THURROCK Nub News is delighted to partner with Vets4Pets, which operates at the Pets at Home store at Lakeside Retail Park in West Thurrock, and we will be bringing regular features containing hints and advice about how to look after your family's pets.

Our first feature, written by Practice owner Dr Kishor Mahind MRCVS, looked at general awareness on vaccinations, neutering, microchipping, and dental health for pets.

In this feature we focus on some of the people at Vets4Pets, for whom caring for animals is more than just a job — it's a lifelong passion.

Behind every wagging tail and every purr of comfort is a dedicated team of professionals working together to keep pets healthy and happy. From veterinary surgeons to reception teams, every role plays an important part in ensuring the best possible care.

The Heart of Nursing Care

For Chloe Blair, Registered Veterinary Nurse and Clinical Coach, working with animals has always been a dream.

"I've always wanted to work with animals for as long as I can remember," she says. "Although there are occasional sad moments, it's incredibly rewarding to see animals recover and to guide owners as their pets grow."

Now, as a clinical coach, Chloe supports student veterinary nurses, teaching them the skills and standards needed in practice. "Mentoring students is about more than training — it's about inspiring them to be confident, compassionate professionals."

Student Nurses in Training

Cherona Hart, a student veterinary nurse, shares her own journey. Having worked as a receptionist for three years, her dream of becoming a veterinary nurse finally came true when she started her training in 2025.

"On my first day, I was so excited — my classmates and colleagues made me feel welcomed straight away," she recalls. "It's a lot of hard work, with exams and assignments, but I feel proud of the progress I've made. I even passed my first exam!"

Cherona explains that the support from her managers and her clinical coach has made the experience fulfilling: "I feel like I have the best team behind me while I'm learning."

Veterinary Care Assistants – A Crucial Role

Not all career paths in veterinary care start with nursing or veterinary medicine. Maddison Weston, a qualified Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA), highlights how vital support roles are.

"Being a VCA means helping vets and nurses with clinical care, assisting in restraining patients, and supporting reception when needed. It's a role that touches every part of the practice," she explains.

The Level 2 Veterinary Care Support Apprenticeship is an excellent entry point for those unsure which career path to take, giving experience in both clinical and client-facing roles.

The reception at Vets4Pets Thurrock.

The Front of House Heroes

Often the first friendly faces clients meet, the reception team also play a vital role in veterinary practices. Donna Crump, Reception Manager, describes her work as both challenging and rewarding.

"No two days are alike. We can go from welcoming a new puppy into a family to supporting an owner saying goodbye to their much-loved pet. It's an emotional role, but one that makes a real difference."

Receptionists handle everything from phone calls and medication requests to managing social media. Donna, who has worked in veterinary reception for 12 years, says: "It's busy, it's varied, and it's so rewarding."

Leading the Team

Megan Oxley, the Practice Manager, began her career as a student veterinary nurse before qualifying as an RVN in 2019. Today, she finds her role leading the team even more rewarding.

"Supporting both our staff and our clients is something I feel very passionate about. The veterinary world isn't always easy, but being able to make a positive difference each day makes it worth it."

The Veterinary Surgeon's Calling

At the head of the clinical team is Clinical Director Kishor Mahind MRCVS, who brings more than 25 years of veterinary experience from India, Malaysia, and the UK. He explains that becoming a veterinary surgeon involves six years of intensive study, but the rewards go far beyond academic achievement.

"Being a veterinary surgeon is a calling — it combines compassion, science, and teamwork," he says. "Every day, I feel privileged to care for pets who are such an important part of people's families."

At Vets4Pets Thurrock, Kishor also plays a vital role in mentoring the next generation as an RCVS Vet GDP Advisor. "Watching young vets and nurses grow into confident professionals is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career."

A Future in Veterinary Careers

From student nurses and care assistants to reception managers and clinical directors, the world of veterinary medicine offers a wide range of career opportunities. Each role carries responsibility, compassion, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of both pets and their owners.

Vets4Pets Thurrock supports the development of skills, knowledge and careers in the profession, offering work placements to help those considering a career in veterinary to have a good understanding about different job roles. Extra mural studies placements are also very important in the last year of veterinary surgeons training programme.

For those who dream of working with animals, the message from the team at Vets4Pets Thurrock is clear: the journey is challenging, but the rewards are endless.