Our Staff
The staff of Woollahra Veterinary Hospital work as a team to assist in the effective management of your pet’s health and lifestyle. We love what we do and strive to excel in our range of services from management of medical cases to casual counter enquiries and friendly drop in visits from our regular locals.
All veterinarians employed by the practice are members of the Australian Veterinary Association [AVA] and are bound by the Association’s Code of Ethics and its continuing education program.
We are also members of the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association [ASAVA] and subscribe to the Veterinary Information Network [VIN].
We value your feedback to our service and are available to answer any questions you may have about your pet’s health at any time.
Dr Paul Hansen
BVSc
Paul graduated from the University of Qld in 1986 and has practiced in large multi-vet Sydney hospitals at Guildford, Fairfield and Newtown before moving to Woollahra.
He has had a long standing voluntary involvement with the Australian Veterinary Association [AVA], convening the AVA’s Ethics and Complaints Subcommittee for several years, and office bearing as the Sydney Metropolitan Practitioners Branch President, AVA NSW President and the AVA’s representative on the Department of Local Government’s Companion Animal Advisory Board.
Paul has a strong commitment to the community role that the veterinary general practitioner plays and enjoys the fact that a veterinarian’s life is never dull!
Paul currently consults six days at Woollahra vets.
Dr Penny Dobson
BVSc MNZACVSc
Penny graduated from the University of Qld in 1986 and has practiced across Sydney in areas as diverse as Guildford, Double Bay, Waverley, Stanmore, Five Dock, Rose Bay and Denistone. Penny was admitted to the New Zealand and Australian College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in Canine Medicine in 1991 and has a special interest in veterinary nutrition. She was the Secretary of the AVA Sydney Metropolitan Practitioners Branch for twelve years and currently works as a full time senior nutritional consultant for Hills Pet Nutrition as well as a part time clinical veterinarian. Penny grew up on acreage surrounded by animals and has always maintained a multicat household. Penny and Paul have a beautiful 13 year old daughter Olivia and a young and boistrous female black and white domestic cat Clarice. Penny can be contacted through the Hills Helpline: 1800 679932 for nutritional or dietary advice.
Dr Julie Brooks
BVSc BSc MNZACVSc
Julie graduated from Bristol University in the UK with both a BVSc in Veterinary Medicine and a BSc in Animal Behaviour. She spent 18 months working in a busy North London companion animal practice before she and her husband decided to move to sunnier climes.Julie has worked in several Eastern Suburbs practices and across the Bridge as well as working with Penny at Hills Pet Nutrition. She has special interests in feline medicine, nutrition and animal behaviour and was successfully admitted into the New Zealand and Australian College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in 2014 in Animal Behaviour. Julie is owned by an [English] black cat called Sebastian who loves being a Sydney-sider and keeping her busy with both medical and behavioural problems! Julie currently consults at Woollahra vets on Wednesdays and on occasional weekends. Behaviour consultations can be booked by appointment with Julie on Wednesdays.
Callum, Adam, Alex, Dan
Callum, Adam , Alex and Dan are our University of Sydney Veterinary Science students who work at Woollahra vets on Saturday and Sunday mornings and occasionally on weekdays to gain experience in a veterinary clinic while studying. Young, enthusiastic and pet owners themselves, they engage us with veterinary education at Sydney uni and emerging trends. Global citizens all, they are always keen to meet you and your pets.
Samantha Mielke and Sarah Dallera
Samantha and Sarah are our morning and afternoon nurses on weekdays.They also manage Reception, front of house and boarding. Samantha is from Melbourne, has a science degree with a focus on bio-science and has worked in Emergency centres in both the UK and Australia. She lives locally with her kelpie, Lou Lou. Sarah has nursing qualifications from Italy, where she worked in both general and specialist veterinary practices, and is now studying for an Australian Cert IV in veterinary nursing.Sarah has a behavioural interest and runs a training business at home in Italy. She brought her dog, Brioche, with her to Sydney and has since adopted a kitten, Trigger. Samantha and Sarah are also PAs for Silver, the hospital cat!