Meet our team

At Blackheath Vets our professional team of vets and nurses care passionately about animals and treat every patient as a sentient being. Every member of our team is hand selected for their compassion and ability to go above and beyond for our clients. They have the skills to provide a timely diagnosis and first-class veterinary treatment.

Vets

Veterinary Surgeon

Alan

Alan qualified in Onderstepoort in South Africa and worked part time in various practices in South Africa. He ran an emergency clinic for a year and worked nights. Upon arrival in England he worked as a locum vet, whilst travelling and then worked in London for 10 years, where he managed a small animal practice in Osterley.
His interests include all aspects of medicine and surgery, he has a special interest in feline surgery and medicine. He studied dermatology earlier in his career and has gained further experience in laboratory work, radiology and laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.

Alan usually works Wednesday to Friday. Book your appointment to see wonderful Alan.

Alan Van Heerden:

Veterinary Surgeon

Mary MRCVS

Mary hails from Ireland and qualified in 1994. She has very many years experience and knowledge in providing excellent first class care to pets both medically and surgically, making her an incredibly popular member of our permanent vet team.
Having practised in London for the vast majority of her career, Mary has also spent time in practice in her home country and also the vast countryside of Yorkshire.
Mary is a particularly experienced general practitioner with a special interest in in geriatric medicine, radiography and oncology.

Mary usually works on Monday and Tuesday. Book your appointment to see wonderful Mary.

Mary MRCVS:

Veterinary Surgeon

Dominic MRCVS

Dominic graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2014 before joining a large 1st opinion and referral practice in his home town of Newcastle. Dominic has worked as a locum vet since 2017 and joined the Blackheath surgery in May 2020.

Dominic has interests in all surgery and medicine, particularly orthopaedics and an aim to further his qualifications in this area.

Veterinary Surgeon

Gav MRCVS

Gav graduated from The Royal Veterinary College in 2019 and for two years spent her time in a busy small animal hospital in her home county of Hertfordshire and joined our Blackheath Team in 2021. Since then she has thoroughly enjoyed working with the us and meeting our lovely clients and pets.

Gav has a keen interest in all aspects general practice, but specifically ophthalmology and dentistry. Outside of work, Gav enjoys travelling, hiking and music.

Nursing Team

Clinical Lead Nurse

Natalie

Our wonderful Senior Nurse Natalie, joined The Animal Clinic team in 2021. Natalie has been working in the Veterinary industry since 2012, going on to qualify as a Nurse in 2015. Since then, Natalie has continued to develop her skills, carrying out further studies to become a Pet Bereavement Counsellor and obtaining a nurses certificate in anaesthesia. Natalie is particularly interested in general anaesthesia, analgesia and animal welfare.

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys reading, socialising and visiting the countryside. She also loves spending time with her beloved cat Charlie.

Head Nurse

Lizzy

Lizzy joined the team here at Blackheath Veterinary Surgery in July 2012, and prior to that had three years experience working part time in a another veterinary surgery. Lizzy qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2017.

She has two cats called Thomas and Sophie, but has owned a variety of pets over the years, and would love to work with Marine Mammals in the future.

Lizzy:

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Renata- Head Nurse

Renata has been a valued member of the DNA team since February 2023, and she takes great joy in all facets of veterinary nursing, especially caring for our patients. With a background in the veterinary industry starting in 2019, she achieved her qualification as a veterinary nurse in 2023.

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Svetlana

Svetlana joined our DNA practice in Blackheath in 2024.  She has finished her veterinary nursing study in 2009 in Vilnius college based in Lithuania and also graduated from Royal Veterinary college in 2017.  Svetlana enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing, and has a special interest in nurse clinics and diagnostic imaging.  
In her free time she loves spending time with her family in the countryside, cycling and gardening due to that she obtained Garden design diploma from British academy of garden design
Registered Veterinary Nurse

Hang RVN

Hang qualified as a veterinary nurse in July 2024, but has had a background in the veterinary industry for the past 5 years.   She enjoys all aspects of nursing, however has a keen interest in medical nursing.  In her spare time Hang likes to socialise, and tries authentic cuisine and staying active

Support Team

Practice Manager

Amber

Amber is our clinic manager and has been with the company since 2006. She started her career off as a veterinary receptionist and trainee veterinary nurse before transitioning into the management role. Amber enjoys working with her teams, and seeing them give their utmost attention and care to the sick pets and owners, plus also helping with the occasional cuddle for the patients herself! Amber loves horse riding in her spare time.

Area Administrator

Courtney

Veterinary Receptionist

Kim

Kim recently joined Blackheath Veterinary Surgery, she has 17 years experience as a veterinary receptionist & loves interacting with the clients. She has always had a German Shepherd in her life & currently owns Poppy a behaviourally challenged, (very spoiled) GSD cross Husky & Jim an FIV tabby cat courtesy of her previous practice! She is interested in dog behaviour & enjoys many crafts, travel & spending time with her grandchildren in her spare time.

Kim:

Veterinary Care Assistant

Mia

Mia is one of our reception team, and is currently studying an environmental science degree.  She has a level 3 diploma in animal management, conservation and marine biology.  She loves all different animals and owns a few herself from rats , creasted geckos and her doggie Maggie and cat Belle. She hopes to be a wildlife conservationist in the future but loves working with a range of animals and loves working with people too.

Veterinary Receptionist

Joanne

Joanne joined Blackheath as a Receptionist at the end of September 2023. She has enjoyed her new role being able to make a fuss of the pets we see everyday. She has always loved animals & has had many pets over the years. Her first pet being a stray cat that came to her when she was 14 & since then she has had many cats, 2 dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, a rabbit and a pair of love birds! In her spare time she loves singing/music and being involved in anything spiritual & spending time with Family & Friends.

veterinary receptionist

Keely

Keeley joined our reception team in July 2024.  She is passionate about giving great customer care, and loves all animals! In her spare time, she enjoys baking, cooking and home decor.  Keeley has 2 cats who she adores!