Dr Claire MacRae
Veterinarian & Practice Owner (VN BSc(EqSc) BSc(PreVet) DVM)
Our practice owner, Dr Claire has literally spent her entire adult life in veterinary clinics, having been a veterinary nurse for 13 years prior to graduating as a vet. She has also managed several clinics over the years, and having seen and done so much, Dr Claire has a wealth of experience in all avenues of veterinary practice.
Claire first started at The Vet Clinic as a new graduate in her very first year of vetting, way back in 2013. Most of the current staff were at the clinic back then too! She spent 6 months learning the ropes of general practice, before spreading her wings and moving to Tasmania to work in Emergency Medicine (ER). After a couple of years on the island, she returned to Adelaide to work at AAERC (Anzac Highway) as an ER vet, and quickly became the ER Team Leader and Hospital Operations Manager for the clinic. Since moving on from there, Claire has spent a lot of time teaching vet students, vet nursing students, and vet technology students both at TAFE and university level, as well as working in the ER at the University of Adelaide full time, part time, and casually for the last several years. Recently she has volunteered in Fiji, spending 3 months helping the dogs and cats of Nadi, which was certainly an experience!
Back home for good now, Claire had a baby girl in late 2020, and purchased half of The Vet Clinic in April 2022, after returning to the clinic as a locum who ended up staying! In June 2023, she purchased the remainder of the clinic and is now sole owner. Claire has a passion for teaching, and gains great pleasure from supporting and mentoring veterinary students as they complete their mandatory clinical placements at the clinic.
When not at work, or driving her wee one back and forth to childcare, Claire pretty much just hangs out at home with her toddler P, greyhounds Gia, Goldie and Abby, goat Mabel, her 6 cats, 2 horses and many poultry!
Dr Claire MacRae
Veterinarian & Practice Owner
Our practice owner, Dr Claire has literally spent her entire adult life in veterinary clinics, having been a veterinary nurse for 13 years prior to graduating as a vet. She has also managed several clinics over the years, and having seen and done so much, Dr Claire has a wealth of experience in all avenues of veterinary practice.
Claire first started at The Vet Clinic as a new graduate in her very first year of vetting, way back in 2013. Most of the current staff were at the clinic back then too! She spent 6 months learning the ropes of general practice, before spreading her wings and moving to Tasmania to work in Emergency Medicine (ER). After a couple of years on the island, she returned to Adelaide to work at AAERC (Anzac Highway) as an ER vet, and quickly became the ER Team Leader and Hospital Operations Manager for the clinic. Since moving on from there, Claire has spent a lot of time teaching vet students, vet nursing students, and vet technology students both at TAFE and university level, as well as working in the ER at the University of Adelaide full time, part time, and casually for the last several years. Recently she has volunteered in Fiji, spending 3 months helping the dogs and cats of Nadi, which was certainly an experience!
Back home for good now, Claire had a baby girl in late 2020, and purchased half of The Vet Clinic in April 2022, after returning to the clinic as a locum who ended up staying! In June 2023, she purchased the remainder of the clinic and is now sole owner. Claire has a passion for teaching, and gains great pleasure from supporting and mentoring veterinary students as they complete their mandatory clinical placements at the clinic.
When not at work, or driving her wee one back and forth to childcare, Claire pretty much just hangs out at home with her toddler P, greyhounds Gia, Goldie and Abby, goat Mabel, her 6 cats, 2 horses and many poultry!
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Dr Kate Bitter
Veterinarian (BVSc)
Kate joined us as a locum veterinarian in March 2018 to help with holiday cover. We loved working with her and were thrilled when she accepted a part-time position.
After studying in Melbourne, Kate worked for 6 years in mixed practice in Bordertown, SA before moving "across the ditch" to Auckland, NZ where she worked in small animal practice for 3 years. Originally from Adelaide, Kate and her husband Steve answered the call to move back home and decided to settle in the Barossa.
Kate is very caring with all species that walk through our doors and has a dedicated work ethic. She has a happy, positive attitude and brightens our days when at work!
When not at the clinic, you'll find Kate enjoying some time at Ground up Fitness. She also enjoys spending time with Steve and their young children Maggie and Noah at home with their dogs and chickens. She loves exploring the food, wine and experiences the Barossa has to offer!
Dr Kate Bitter
Veterinarian
Kate joined us as a locum veterinarian in March 2018 to help with holiday cover. We loved working with her and were thrilled when she accepted a part-time position.
After studying in Melbourne, Kate worked for 6 years in mixed practice in Bordertown, SA before moving "across the ditch" to Auckland, NZ where she worked in small animal practice for 3 years. Originally from Adelaide, Kate and her husband Steve answered the call to move back home and decided to settle in the Barossa.
Kate is very caring with all species that walk through our doors and has a dedicated work ethic. She has a happy, positive attitude and brightens our days when at work!
When not at the clinic, you'll find Kate enjoying some time at Ground up Fitness. She also enjoys spending time with Steve and their young children Maggie and Noah at home with their dogs and chickens. She loves exploring the food, wine and experiences the Barossa has to offer!
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Suzanne Luce
Financial Administrator (Cert IV Veterinary Nursing (VN) BSc(Bio))
Suzanne walked through the doors of The Vet Clinic in the middle of 2007 and quickly decided to stay for good. In fact she loved the clinic so much that she bought it in 2011! In 2022 - 2023, she sold the clinic to Dr Claire, who is now sole owner. Now that Suzanne is no longer part owner of the clinic, she is able to focus on her other ventures! She will remain on staff as Finance Administrator to help with the accountancy side of things.
Suzanne had been a vet nurse in her native country Canada, and then in New Zealand where she lived for 7 years before coming to Australia. She has developed great nursing skills and is comfortable handling any situation that may arise. These days, although she is spending more time working with her businesses, she will still always find time to give the patients a cuddle!
In 2013 Suzanne opened For Pet's Sake, a pet supplies store on the same premises as The Vet Clinic. In 2022, she and nurse Kerrie established a grooming business, Fuzzy Pants, also located on our premises.
When Suzanne is not busy managing the businesses, she enjoys doing a bit of woodworking, or just relaxing at home with the dogs and her many (!) cats.
In late 2023, Suzanne pulled up stumps and moved herself and her clan all the way over to Western Australia! Despite the distance, she will continue to be employed by all three businesses, as she just can't get enough of us! We are all very sad to see her go, but she assures us she will visit often!
Suzanne Luce
Financial Administrator
Suzanne walked through the doors of The Vet Clinic in the middle of 2007 and quickly decided to stay for good. In fact she loved the clinic so much that she bought it in 2011! In 2022 - 2023, she sold the clinic to Dr Claire, who is now sole owner. Now that Suzanne is no longer part owner of the clinic, she is able to focus on her other ventures! She will remain on staff as Finance Administrator to help with the accountancy side of things.
Suzanne had been a vet nurse in her native country Canada, and then in New Zealand where she lived for 7 years before coming to Australia. She has developed great nursing skills and is comfortable handling any situation that may arise. These days, although she is spending more time working with her businesses, she will still always find time to give the patients a cuddle!
In 2013 Suzanne opened For Pet's Sake, a pet supplies store on the same premises as The Vet Clinic. In 2022, she and nurse Kerrie established a grooming business, Fuzzy Pants, also located on our premises.
When Suzanne is not busy managing the businesses, she enjoys doing a bit of woodworking, or just relaxing at home with the dogs and her many (!) cats.
In late 2023, Suzanne pulled up stumps and moved herself and her clan all the way over to Western Australia! Despite the distance, she will continue to be employed by all three businesses, as she just can't get enough of us! We are all very sad to see her go, but she assures us she will visit often!
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Skye Evans
Veterinary Practice Manager (Cert II Animal Studies )
Skye began working at The Vet Clinic in 2006 as our after school cleaner and quickly rose up through the ranks to become a highly valuable and experienced vet nurse and manager.
Always calm, she takes everything in her stride without skipping a beat and always remembers the little things that the rest of us are liable to forget! Skye has developed amazing organisational skills and has a keen ability to keep us all working seamlessly! Skye has become a confident, reliable veterinary nurse and an invaluable member of our team.
A local girl through and through, her family have been on the land in the Barossa since the mid 1800s. Skye knows the Barossa and its people like the back of her hand!
When not at work, Skye enjoys spending time with her partner Scott and their very spoiled cat Ron. She is also constantly busy socialising with friends!
Skye Evans
Veterinary Practice Manager
Skye began working at The Vet Clinic in 2006 as our after school cleaner and quickly rose up through the ranks to become a highly valuable and experienced vet nurse and manager.
Always calm, she takes everything in her stride without skipping a beat and always remembers the little things that the rest of us are liable to forget! Skye has developed amazing organisational skills and has a keen ability to keep us all working seamlessly! Skye has become a confident, reliable veterinary nurse and an invaluable member of our team.
A local girl through and through, her family have been on the land in the Barossa since the mid 1800s. Skye knows the Barossa and its people like the back of her hand!
When not at work, Skye enjoys spending time with her partner Scott and their very spoiled cat Ron. She is also constantly busy socialising with friends!
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Kerrie Shepherdson
Veterinary Nurse (Cert II Animal Studies)
Kerrie has been with us since 2007, and despite she and Suzanne establishing Fuzzy Pants grooming in 2022, she isn't going anywhere just yet!
Kerrie has nursed both small and large animals over many years and continues to love the clinic life and job. She is a very competent nurse who can manage anything that comes her way. And best of all she does so with a non-stop smile on her face. Kerrie certainly knows how to make our days fun no matter how hectic things may get.
Kerrie has two tiny doggos and an elderly cat, and in recent years her family has expanded from 5 to 7 with the addition of two young grandchildren.
When not working at the clinic or at Fuzzy Pants, Kerrie enjoys spending time with her family (especially her grandchildren), doing outdoorsy things, walking with her dogs, and photography.
Kerrie Shepherdson
Veterinary Nurse
Kerrie has been with us since 2007, and despite she and Suzanne establishing Fuzzy Pants grooming in 2022, she isn't going anywhere just yet!
Kerrie has nursed both small and large animals over many years and continues to love the clinic life and job. She is a very competent nurse who can manage anything that comes her way. And best of all she does so with a non-stop smile on her face. Kerrie certainly knows how to make our days fun no matter how hectic things may get.
Kerrie has two tiny doggos and an elderly cat, and in recent years her family has expanded from 5 to 7 with the addition of two young grandchildren.
When not working at the clinic or at Fuzzy Pants, Kerrie enjoys spending time with her family (especially her grandchildren), doing outdoorsy things, walking with her dogs, and photography.
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Courtney Parrott
Veterinary Technician (BSc(AnimalSci) B(VetTech))
Courtney joined us in 2021 whilst studying at the University of Adelaide. She is now a fully qualified Veterinary Technician, and part of the inaugural class at UofA. It has been a pleasure watching her blossom into an extremely capable and efficient nurse.
Courtney also holds a BSc (AnimalSci) from UofA. In May of 2023, she gave birth to her first little bubba, a little girl. When not at work, Courtney loves spending time with her labrador Linc, greyhound Emmy, and partner Matt, and now their new baby girl!
Courtney Parrott
Veterinary Technician
Courtney joined us in 2021 whilst studying at the University of Adelaide. She is now a fully qualified Veterinary Technician, and part of the inaugural class at UofA. It has been a pleasure watching her blossom into an extremely capable and efficient nurse.
Courtney also holds a BSc (AnimalSci) from UofA. In May of 2023, she gave birth to her first little bubba, a little girl. When not at work, Courtney loves spending time with her labrador Linc, greyhound Emmy, and partner Matt, and now their new baby girl!
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Sarah Page
Veterinary Technician (B(VetTech))
Sarah started with us in early 2023, and has been a wonderful addition to the team! She is quick to learn, hard working, and wonderful with the patients and their owners.
Sarah has a background in retail, and has recently completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at The University of Adelaide, graduating at the end of 2023.
Originally an Adelaide girl, Sarah and her partner moved to the Barossa a few years ago and plan to stay forever! We are all pretty happy with that! Their furkids include two doggos, a silky terrier named Daisy, and Nelly the labradoodle.
Sarah Page
Veterinary Technician
Sarah started with us in early 2023, and has been a wonderful addition to the team! She is quick to learn, hard working, and wonderful with the patients and their owners.
Sarah has a background in retail, and has recently completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at The University of Adelaide, graduating at the end of 2023.
Originally an Adelaide girl, Sarah and her partner moved to the Barossa a few years ago and plan to stay forever! We are all pretty happy with that! Their furkids include two doggos, a silky terrier named Daisy, and Nelly the labradoodle.
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Montel Suridge
Veterinary Nurse (Cert II Animal Studies)
Montel has recently joined us in July 2024. She comes to us with a background in construction of all things! Montel holds a Certificate II in Animal Studies and is working towards her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, AND her Cert IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
She has a special interest in behaviour and behavioural medicine, animal nutrition, radiography, and dentistry.
Coming from a farming family background from the Clare Valley and Mid North regions, Montel is a local gal with animals in her blood. In her little spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her feline furkids and her partner.
Montel Suridge
Veterinary Nurse
Montel has recently joined us in July 2024. She comes to us with a background in construction of all things! Montel holds a Certificate II in Animal Studies and is working towards her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, AND her Cert IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
She has a special interest in behaviour and behavioural medicine, animal nutrition, radiography, and dentistry.
Coming from a farming family background from the Clare Valley and Mid North regions, Montel is a local gal with animals in her blood. In her little spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her feline furkids and her partner.
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Kelsey Sullivan
Assistant Nurse (Cert I, II, III Animal Studies )
Kelsey started at The Vet Clinic and at For Pet's Sake in late 2021. Whilst she mostly works at For Pet's Sake, Kelsey can be seen in the clinic on Saturdays assisting the nurses, and being Aunty to Dr Claire's little girl while Claire is consulting.
She has lived in the Barossa all her life, and has been involved with Barossa Wildlife Rescue since she was 4 years old! This readily cemented her love of animals at an early age, and she became a full time wildlife carer in 2018. Kelsey frequently brings wildlife to the clinic for assessment, and it is comforting to know that when these critters can be treated, we can send them home with Kelsey knowing that they will be well taken care of, and hopefully ultimately released!
When not working or dedicating her down time to rescuing wildlife, Kelsey spends time with family and friends, and enjoys camping, roadtripping, and rodeos!
Kelsey Sullivan
Assistant Nurse
Kelsey started at The Vet Clinic and at For Pet's Sake in late 2021. Whilst she mostly works at For Pet's Sake, Kelsey can be seen in the clinic on Saturdays assisting the nurses, and being Aunty to Dr Claire's little girl while Claire is consulting.
She has lived in the Barossa all her life, and has been involved with Barossa Wildlife Rescue since she was 4 years old! This readily cemented her love of animals at an early age, and she became a full time wildlife carer in 2018. Kelsey frequently brings wildlife to the clinic for assessment, and it is comforting to know that when these critters can be treated, we can send them home with Kelsey knowing that they will be well taken care of, and hopefully ultimately released!
When not working or dedicating her down time to rescuing wildlife, Kelsey spends time with family and friends, and enjoys camping, roadtripping, and rodeos!
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Peanut
Client Relations (BCat(FelSci))
Many years ago, Peanut Butter was brought in to the clinic by a local business owner, where she had been spending many hours attempting to solicit some tasty treats. Peanut was a very affectionate and healthy looking cat but after a couple of weeks with us, it became apparent that she did not have a home of her own.
During those few weeks with us, Peanut quickly worked her way into our hearts with her silly antics, endless cuddles and adorable meow! She needed a new home and it looked like she had found it. Peanut now spends her time between the store and the clinic, following the staff around. She equally loves to schmooze the many dogs that visit our clinic and check out the cats as well.
Her favourite spots are purring on someone's lap while they are trying to work, or stealing the free dog treats in the store. Don't be offended if she refuses to converse with you though. She definitely has a mind of her own!
Peanut
Client Relations
Many years ago, Peanut Butter was brought in to the clinic by a local business owner, where she had been spending many hours attempting to solicit some tasty treats. Peanut was a very affectionate and healthy looking cat but after a couple of weeks with us, it became apparent that she did not have a home of her own.
During those few weeks with us, Peanut quickly worked her way into our hearts with her silly antics, endless cuddles and adorable meow! She needed a new home and it looked like she had found it. Peanut now spends her time between the store and the clinic, following the staff around. She equally loves to schmooze the many dogs that visit our clinic and check out the cats as well.
Her favourite spots are purring on someone's lap while they are trying to work, or stealing the free dog treats in the store. Don't be offended if she refuses to converse with you though. She definitely has a mind of her own!
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