Meet our vets

We offer a higher level of care than the average vet clinic with professional interest staff, a diversity of knowledge, and a holistic approach. Our team is made up of more than 60 vets and 90 nurses. Our staff love what they do – it’s more than a job.

Dr Patrick Cheah, BVSc

Patrick has worked at Lort Smith since 1993. He is proud to be part of a team of devoted and dedicated staff that help to provide such important work to the community, and enjoys interacting with so many varied pets who arrive every day. While the organisation is always growing and improving, Patrick is glad that one constant always remains – that Lort Smith treats thousands of pets each year that may otherwise not receive the veterinary care they need. For a veterinarian, it’s exciting and challenging work – Patrick reports that there’s never a dull day here! Often he’s required to treat dogs who have literally bitten off more than they can chew – even a Labrador who had eaten a pair of his carer’s underwear!

Dr Harold Pook BVSc, MVSc – Veterinarian Consultant

Harold joined Lort Smith in 1998 and has over 45 years of experience. He is a medical consultant with an interest in ultrasound, endoscopy and internal medicine. Harold enjoys working at Lort Smith because of the commitment and strong camaraderie among the staff who all work hard to provide high value veterinary care to animals that would miss out if the organisation didn’t exist. A memorable case for Harold was management of an Australian cattle dog with heart failure who was a companion and support to a returned serviceman. Watching the personal growth of the carer over two years while Harold treated his special dog was very moving, as during that time he changed from being a recluse to beginning a relationship, becoming a vegan and being prepared to speak publicly about his personal experiences.

Dr Tina BVSc, MANZCVS

Tina joined the Lort Smith team in 2023 and works at our Campbellfield location. She enjoys working in a not-for-profit organisation because she can help both animals and people in need. Tina has a Membership in pet behaviour and provides veterinary support for cats and dogs with behavioural issues such as phobias, reactivity, or separation anxiety. At home, she dotes on her beloved pets Pluto, the Nova Scotia Duck Troller, and two cats, Anakin and Crookshanks, who she adopted through an animal rescue.