Our team fulfils the four C’s; Care, Commitment, Capable and Compassionate

Our team of passionate vets will look after your pet with the same care and attention they would give their own

Mr Richard W Bottom – BVSc MRCVS – Senior Veterinary Surgeon/Chairman and Financial Director

Dr Katie Kyle – BVetMed MRCVS – Clinical Director

Katie graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in January 2002. She then spent a short amount of time working for DEFRA during the foot and mouth crisis, before joining us as at Bay Vets. Today Katie works mainly from the Morecambe surgery. She loves her small animal general practitioner role and takes a particular interest in feline work. Outside of work Katie spends her time walking, cycling and gardening. She has a cat named George who was brought in as a stray a number of years ago, and a black Labrador called Molly who loves joining her on many walks in the lakes and dales.

Dr Colin Houston – BVM&S  CertSAS MRCVS – Director of Referral Services

After graduating from Edinburgh University in 1999, Colin worked in mixed practice in Cumbria for 3 years. He then spent a couple of years travelling and working in Australia and New Zealand. On his return to the UK, Colin worked in a first opinion and referral practice in Norfolk, where he obtained his certificate in Small Animal Surgery. He then returned to Cumbria to work in an orthopaedic referral practice before joining our team at Bay Vets in October 2011. Colin has a keen personal interest in orthopaedics and soft tissue surgery. He is married to Catherine, one of our vets who works at the Milnthorpe surgery, and has two energetic boys, Finn and Dougal. When he has time he enjoys walking, climbing and mountain biking.

Dr Paul Higton – BVMS MRCVS

Paul graduated from Glasgow University Vet School in 1992. He worked in mixed practice in the North East of England for 4 years before spending 6 months travelling though India, Nepal and Vietnam. He then worked in a rural veterinary practice in New Zealand. When he returned to the UK, Paul moved back to Lancaster where he had been brought up. For many years Paul has concentrated solely on companion animal medicine and surgery. When he’s not at work Paul is an outdoor enthusiast. He can often be found skiing, cycling, sailing, hill-walking, and competing in triathlons.

Dr Gary N Gibbons – BVetMed MRCVS

Gary graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 1993. He spent 5 years working in a busy mixed practice which was interspersed with a little global travel. Gary then worked predominantly in the East Anglia region of the UK where he concentrated increasingly on small animal work. The draw of the hills became too much however, and he moved north to join Bay Vets in 2005. Today he continues to develop his personal interest in small animal medicine. Outside of work Gary enjoys mountain biking, climbing, running, skiing, and in particular keeping his three Border Collies fit in the surrounding fells.

Dr Eleanor Skinn – BVMS MRCVS GPCertSAM

Ellie graduated from Glasgow Vet School in 2002. She spent her first 5 years in small animal practice near Middlesbrough then moved to Lancaster to join our Bay Vets team in 2007. Ellie is married to a chef named Stephen and together they have two children; Emily-Jane and Kieran. The family have a variety of animals at home including a dog, a cat, 2 guinea pigs and several fish – most of them originating from Bay Vets.

Dr Catherine Houston – BVM&S  MRCVS

Catherine graduated from Edinburgh University in 1999. After working for 3 years in a mainly small animal practice in York, she spent 2 years travelling in Australia and New Zealand. Back in the UK, Catherine worked in companion animal practice in Norfolk for 5 years before moving to Cumbria with her husband Colin; Director of Bay Vets Referral Services. Catherine enjoys her role as a small animal practitioner and has a particular interest in medicine. In her spare time, Catherine loves to get out onto the hills with her 2 young boys Finn and Dougal.

Dr Sophie Lawson – MA VetMB MRCVS

After graduating from Cambridge University in 1998, Sophie spent two years in mixed practice in Cornwall. Following six months travelling and working in Australia, she worked for a large small animal hospital in Plymouth. Sophie moved to Cumbria with her husband in 2004 and has worked in companion animal practice in the local area since then. Sophie joined Bay Vets in 2014 and particularly enjoys the diversity of small animal practice. She has three young children and a menagerie of pets, including a Sprocker Spaniel, a cat, a tortoise, rabbits and chickens, to keep her busy at home. Sophie is a keen runner, cyclist and swimmer but when she is not doing something sporty, she enjoys baking.

Dr Jordan Turner – BVSc MRCVS

Jordan joined the Bay Vets Team from Liverpool University where he graduated with a distinction in Veterinary Science. Jordan originally from Lancaster attended the Lancaster Royal Grammar School and spent time with Bay Vets whilst a student. He is particularly interested in surgery and hopes to gain further qualifications in the near future. Outside of work he enjoys snowboarding, cooking, playing squash and spending time with his fiancée who is a veterinary student.

Dr Louise Tulley – BVM&S MRCVS

Louise graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1999. She initially worked in mixed practice in Cornwall before taking time out of the profession to have her 4 children. Louise is married to Will, also a Vet, and they have recently returned from a few years living in New Zealand where Louise was working as a small animal vet. In between working and looking after the family, her spare time is limited but she enjoys walking, swimming and reading.

Dr Emma Turner – BVSc MRCVS

Emma graduated from the University of Liverpool with honours and a distinction in Veterinary Science. Emma spent time with Bay Vets as a student and has a particular interest in medicine. In her spare time she enjoys playing netball, horse riding, snowboarding and spending time with her Fiancé who is also a Veterinary Surgeon. Emma has a pet cat called Bagel who was brought into Bay Vets as a stray kitten, a pet rabbit, gerbil and a variety of fish.

Mrs Heather Joyce – RVN – Nurse Manager

Heather worked as a Personal Assistant until she was in her thirties, at which point she made a career change to follow her childhood ambition of becoming a veterinary nurse. As well as her impressive nursing skills, Heather is very involved with other aspects of practice administration such as promotions and newsletters. Heather loves nothing more than spending time with her various pets, but most of all her dogs.  She spends her spare time helping her husband work their spaniels on game shoots and being outdoors.  She also enjoys travelling and seeing new places and cultures.

Miss Vicky Jones – RVN – Head Nurse (Milnthorpe)

Vicky has been with us at Bay Vets for over 10 years and is mainly based at our Milnthorpe surgery. In 2007 Vicky worked in a vet practice near Brisbane, Australia for a year. She then spent a month in Koh Phangan in Thailand where she volunteered in an animal sanctuary. At home Vicky has three dogs; two Vizlas named Fen and Yours Truly, and a German Wire-haired Pointer called Jai. She also has several birds of prey and ferrets.

Miss Lauren Williams – RVN FdSc Head Nurse Behaviour

Lauren qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2009, and joined us at Bay Vets in February 2012. She enjoys all aspects of nursing and has a keen interest in companion and animal behaviour. Outside of work Lauren can be found outdoors horse riding. She also spends her spare time agility training her much loved Labrador, Beau, and working gundog tests.

Mrs Joanne McCartney – RVN & Cat Advocate

Jo joined us as a receptionist in 1997. However, she soon became more hands on with the animals and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2004. Since having her two children, Jo works part time at our Lancaster surgery. She enjoys all aspects of her job, but is especially keen caring for felines, and has three of her own at home. Joanne along with her colleague Diane have successfully made our Lancaster surgery accredited with the ISFM Cat Friendly accreditation and is now known as one of our Cat Advocates.

Mrs Mary Bench – RVN BSc(Hons) Veterinary Nursing

Mary has been nursing for 4 years and recently qualified with an honours degree in Veterinary Nursing from UCLAN. She enjoys the varied nature of nursing, from puppy parties to assisting vets in theatre, and everything in between. In her spare time Mary is busy looking after her son, James. She enjoys going to music festivals and gigs, and looks after her pets including her cat and energetic retriever, Cloud.

Mrs Emma Read – RVN BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Emma completed a National Diploma in Animal Care, and a Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Myerscough College. She then went on to achieve her dream job of becoming a veterinary nurse; qualifying in 2009. She joined us at Bay Vets in 2010 and genuinely enjoys all aspects of her job. Emma doesn’t have much spare time as her little girl Pippa and all her pets fill it! However outside of work Emma enjoys catching up with friends and family and looking after her animals; Stella the Labrador cross (who likes lying in dirty puddles) and Thomas, the lovely old foster cat from Cats Protection

Miss Manuela (Manii) Williams – RVN – Head Nurse (Morecambe)

Manii joined us as a student in 2011 and passed her exams with flying colours to become a qualified veterinary nurse in 2013. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends and going to music festivals. She adores her dog, Tequila, who was her inspiration to start looking after animals and led to her career in becoming a veterinary nurse.

Miss Susan McArthur – RVN – Head Nurse (Lancaster)

Susan joined the team in 2013 after moving to the area from Scotland and became Head Nurse of our Lancaster surgery early 2016. Susan qualified as a Veterinary Nurse from Edinburgh Telford College in 2012 with an RVN Diploma. Susan is interested in all aspects of Nursing, especially diabetes and runs regular clinics for our diabetic patients. At the weekend Susan can be found competing on her horse Hope locally.

Mrs Stephanie Lindsay – Animal Nursing Assistant

After completing a Diploma in Animal care at Lancaster and Morecambe College, Stephanie joined our Morecambe surgery. She has been an auxiliary nurse at our practice since 2004. Stephanie is trained in all areas of veterinary nursing including both pre and post-operative care as well as regularly working at the reception desk. Stephanie is married with three teenage children and their house is home to a number of pets including 2 long legged lurchers, Bramble and Jet.

Mrs Gemma Baker – Animal Nursing Assistant

Gemma is an auxiliary nurse at our Lancaster surgery. She previously worked as a zookeeper at Blackpool Zoo for 14 years, and has experience working with all animals from kangaroos and elephants to cats and ferrets. In her spare time Gemma enjoys walking in the countryside with her lively spaniel, Poppy, and spending time with her family and friends. She is a keen runner now too, having completed the Manchester 10km race.

Mrs Jane Whiteley – RVN BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare – Community Nurse

Jane started work at Bay Vets in 2012 as an auxiliary nurse. She loves the job and has progressed quickly to become a great addition to the Morecambe team. Her job as a community nurse involves organising trips to schools, educational evenings and fundraising events. Occasionally you may see her out and about driving the pet ambulance. Outside work she enjoys going to the gym and keeping fit, walking and spending time with her family. In 2004 Jane did a Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and successfully passed. In 2016 she then went on to be a qualified Veterinary Nurse.

Mrs Mairi Cheesman BSc – Auxiliary Nurse

Mairi joined our team in the fall of 2015 as an Auxiliary Nurse. Mairi obtained a Degree in Zoology from Aberdeen University in 2006 and then worked as an Animal Care Assistant in a Veterinary practice in Largs on the west coast of Scotland for 4 years. After moving to Lancaster in 2011 for her husband’s work, she then spent 4 years as a stay-at-home mum to their daughter. Mairi enjoys long walks in the countryside with their dog Poppy, visiting family in Scotland and Northern Ireland and exploring new places and cultures.

Miss Demi Ann Seddon – Auxiliary Nurse

Demi joined our team in the fall of 2015 as an Auxiliary Nurse. Demi has been passionate about animals since a young age and started horse riding at the age of 4. Since then Demi has owned a variety of animals including: Budgies, Hamsters, Dogs & Bunnies. Demi currently has a Staffie called Tia, a bunny called Cookie and a hamster called Jerry. In her spare time she enjoys long walks with her boyfriend and the dogs, horse riding and cuddling with her pet rabbit. Demi has a Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management and a Level 2 in work based Animal Care Skills as well as specialist wildlife training from the RSPCA. As well as caring for domestic pets, Demi is also passionate about the rehabilitation of wildlife and she hopes to help out any wildlife passing throughout the surgeries.

Miss Bethany Carlile BSc – Auxiliary Nurse

Bethany joined our team in the fall of 2015 as an Auxiliary Nurse. Bethany gained a Diploma in Forensic Science in 2011, she then went on to complete a Degree in Animal Behaviour at Manchester Metropolitan University qualifying with a BSc. In her spare time, Bethany enjoys socialising with friends and family, baking and cake decorating and exploring the countryside and discovering new walks which she can take her three dogs on.

Miss Georgia Lambert – Auxiliary Nurse

Georgia joined the Bay Vets team officially in the Summer of 2016 after taking a gap year following on from her A Levels at Lancaster Girls Grammar School. During this time, Georgia gained experience in veterinary nursing by volunteering at the Lancaster Bay Vets Surgery. Georgia is interested in all areas of veterinary nursing and hopes to gain the qualification in the future. During her spare time, Georgia enjoys walking in the Lakes with her Chihuahua Bailey, and hopes to start horse riding again after taking a break to concentrate on sixth form. She also enjoys music festivals and going to see her favourite bands.

Miss Helena Ransome-Prince – Auxiliary

Helena helps at the Lancaster branch on a Saturday, as she is currently studying for her A levels at Lancaster Girls Grammar School and wants to become a Veterinary Surgeon. She really enjoys working at Bay Vets and is gaining lots of valuable experience, after joining in the autumn of 2016. Outside of work and sixth form she likes to take her 2 Irish wolfhounds, Toowoomba and Tangalooma, for long walks, and also enjoys horse riding.

Miss Hannah Coates PgDVetPhys – Veterinary Physiotherapy

Hannah has recently joined our team and is offering her services to our clients as a Veterinary Physiotherapist. She has a particular interest in the treatment of older pets and post-injury rehabilitation. Hannah is a member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists and completed her training at Harper Adams University, after first gaining a degree in Equine Science from Aberystwyth University. As well as dogs and small animals, Hannah also treats horses. In her spare time she enjoys walking, mountain biking and riding her young horse Rudi.

Mrs Cheryl Dixon-Baldwin – Head Receptionist – Lancaster

After working in the hospitality industry for 10 years Cheryl decided on a career change. In 2007 she is quoted to have “landed my dream job” as our receptionist at Bay Vets. Cheryl loves meeting and greeting clients and enjoys rewarding animals for being brave with lots of cuddles and treats. Out of work Cheryl enjoys socialising with family and friends, watching sport and looking after Gnawbert and Betty, her rabbits.

Mrs Diane Bain – Senior Receptionist & Cat Advocate

Diane joined Bay Vets in November 2010. Diane loves all thing cat and has recently completed a Level 3 Dipolma in Feline Behaviour, and is at hand to solve all your cat troubles. In her spare time Diane is mummy to Noah, wife to Brett and head staff member to cats Olivia and Cody. Diane has worked towards making our Lancaster surgery accredited with the ISFM Cat Friendly accreditation with her Cat Advocate colleague Jo McCartney.

Miss Angela De Lacy Roberts

Angela is one of our long term receptionists. She is one of the friendly faces you will see on reception at Morecambe. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, going to the gym and spending time with family and friends when not working. She also has a dog and a cat.

Mrs Jo Smith

Jo has recently joined the Bay Vets team at our Milnthorpe surgery. After working in an animal sanctuary for 5 years, working alongside ostriches, horses, otters and monkeys, Jo moved down to the Lake District and couldn’t wait to get started at Bay Vets! In her spare time Jo likes to spend time with her own little monkey and family, walking the dogs and spending time outdoors.

Miss Charlotte Eames

Charlotte joined us at Bay Vets in the Summer of 2015 after previously working in the hospitality industry for 3 years in a busy city centre establishment. In her spare time Charlotte likes to help her dad on his local farm. She has a keen interest in all types of animals and even looks after her own pets being sheep, dogs, ducks, chickens and guinea pigs. Charlotte is looking forward to spending her future with Bay Vets and sharing her past experiences from her time in hospitality and the love of all things on 4 legs.

Mrs Vanessa Boismaison

Vanessa has joined us in the Spring of 2016. After eight & a half years in banking Vanessa is really pleased to be starting a new role at Bay Vets. Vanessa loves animals and working with people. At the moment she only has tropical fish but we are sure that will soon change. Vanessa has two grown up children and loves spending time with her family. She also researches and visits places of local history in her spare time.

Mrs Victoria Orange

Victoria joined us in the spring of 2016. Victoria is excited to be joining the team as a receptionist, after 15 years working as an optical dispenser. She has a passion for animals, and loves to work with people, so she feels this is the perfect job for her. Victoria has 3 cats of her own, a rescue cat called Tinker, and 2 strays called Lady & Edwin. In her spare time, Victoria loves walking with her husband, especially coastal walks in Britain. She enjoys spending time with her family and likes to sketch outdoors. Victoria also practices Hypnotherapy….she says it keeps her nice and calm.

Miss Stacey Murphy

Stacey joined us at the start of 2017 and is usually based at our Milnthorpe surgery. Stacey has worked with Animal’s since leaving school and has experience in working with birds of prey, horses and then worked in a kennel & cattery for 9 years. In her spare time Stacey loves spending time with her family, walking her dogs and horse riding.

Miss Linda Raine – Boutique Assistant

After qualifying as a teacher Linda went on to work for nearly 20 years as a system analyst in the civil service. It was in 2011 that she found the perfect job running our Bay Vets Boutique. Linda loves meeting pets and their owners; she has made it her mission to supply those with pets with everything they need to provide their animals with healthy and happy lives. Linda has always been passionate about animal welfare and has been a volunteer at Animal Care for 16 years. She also re-homes rescue dogs; Yogi, a Border Collie is the latest addition to her family. In her spare time Linda loves fell walking, tennis, gardening and painting.

Miss Anita E Lowis – Cert (B&PS) – Administrative Director, Practice Management and Finance

Anita is a local farmer’s daughter.  She joined the Practice in 2002 having previously worked as a Commercial Bank Manager. She now acts as the Administrative Director and Company Secretary. Anita keeps busy on her own smallholding in the Lune Valley looking after her Shorthorn cattle, Herdwick sheep, three Fell ponies, chickens and Border Collie.

Mrs Louise Gilbert – Credit Control Manager

Louise started working as a nurse/receptionist for the vets back in 1989, before the merger that established Bay Vets Ltd. She later went on to have children and upon her return, took up the role of Credit Control Manager, working mainly part time. As well as credit control, Louise also enjoys sorting out the animal insurance claims. Outside of work Louise loves spending time with her family. She also has a young energetic Labrador who requires lots of walks. Her interests include dog walking, crafts and reading.

Mrs Alison Pearson – Practice Manager

Alison joined the practice in 2013 and thoroughly enjoys her role as Practice Manager. She previously worked as a qualified Dental Nurse for 6 years. Alison also has a wealth of experience working with the public after owning her own hotel and acting as Front of House Manager for a large Spa and Beauty Salon. Alison enjoys outdoor activities such as cycling, running and discovering new walks in the country. She has a cat named Beau and 3 wonderful children.

Miss Sarah Louise Berry Cert (PM&A) – Brand Development Manager

Sarah joined our practice in 2014 having previously gained a Diploma in Business Administration. After working in various roles from Admin to Hospitality, Sarah feels she has landed the perfect job of working within our surgery combining her two favourite things being pets and administration.

Sarah completed a certificate in Practice Management & Administration at Improve International based in Swindon which is a European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies in 2016.

In her spare time Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, and researching crystal healing as a hobby. She also has 3 spoilt rescue cat’s called Bella, Mr Grey & Jasmine.

Mrs Suzanne Kitching – Business Support

Suzanne has recently returned to Bay Vets after having a family. Her new role is in Business Support, which fits well with her previous experience in Finance and Administration. Outside of work, Suzanne is kept busy looking after her children Megan & Sophie and Zabby their Jack Russell Terrier. She and her husband enjoy walking with the family and Suzanne is a keen baker with a particular talent for cake decoration.

Mr Chris Turner – Pet Transport/Maintenance

Chris joined us in the Spring of 2016 as our Pet Transport driver and general handyman.  Chris has worked in various maintenance roles in the past from a wardens position for a multiple award winning caravan park in the Lake District to being the head of Wildlife development and conservation. In his spare time Chris enjoys playing darts for his local team and dote’s on his grandchildren.