Meet Our Team
Meet the Team at Geelong Veterinary Hospital
At Geelong Veterinary Hospital, we are proud to be a dedicated and purpose-built clinic in Grovedale, providing exceptional veterinary care for over 30 years. Conveniently located just 10 minutes from Geelong, 5 minutes from Armstrong Creek, and only an hour from Melbourne, we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care for pets and livestock alike.
Our experienced and compassionate team is the heart of our clinic. With a shared dedication to animal health and wellbeing, we provide top-quality veterinary services for a wide range of animals, from dogs, cats, and horses to cattle, sheep, goats, and other farm animals. Whether it’s routine check-ups, surgical procedures, or emergency care, we have the facilities, knowledge, and technical expertise to ensure your animals receive the best treatment possible.
Our close-knit team consists of seven skilled veterinarians, five dedicated veterinary nurses, our friendly practice manager, and our welcoming office receptionist. Each of us brings a wealth of experience and a genuine love for animals, ensuring that every patient receives personalised, professional care.
We invite you to get to know us better, read our team bios below to learn more about the passionate people who make Geelong Veterinary Hospital the trusted choice for veterinary care.
James Vanner
Veterinarian & Practice Owner (BVSc)
Dr. James Vanner is our fantastic clinic owner and director and has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 40 years. James has extensive knowledge and experience in horse and small animal work, with a particular interest in surgery, including orthopaedic surgery and reproductive work in both dogs and horses.
James is also a registered breeder of high-quality German Shorthaired Pointers, suitable for hunting, showing, or as beloved family companions. In addition to his passion for dogs, he is an Angus cattle breeder, dedicated to producing top-quality livestock.
Outside of veterinary work and breeding, James has a lifelong love of equestrian sports and is a retired polo player.
His deep connection to animals, from working dogs to horses and livestock, is evident in his dedication to their health and wellbeing.
Ashleigh Hicks
Veterinarian (BVSc (Hons))
Ashleigh graduated at the end of 2022, with honours from the University of Queensland. She is originally a local girl and joined us in January after moving her young family back to Geelong. Before becoming a vet, Ashleigh was a research scientist so brings with her a wealth of surgical experience.
Ashleigh has a passion for surgery, pathology, and exotics and is excited to get to know all of your furry, feathered, and scaly friends. She loves to give all your fur-babies lots of cuddles while they are here for their vet visits.
In her down-time, Ashleigh loves crafts, sewing, the beach, and spending time with her 2 dogs, 3 cats, and small humans.
Tyler Baxter
Head Nurse (Bachelor in Veterinary Technology)
Tyler completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at Massey University in New Zealand at the end of 2016. She made the move to Australia and joined Geelong Veterinary Hospital in late 2019. She brings with her a vast knowledge of small and large animal nursing, specifically horses. Her passions include surgical nursing and anaesthesia, and she has a love for teaching Puppy Preschool. Tyler enjoys helping and educating clients who are bringing a new fur-member into the family.
Outside of the clinic Tyler enjoys riding and competing horses in Show Jumping. She also loves the outdoors and travelling, spending her weekends out exploring what Australia has to offer. Tyler currently has no fur babies of her own here in Australia, but volunteers as a Cat Foster Carer for GAWS.
Gemma Bottrell
Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV In Veterinary Nursing)
Gemma started with Geelong Veterinary Hospital in February 2022. She completed her Animal Studies in 2019 and her Veterinary Nursing Cert IV in May 2022. Her favourite thing about being a nurse is cuddling and caring for all the patients that come through the door. She loves to make patients fell at ease while at the vet. She also has a passion for all things horse related and would love to further her career in equine nursing.
When she is not at work, Gemma loves to spend all her time riding and competing on her horses. She has three dogs, Cleo, Theo and Lilly that also keep her busy!
Jayde Cooper
Veterinary Nurse
Jayde started with us in August 2022, while she is completing her placement hours for her Certificate of Veterinary Nursing. She immediately fit in to the team so well she was hired as our newest Vet Nurse, and she will be fully qualified in early 2023. Jayde has always had a passion for animals and loves working with clients and helping them care for their pet. Jayde always cares for her patients like her own animals, providing them the best care that she can.
When Jayde is not at work, she is out enjoying nature with her husband, two daughters and her fur babies, Max and Tank.
If you’d like to contact the team at Geelong Veterinary Hospital, you can call us on (03) 5241 1796 or send us a message through our Contact Us page. We look forward to hearing from you!