“We are not a team because we work together. We are a team because we respect, trust and care for each other”

Staff Profiles

It takes an entire village of dedicated professionals at Forth Valley Vet Clinic to help keep your pets happy and healthy.

Dr Rachel Cole - Veterinarian.

  • I have always been interested in biology and body-systems, about our design and how it all works together. And I really liked my own and other people's cats growing up - I was told repeatedly that "oh, he doesn't usually like strangers" and began to feel that cats and I had a "thing".

    Veterinary science seemed a good fit and after 20 years, I think I was right.

  • I prefer to be a GP - a little bit of everything.

    I've done some additional study in feline medicine; they can be complicated little creatures sometimes!

  • I love being able to work together with the families I see to improve their pet’s health.

    I believe decisions about a pet’s care should also consider the people who care for them. My aim is to develop practical treatment plans that work for each family, avoiding 4 am medications and complicated routines wherever possible, while keeping their pet’s health and wellbeing at the centre.

    The joy a happy pet can bring to people is my motivation.

  • I have some "exciting" memories treating various farm animals, mostly related to the situation, weather and time of day! But it's usually the lovely ones that I remember, some pets could simply not be lovelier, even when they're in tremendous pain.

    I meet a monkey once!

  • We are truly not trying to push products on you - we just want to avoid problems in the longer term.

    A good diet, basic vaccination, dental care and worming and flea control can really avoid so many issues.

  • Watch those treats! Your pet has got you well trained :-)

  • Is wine considered food?  ... ok Chocolate.

Taya Juppy - Surgical Co-ordinator and Nurse

  • I can really remember ever wanting to do anything else. It has always been the industry I wanted to work in. I

    started doing work experience at a vet clinic when I was 13 and got my first job in one at 14.

  • I love surgical nursing, especially orthopaedics. I enjoy being part of a patient's journey from surgery through to recovery and seeing them get back to their normal selves.

    I also find surgery really interesting because it gives you a better understanding of anatomy and physiology.

  • I love seeing how happy patients are to be reunited with their families.

    Even when they're in hospital, seeing their owners visit often gives them a real boost and plays an important role in their recovery and journey home.

  • Fuelled by our inhouse wildlife charity snack fridge, as its a fundraiser for our wildlife! But honestly, I think a big part of it comes down to the team you work with.

    You feed off each other's energy and vibes, which helps keep you going, especially on the tougher days. 

  • I think just food in general. I do believe it must be free of vegetables to qualify as comfort food though.  

Dr Jahk Hughes - Veterinarian

  • From a young age I grew up very interested in Steve Irwin and David Attenborough, watching them religiously with my brother.

    We had an array of wild animals in our house from birds to lizards and even snakes, but also a dog (Pongo the Dalmatian – I know, very cliché). I always wanted to work in an animal field when I was going through school, anything from a palaeontologist to a marine biologist, but as I neared the end of high school I found myself searching for a real opportunity to work with animals whilst challenging myself and I actually started out with a Bachelors in Wildlife Science and later pursued veterinary science.

  • I started my veterinary career with a very open mind, wanting to try everything and this led me into mixed practice with Forth Valley Vet.

    The has clinic developed over the years and I found a real passion for surgery (soft tissue and orthopaedics), wildlife surgery and emergency work.

  • The most rewarding part of being in the vet community is seeing how happy owners are when their pet recovers from a treatment plan or surgery and it makes a positive impact on them and their pet.

    As much as we don’t want to see the pain, suffering and illnesses occur, it’s a great day when we can make a difference.

  • Some of the hardest and most memorable surgeries I have done have been on dogs and cats and successful surgeries on severe trauma patients are some of the most rewarding cases I have experienced in my career, they can also be some of the most heart breaking.

    However, the most memorable animals I have done surgeries on would have to land with little penguins, eagles, devils, wombats and owls simply because of the rarity in which these kinds of experiences present themselves.

  • As much as I enjoy work in clinic, I love the outdoors, hiking, running, triathlons and touch footy.

Georgia Dare - Vet Nurse

  • My mum worked at the Dogs Home for 19 years and we did fostering for Just Cats leading up to this job.

    I have always had a love for animals and I love being able to take care of patients, the same way I would love for mine to be treated.

  • Haha this is an odd one, however I learnt this when medicating my labradors twice daily for 12 weeks. I purchased whole frozen sardines, fed the sardines the medications then fed the dogs the sardines.

    It worked a treat and never fails me☺️

  • Personally, this is my favourite part of nursing. It is so rewarding seeing a family full of smiles and a wagging tail or purrs when they are reunited.

  • A caffeinated drink is the best medicine to keep me going during a busy shift!

  • A cold beverage and hot chips is my comfort food after a long day at the clinic (and every day)