ashleigh – Student Veterinary Nurse 

Working with animals is something which I had always dreamed of but never thought would be possible. After completing a degree in Animal management and science, I joined the Blackwater team in 2019. I am now months off completing my training and becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse.

Although working in the veterinary industry can sometimes be challenging, my passion for welfare and the joy of working with animals makes it all worth it. I feel extremely lucky to be in this industry and can honestly say I look forward to coming to work every day. 

Wendy – Senior Receptionist/Vet Assistant 

My childhood dream was to become a vet but at that time only students from wealthy families could go to university, so my dream never came to fruition.

My parents were very patient with me as I spent my youth trying to rescue/save every animal and I brought many home to be cared for. If they were lost, unwell or just looked hungry I would do whatever it took to make them happy and comfortable.

In 2013 I moved to Mersea and was offered a job as a Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist. I’d worked for many years in customer service roles which I thoroughly enjoyed, and this opportunity gave me the best of everything; my passion for animals, working within a team and my love of interacting with people. After ten years I couldn’t imagine being happier, this is more of a lifestyle than a job. 

Mandy – Receptionist/Vet Nurse Assistant 

A love and compassion for animals is a primary driver for everyone who joins the veterinary industry, but I chose my position of Receptionist and Nurse Assistant, because I care for both the owner and their pet. As a pet owner myself, I’ve experienced the kindness and support of a veterinary team when I needed it, and greatly value how important it is. Whether it was reassurance with making the right decision for my bunny or dietary requirements for my dog, I know how important it is to be given the knowledge you need and to feel supported as you make the right choices for your beloved pets. I wanted to be a part of such a team and am immensely proud to be able to help and support people as they care for their pets, through all stages of their life. 

Holly- Receptionist/Vet Nurse Assistant   

Having grown up in rural Wales surrounded by wildlife and farms, I have always been passionate about animals. I had volunteered for various animal charities over the years, in the hope of securing a full-time position at a veterinary practice and in 2022 my dream came true.

Working as a team and supporting each other is also something I greatly value. I am proud to be part of a team that always supports each other and works together for everyone’s best interests and where pet wellbeing is paramount. 

We are immensely proud of our Blackwater Veterinary community and want to take this opportunity to thank our clients for embracing our values where we are committed to creating a relationship built on honesty, trust, respect, and kindness to both pets and people.