Meet Our Team

Dr Cathy Opie has always had a love of animals and from a young age would more often than not be found playing with her dog and cat, catching skinks, rescuing baby birds …the list goes on. So, it is no surprise that she decided to pursue a career as a veterinary surgeon and if asked, she can tell you the exact moment that she realized a vet was what she wanted to be. After graduating with Honours from The University of Melbourne in 1989, she worked first in an inner city companion animal clinic in Melbourne followed by 5 years in a busy, 4 vet companion animal practice in Adelaide where she had the opportunity to work with more experienced vets and gain valuable experience.  In 1997, she and her partner Philip Lindsay established The Pet Doctors. Continuing her passion for emergency medicine, Cathy undertook a year long distance education course in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care with the Centre for Veterinary Education in Sydney. Cathy’s particular areas of interest are Diseases of the Respiratory System, Emergency Medicine and Dentistry.

Cathy and Phil have a beautiful Huntaway called Poppy and a sweet rescue Heading dog called Esther who can often been found lounging in the office of the clinic or soaking up the sun in the back garden when not running at local beaches and parks.

Dr Philip Lindsay graduated from Massey University in 1988. The following year he undertook an Internship in Small Animal Medicine at The University of Melbourne where he completed a Master of Veterinary Studies after submitting his thesis on Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs. It was while researching this topic, that he met and developed a love of Dobermann dogs that led to him acquire his first Dobermann, ‘Tinka,’ whose paw print you will find on The Pet Doctors driveway. He went on to work in a busy 5 vet companion animal practice in Sydney alongside a world renowned Veterinary Neurologist where he was able to learn the nuances and subtleties of diagnosing and treating neurological diseases. Phil passed the examination for admission to the Canine Medicine Chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists before travelling to Murdoch University Veterinary school in Perth, WA. Here Phil worked alongside many Veterinary specialists, of note, an internationally respected Veterinary Dermatologist. In 1997, he moved back home to New Zealand and established The Pet Doctors with Dr Cathy Opie. Today Phil’s interests still involve Internal Medicine and Soft Tissue Surgery. He has maintained a strong interest in Dermatology and periodically travels to Australia to develop his skills in this area. He has also completed a 12 month Ophthalmology course with a Melbourne Eye Specialist, enabling The Pet Doctors to diagnose subtle ocular diseases and perform more advanced surgeries.

He and Cathy have 2 ginger cats, Tom and Jack, adopted from the SPCA as kittens who love nothing more than spending their days snoozing away.

Leah is our senior veterinary nurse and has been working at The Pet Doctors since 2008. She is our ‘go to’ person who always finds time to manage the day-to-day running of the practice as well as helping to care for our high needs patients. All this is done with a smile on her face and a professional attitude. She studied and gained her Veterinary degree in the Philippines and emigrated to New Zealand in 2008. Unfortunately, she had to leave her cat named Ming (Filipino for “meow”) and two dogs named Wacky and Mhilot with her Mum when she moved to New Zealand. Leah has an innate ability to calm animals and make them feel comfortable, so it can be guaranteed that your animals time at The Pet Doctors will be enjoyable.

Hi, my name is Katrina. I gained my Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at the end of 2022.

I have grown up around dogs my whole life, with my oldest family dog being 17 years old, still running around as happy as ever. I also have my own 5 year old dog, Shady, whom I rescued and share my life with every single day and would do anything for. I have a huge passion in caring for animals making sure they get the best assistance possible. This includes me taking my time in making sure the animals in the clinic feel loved and secure – I enjoy providing our little friends with lots of cuddles and support as I know it can be hard being away from their owners.

In my spare time, I enjoy going out on the water, whether it is swimming in new places, kayaking or even platform diving, this includes diving off the wharf too! I always make sure my fur babies enjoy these adventures with me as well.

Hi, my name is Lorien. I am a relatively new member of The Pet Doctors team and am eager to learn and expand on my skills as well as build a good rapport with clients. I recently gained my Certificate as a Veterinary Nursing Assistant and will go on to study for my Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2023.

I have spent my entire life surrounded by a range of animals, from dogs and cats to goats, chickens, rabbits and even cockatiels, leading me to develop a love for all sorts of animals.

I have an energetic Border Collie named Hugo, my first dog of my own, who I have enjoyed training myself and who keeps me busy outside of work.

Hi, my name is Daniella. I gained my Certificate as a Veterinary Nursing Assistant and am currently studying towards my Diploma of Veterinary Nursing. I was fortunate enough to be placed at The Pet Doctors for my first clinic rotation during my first year of studying veterinary nursing at Vet Nurse Plus and was later offered a job at the clinic. I’ve always had a keen interest in working with animals from a young age and knew that it was an industry I’d like to work in. I have a love for all animals – especially rabbits – and hope to provide the best care for them. Once I have completed my studies for a Diploma in veterinary Nursing, I plan to continue on to achieve my Bachelor in Veterinary Nursing and further my studies in exotic companion animal nursing.

I own 2 rabbits, Toffee, a Mini Lop and Peanut, a Netherland Dwarf x Mini Lop. In my free time I enjoy crocheting or going out and about to local craft markets.