OUR STAFF
Dr. Chris Vogt – Practice Principal and Veterinarian
Chris qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 1981 following on from having completed a BSc in Zoology and Botany. In 1985 he went into partnership in Johannesburg and owned and ran three veterinary hospitals. In 1993 having decided to leave private practice before the age of 40, he became Chief Veterinarian at Johannesburg Zoo. This proved to be his dream job and he was instrumental in undertaking some world firsts in the veterinary world including diagnosing and treating an aortic aneurism in a 44 year old female chimpanzee called Josephine. He also acted as veterinary advisor when the zoo rescued all the animals from Luanda Zoo in Angola that were dying from neglect and starvation. In 1997 Chris, Diana and their three children made the move to the UK and in June 1999 moved to Exeter, Devon and bought Polsloe Veterinary Clinic. Always looking for new challenges Chris looked to expand and in September 2007 they opened a brand new practice in Rockbeare on the outskirts of Exeter, Cranbrook Veterinary Centre. Chris is very happy that he gets to spend each working day in his family business with his wife and two of his daughters, Ingrid and Kelli. Bruce, their son, is a Doctor in Taunton.
Mrs. Diana Vogt – Director and Practice Manager
Diana has been working in the veterinary industry for 24 years. She worked alongside Chris, her husband, for many years in his practice before he took on the role of Chief Veterinarian at Johannesburg Zoo. During his time there, Diana decided to use her knowledge and experience gained within the veterinary industry to reestablish the administration and customer service side of a small veterinary practice in Johannesburg. A role she relished, until the Vogt’s move to the UK in December 1997. Many of you may have heard Diana’s now famous statement to Chris that she would work at Polsloe Veterinary Clinic for 6 months and then handed the reigns over to someone else. Well, over a decade later and with another practice under her wing she is still the lady that keeps us all afloat and in check! Dealing with wages, accounts and complaints, she is Polsloe and Cranbrook’s mother hen – who we just could not quite do without! She is married to Chris, mother to Ingrid and Kelli who also form part of the Polsloe and Cranbrook team. A cat lover and tea addict, she loves nothing better than relaxing in bed with a good book after a day at the beach (now, if she could only get time off work!)
Mrs. Ingrid Hunt – Qualified Veterinary Nurse and Clinical Training Manager
Ingrid is a qualified veterinary nurse and the clinical training manager at Polsloe and Cranbrook. She has a passion for nursing and giving back to the veterinary industry by providing trainee nurses with information and training to help nurture and strengthen their own passion for providing sterling care and treatment to animals in the south west and indeed wherever their career shall take them. Ingrid has a BSc in Zoology and Botany and an MSc in Wildlife Management Conservation and Control. Growing up in South Africa, she has had a love affair with wildlife all her life. She and her family have had the privilege of interacting with creatures great and small, from elephants to bush babies, and she has learnt to care for and respect them all no matter what their size. She enjoys teaching her young son all she learnt about animals when she was a child, instilling in him the beauty they can bring to peoples’ lives. Of course this is all with the help of their Domestic Shorthair Nymphadora.
Miss Kelli Vogt – Deputy Practice Manager
Kelli has worked in the family business for 7 years, but you could say she and her siblings have been involved in their fathers work since they could walk and talk! Growing up on the grounds of Johannesburg Zoo in South Africa, some of her fondest memories are of disappearing into the zoo, barefoot and ready for adventure. Memories ranging from throwing fresh fish to eagerly awaiting seals, wiping the after birth off a newly born Eland with only the keepers’ headlights for light to being woken up by Chris at 5am to stand on top of the crates of newly rescued wildlife to watch them being released into their new enclosures in the zoo. She has a passion for caring for animals and providing people with the best information so that they too can care for their beloved pets. In her spare time she is an avid movie, music and literature fan, enjoys gardening, cooking and being taken care of by her Domestic Shorthair Amy Cat. (If you have met Kelli, you have most likely heard all about Amy!!!) Kelli is the Pet Plan Insurance Advisor of the Year 2010!
Dr. Thomas Mitchell – Veterinary Surgeon
Tom is a veterinarian, behaviourist and professional dog trainer. As well as his veterinary degree (Bristol), he also holds a first class honours in Animal Behaviour & Welfare (Bristol). With the aim of reaching more people and dogs, Tom divides his time between his veterinary work, international behaviour consultancy (BEHAVET) and teaching other vets, trainers and behaviourists, owners and sports competitors through his company absoluteDOGS. Tom does behaviour consults within the practice as well as receiving referrals from far and wide. Aside from this, Tom has keen interests in internal medicine, pain management, rehabilitation and sports medicine.
Dr. Michaela Cragg – Veterinary Surgeon
Michaela grew up in Cornwall. She and her family are passionate about animals and she grew up caring for many different species from African Grey Parrots to Leopard Geckos. This inspired her to head to Nottingham University in 2009 to embark on her Veterinary Training. Michaela joined Polsloe and Cranbrook in 2015 and is loves being close to her family and the coastline again. She has strong interests in gastrointestinal medicine, dermatology and ultrasonography. She has two gorgeous cats called Scrumpy and Jaegar and has a soft spot for any feline creature. She enjoys spending her time with her family and exploring the beautiful Devon Countryside.
Dr. Onneile Reid – Veterinary Surgeon
I was born and raised in a small town called Mahalapye, Botswana.
I moved to the UK in 2011 to pursue my bachelor degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. After completing my degree in August 2017 I moved back home for a few months where I worked in a mixed practice with some volunteering work in the shelter; I had an opportunity to travel the country and educate many people in rural areas and do practical work that built my surgical skills. I moved back to the UK in May 2018, when my husband and I decided to move to England. I love all aspect of veterinary medicine with my main interest being soft tissue surgery.
Outside work I enjoy sewing, spending time with my husband and travelling back home to see my loved ones and have a good time.
Miss Alex McRobbie – Student Veterinary Nurse
My name is Alex and I live in Exeter. I joined Polsloe and Cranbrook in September 2012 having always wanted to work in the veterinary profession. I’m particularly interested in the exotic animals the practice deals with and I’m keen to gain more knowledge in the care of birds and reptiles etc. I hold NVQ levels 1, 2 and 3 in Equine Care and Management and have previously worked on a professional show yard. I have my own horse called Harlequin and when I am not working I can be found out riding or walking the family dog, a Dalmatian called Logan. I also have a rescue cat called Darcy.
Miss Caitlin Drew – Animal Care Assistant
My name is Caitlin. I’m from England and the Philippines. I live in Paignton with my partner Sian and our cat Casper.
I started work at Cranbrook and Polsloe Vets in August 2018. Before this I studied Animal Management Level 3 and Extended Diploma at South Devon College.
I’ve been lucky enough to live in several different countries due to my Dad’s work, so I’ve had amazing opportunities to meet incredible animals around the world.
I’m loving my job at the moment as I’ve had a passion for animals from a young age.
I’m most looking forward to working along side the vets and vet nurses more, meeting new people and anything new is exciting really!
Miss Emily Armstrong Haines – Student Veterinary Nurse
My name is Emily, I am a Student Veterinary Nurse studying BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing Science with Hartpury College (UWE). Previous to this, I graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a FdSc in Animal Management. I have a great interest in wildlife, having previously worked at a Wildlife Rescue Centre. Outside of Veterinary and studying, I love to travel and go on adventures all over the world! My own animal family consists of six dogs, two cats and a hamster.
Miss Megan Hawkins – Animal Care Assistant
My name is Megan and I joined Polsloe and Cranbrook in August 2018 having always wanted to work with animals. I decided to take this step after completing my A-Levels as it was the opportunity to fulfill my passion. I am looking forward to starting college in September 2019 and developing my knowledge of veterinary nursing. Outside of work I enjoy being outdoors with my dog, Pippa, or spending time with my family and friends.
Miss Chloe Brown – Student Veterinary Nurse
My name is Chloe and I am currently a Student Veterinary Nurse at Harper Adams University. I am currently on my placement year. I joined Polsloe and Cranbrook in September 2019, having always had a passion for animals. I decided to pursue my dream job and go to university to study as a Veterinary Nurse. I love working with all kinds of animals, especially horses. I am originally from Northern Ireland. Having lived across the water for a few years I do really miss my family, however, having the opportunity to carry out my placement here at Cranbrook and Polsloe has made me feel right at home and I have enjoyed every second!
Miss Sarah Francis – Student Veterinary Nurse
My name is Sarah and I joined the Polsloe and Cranbrook team in June 2019. I am currently a Student Veterinary nurse and I am studying at Hartpury University in Gloucester. I have wanted to work in the animal industry from a young age as I enjoy working in a team and love animals. I have found working at Polsloe and Cranbrook great fun as everyone is very welcoming and kind. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and going travelling.
Miss Emily Griffith – Student Veterinary Nurse
My name is Emily. I started studying to become a Veterinary Nurse at Hartpury University in September 2018 as I have always loved animals and knew from a young age that I wanted to work within the veterinary profession. I started my placement at Polsloe and Cranbrook in June 2019 and I am loving learning about all aspects of being a Veterinary Nurse. I am also enjoying working with the whole team and getting to experience working with a wide range of animals at both practices! Outside of work I love spending time with friends and family including my Labrador Alfie and exploring Exeter.
Miss Monet Wozencroft – Student Veterinary Nurse
My name is Monet. I am a student nurse completing my second year of a degree in veterinary nursing science at Hartpury university in Gloucester. I started here at Cranbrook and Polsloe in June 2019. There are lots of aspects of veterinary nursing that I am really enjoying learning about and experiencing especially working along side the team and caring for a wide variety of different animals. I am originally from Plymouth and when I’m not working I love visiting my family and friends down there including my cat Ninja.
CHARITY WORK
Cats Protection
As cat lovers we have always tried to help the Cats Protection by giving them preferential prices as well as encouraging donations.
Download Caring for your cat for more information from Cats Protection.
Animals Asia
We are proud to announce that we are supporting Animals Asia in their worthwhile work. Please go to Animals Asia for more information. We have donation boxes in the practice so you can get rid of all your loose change!
Any donation will be gratefully accepted!
Click here to see some of the amazing work that this wonderful organisation does.
TUSK
We are proud to announce that our chosen charity for 2017 is Tusk. Please go to Tusk.org for more information and to make your own personal donation to this very worthy cause.
Click here to see some of the amazing work that this wonderful organisation does.
