About Us

Dr Henriette van der Westhuizen

Henriette was born in South Africa, and qualified as a vet at Onderstepoort, Pretoria in 2005. She worked as a small animal vet in Cape Town and later Pretoria for about 3 years. After getting married in 2008, she and her husband decided to make the big move to Australia, along with their miniature Schnauzer and two cats. The best decision ever! They absolutely love the people, freedom, nature and quality of life here.

Between 2009-2020 Henriette worked in multiple mainly small animal clinics, and gained a lot of experience over a very broad range of conditions. In 2020, while still working part time in a very busy small animal hospital, she decided to start her own business, focusing mainly on home-based end-of-life care of pets. She soon discovered that doing this well, with care, respect, compassion and with the comforts of home, makes such a big difference to pets and their families, and is now focusing just on this full time.

Dr Monica Dickson

Monica graduated from University of Queensland in Veterinary Science over 30 years ago and worked initially in mixed practice followed by working as a small animal veterinarian.

After discovering the joys of motherhood, Monica had a long career break while raising a large family of 6 sons and 1 daughter.

When her youngest child had settled into school, Monica returned to practising as a veterinarian and loves the variety her career provides from working in the sheep health field with farmers and offering home euthanasia for pets.

As pets are much beloved members of the family, Monica believes that when the time has come to say goodbye, being able to facilitate this in a pet’s own home is the most comforting way to ensure grace and dignity for both pet owners and their pets.

Dr Kym Tapley

Dr Kym graduated from Murdoch University in 1998 and began her veterinary career in mixed practice but has been working in small animal practice since beginning a family. She has been a passionate animal lover her whole life and has never been without at least one furry family member in her home, oftentimes outnumbering the human kids! Her current dog is a very determined Miniature Dachshund who is always looking for cuddles, treats or something to bark at.

Kym is passionate about ensuring that all her patients have the best quality of life possible. She takes great comfort in being able to ease her patients suffering in the most gentle way possible when the time comes to say goodbye and providing emotional support to the family members at such a difficult time. She particularly loves working for The Kindest Goodbye, allowing these precious furry friends to be put to sleep in their own comfortable surroundings rather than the stress of a clinic, and so their family are able to go through such a sad occasion in the privacy of their home.

Dr Jared and Dr Jo

Dr Jared and Dr Jo, a husband and wife team, are both experienced, gentle, and empathetic vets who are completely dedicated to helping loving pet owners give their friend the dignified, respectful and loving passing they deserve, from the safety of home.

They respect the love and commitment that it takes for a pet owner to say goodbye when it’s time, and do all they can to make this as peaceful and stress-free as it can be.

Both of them practice fear-free medicine, and have over twenty years of working as veterinarians between them. Jo was born and raised in Perth and Jared was born in the United States.

They both graduated from Murdoch University and have spent time working internationally but have been settled back in Perth for over ten years now.

Dr Lauren Davis

After graduating in 2013 from Sydney University, Lauren began practising as a small animal veterinarian in a little clinic in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne where she grew up. She instantly loved her job and enjoyed building relationships with her clients and patients, a number of which she cared for from their puppyhood into their geriatric years. Although she found this deeply rewarding, clinical practice was busy, and it was often difficult to facilitate home visits around a busy practice schedule, particularly as the sole vet on duty. Despite the desperate need for home visits for pets and owners alike, there were times she simply couldn’t be there, and on more than one occasion it broke her heart to have to say no.

This inspired her journey to become a home visiting veterinarian. She feels very privileged to be able to allow pets and their families to say goodbye in their own way and in the most peaceful way possible.

Dr David Kahl

Dr Dave is an experienced veterinarian with further training in end of life care for pets. He grew up on a farm in Central Queensland surrounded by an assortment of pets and animals which is where he developed a strong bond and empathy with pets.

Growing up with animals led Dr Dave to undertake a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science with Honours at the University of Queensland. He has since practised veterinary medicine and surgery in both general practice and emergency before finding that his kind and compassionate nature could help pet owners through their difficult times.

Dr Dave believes that euthanasia can be our final gift to our beloved pets to prevent suffering and ensure their last days are good days. This is why providing this opportunity to Sunshine Coast pet owners is so important to him.

Dr Sandra Macheroux

Dr Sandra graduated in 1993 from the University of Sydney. She has attained her Memberships in Small Animal Medicine (ANZCVS) and a Diploma in Professional Photography.

She has travelled and lived all over the world. She has practised vet science in the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Australia.

She has a passion for philosophy, animal welfare and end of life care for pets. She is also a proud mum of two teenagers and Buddy, an adopted and much loved dog.

Favourite quote: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ―Theodore Roosevelt.

Dr Louise Grey

Dr Louise Grey graduated from the University of Sydney in 2004 and spent a few years there before moving to Canberra in 2009 with her husband. She fell in love with the Bush Capital immediately. Between work in clinic she’s produced a few kids and acquired a range of pets: a dog, a cat, two rats and a Hay’s flat coiled snail. Dr Louise has a passion for all things small and squeaky and has devoted herself to the care of exotic pets in addition to dogs and cats.

At the end of life it is so important to have the time to say goodbye, in an environment that supports everyone as much as possible, and home is often the best place for this. It is a privilege to be able to help families give their precious pet a loving and kind final goodbye and Dr Louise has found a new personal passion in being there for families and helping them provide this for their pet.

Dr Abby Masters

Dr Abby graduated from the University of QLD in 2013 where she completed a small animal internship before moving on to mostly small animal practice. She has had the privilege to work in the Northern Territory treating some of Australia’s most beautiful and impressive wildlife as well as being involved in rural and regional community dog health programs.
Now she has returned to her home town and resides in The Southern Highlands NSW with her young family, where she is focussed on providing veterinary support for families within their own home.

Dr Abby values the importance of providing a safe and comfortable journey for pets and their owners at this difficult time of life and is happy to be able to help families through the end of life transition in the comfort of their own homes.

Dr Kate

Dr Kate is an experienced Veterinarian with a special interest in end-of-life care. Growing up on a cattle property in NSW, she has always had a furry companion by her side. She treasures the beautiful bond humans & animals can form. After graduating from the University of QLD in 2012, Dr Kate found her passion in small animal practice, focusing on holistic well-being. She has flourished in palliative care, ensuring older pets have a pain-free and high-quality life.

Dr Kate is grateful for the privilege of providing peaceful euthanasia services & aims to make this moment filled with love & cherished memories. She strives to offer a kind & calm goodbye, addressing both the mental & physical needs of pets in their final moments.

Dr Josie Ginty

Dr Josie grew up in Sydney, studied at The Australian National University and Melbourne University, and now lives with two birds and two dogs on the Central Coast. She works part-time in Mixed Practice, providing professional and compassionate care to every creature from guinea pigs to goats.

Kindness is at the centre of all veterinary practice, and Josie strives to bring this philosophy to every encounter. She believes it is a privilege to be able to grant peaceful end of life care to pets in the comfort of their own home – whether it be snuggled up on the couch, in a patch of sunlight in the garden, or snuggled up on the lap of the people they love.

Favourite quote: “The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.” – C.S. Lewis

Dr Sandy Hume

Dr Sandy has worked in small animal and exotic pet practice for over 30 years and still enjoys meeting his patients and the people who care for them. Most of his career has been in his home town of Canberra, and with so many family connections to many of his clients, feels a bit like being the ‘Village Vet’. He can’t imagine life without animals and a Labrador, a python, 2 crazy rescue parrots and some chickens make up the tribe.

He feels that one of the most challenging parts of caring for our companions is their end of life care. Helping these beloved family members and their caregivers cross this bridge with dignity and compassion, at home with their family, is very comforting for our pets as they say goodbye to us.

Dr Kate Thompson

Dr Kate Thompson graduated from the University of Melbourne. Once graduated she initially went into mixed practice in Western Victoria. Since graduating she has worked across Victoria, Melbourne and the UK.

More recently Dr Kate has worked in equine practice and has extensive experience in medicine and has a passion for equine dentistry.

Kate enjoys all aspects of veterinary practice. She feels especially privileged and grateful that she can help people achieve a peaceful passing of their beloved pets at home. Allowing people to say goodbye in their own time and at home where they are most comfortable.

Dr Taylah Locastro

Dr Taylah is a kind and gentle veterinarian who is passionate about creating a meaningful & peaceful environment for your pet’s goodbye. She is friendly and calm in her approach, helping to ease any fear or stress during this time. Dr Taylah takes her time to get to know you and your precious furbaby, so there is no need to feel rushed.

When Dr Taylah isn’t helping with peaceful goodbyes, she works within the local veterinary community assisting in emergency, providing in-home palliative care, holistic veterinary options such as CBD oil, and volunteers for those in need with Pets In The Park.

Dr Rachel Moon

Dr Rachael is a compassionate and understanding veterinarian with over 10 years of experience.

She has been operating her own mobile veterinary service for the past 2 years and has helped many people say goodbye to their beloved pets peacefully in the comfort of their own home.

Dr Rachael will go out of her way to accommodate your wishes during this difficult time to make the kindest goodbye visit as peaceful as possible.

Dr Mel Hayde

Dr Mel has been caring for Melbourne’s pets for over 20 years, and has always enjoyed seeing the special bonds and love that people share with their furry friends.

She knows how heartbreaking it is when we have to say goodbye to them, so hopes to make the end-of-life journey a little bit easier by providing a gentle and peaceful passing for your beloved pet, allowing you to be together in the comfort of your own home during this very sad time.

Dr Melissa Closter

Melissa Closter graduated from university then spent some time working in Canberra before moving back to her home town Melbourne with her dog, Luna. She enjoys working with dogs and cats as well as other small creatures such as birds, rabbits and reptiles.

Dr Melissa feels privileged to be able to provide love and care for pets and their families at all stages of life, and is deeply passionate about creating peace and comfort when it is time to say goodbye.

Dr Beck Whiting

Beck graduated from The University of Melbourne and is a Geelong local. Caring for pets is her passion, and after recently becoming a mum, she has been reminded of the vital relationships pets create in a family.

Early in her career Beck grasped the significance of a peaceful euthanasia process, both for pets and their families, and feels it is privileged to be able to provide this service in what is often a difficult moment.

Dr Sam Marzouk

Sam received a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons) from the University of QLD.

After working in mixed practice for seven years, he moved to Sydney where as well as performing peaceful home euthanaisa for pets, he works as an emergency vet in both general practice and specialist hospitals.

In his spare time, I enjoy spending time with family & friends and his 1-year-old cat Tiger!