ABOUT US
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital is a full-service 24 hour, 365 days a year, animal hospital and emergency centre providing a comprehensive health care service to the Upper Highway area and beyond. Our Veterinarians offer a wide range of medical, surgical and diagnostic services right here at the practice.
We offer 24hr high quality care by a dedicated team for our patients. Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital is a well-equipped facility with the latest instrumentation and technology allowing us to provide the highest level of care for your family member.
We are here to help you with your beloved pets.
“An everlasting thank you from Mvula, liver-nosed ridgeback with very long legs from Kloof, to all the wonderful vets and support staff who helped her back from the edge after being cut up by a huge male monkey early one Sunday morning late June, and almost bleeding to death. Mvula turned three on Tuesday 6th August, but only thanks to you guys. Mvula remembers every one of your faces, miraculously available to help her, even on a Sunday morning when everything else was closed. She just loves coming back to see you, even to be stapled or unstapled or cuddled and told she’s doing well.
It’s terrific to have you there on the doorstep, open 24/7, and with a new mobile service too, operating from Monday to Friday. We can’t do much about the monkeys but at least there is somewhere to go when they strike. And strike they did. Litres and litres of blood and numerous wounds. All now in the past thanks to all of you. Thanks again, from all of us”
MVULA, MO & CLARE
MEET OUR DEDICATED TEAM OF PET CARE EXPERTS
MANAGEMENT
Dr. Carra Walters
BSc (Hons) BVM&S MRCVS
Trained as a Veterinary Surgeon at Edinburgh and with a BSc in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry from Exeter University in the UK, Carra returned to South Africa to pursue her passion for animal well-being and commitment to critical care.
Her experience, working as an emergency vet for the last eight years, has reaffirmed her dedication to improving the way in which veterinary care is delivered when needed the most.
She heads up a team of enthusiastic colleagues and will continue her predecessors legacy of providing a service to the Upper Highway community and to those in need, 24 hours a day, all year round.
OUR #SUPERVETS
At least one of our highly skilled vets is on site for you and your pets 24/7.
HVH has a group of vets, all with different interests and strengths, that ultimately form one extremely knowledgeable team that works together, resulting in a much better outcome for your pet.
Dr Pieter Hanekom (Head Vet)
BVSc MRCVS
Dr Pieter Hanekom earned his veterinary degree from the University of Pretoria and has since enjoyed a diverse and accomplished career spanning many years. While he once specialised in surgery and orthopaedic procedures, his current passion lies in cardiology, particularly echocardiography. Pieter has owned his own practice for 11 years, obtained ECFVG (Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates) certification in the USA, published several veterinary articles, and now leads our team at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.
Outside of work, Pieter enjoys playing electric guitar, reading, and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Dr Pieter’s top advice for pet owners: “Spend time with your pets, they are pretty amazing.”
Inspired by C.S. Lewis, he believes animals hold a special mystery and beauty worth cherishing.
Dr Shantelle Naidoo
BVMCh
Dr Naidoo has been working as a vet for 20 years and has a particular interest in surgery and exotics. She is our “go to” on the HVH team when it comes to pet snakes, birds, lizards and other exotic pets.
She enjoys intricate surgeries and finds them really rewarding. She also states “lost causes” as one of her specialties, so you know she will do everything in her power to have a positive outcome for a patient, and prefers to treat every patient she sees as her most important.
Dr Inke Helm
BVSc (Hons)
Dr Inke studied Veterinary Science at Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria, after initially pursuing a BSc and Veterinary Nursing in 2012. She began her career in Thaba Nchu, Free State, during her CCS year before transitioning to emergency veterinary care in Durban. In 2020, she joined Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital, where she has a special interest small animal surgery.
Passionate about animals and fascinated by biology, Dr Inke is dedicated to understanding how the body works and finding the best solutions for her patients. She thrives in HVH’s collaborative environment, where teamwork and support help veterinarians grow and succeed.
Her proudest working achievement is earning her Honours in small animal surgery in 2022. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and previously loved horse riding – though life with twins has kept her busy!
Dr Inke’s top advice to pet owners: “Avoid home remedies—always ask your vet for guidance.”
Dr Nicky Hogan
BVSc
Dr Yonela Nkubungu
BVSc
Dr Yonela Nkubungu is a dedicated veterinarian with a passion for animal care and a special interest in surgery. He earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) from Onderstepoort and has accumulated extensive experience across various sectors of the veterinary industry.
With a career spanning over 15 years, Dr Yonela has worked as a State Vet (2007-2016), a small animal vet (2016-2018, 2022-ongoing), and a divisional vet at Rainbow Chicken (2018-2022). His wealth of experience in both public and private veterinary practice allows him to provide exceptional care to our patients.
Dr Yonela finds great fulfillment in expanding his knowledge of medical case management and takes pride in performing life-saving procedures such as cesarean sections on small animals.
Outside of his veterinary career, Dr Yonela enjoys traveling and exploring new places as well as spending time with his family, two beautiful daughters and one handsome son who takes after his dad!
Dr Yonela’s top advice for pet owners: “Please always seek professional veterinary guidance rather than self-treating your animals.”
Dr Lauren Myles
BSc BVSc
Dr Lauren Myles is a dedicated veterinarian with over 14 years of experience, including three years in the UK and eleven years hear at home in South Africa. A graduate of Onderstepoort, her passion for animals led her to specialise in emergency medicine, where she thrives on diagnosing complex cases and ensuring the best possible outcomes.
At Hillcrest Vets, Dr Lauren values the incredible team she works with and the opportunity to make a real difference in her patients’ lives. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys hiking, painting, reading, and surfing.
Dr Lauren’s top advice to pet owners: “If you’re ever concerned about your pet, give us a call – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
Dr Emma Brown
BSc, BVM&S
Dr Emma Brown is a dedicated veterinarian with a passion for animal care and education. She earned her qualifications from The University of Edinburgh and began her career in equine practice, later expanding her expertise to small animal care. Her experience includes working with cattle, sheep, and rabbits in Pretoria, contributing to vaccine research for tick-borne diseases, and serving on an animal ethics committee to ensure ethical research practices.
Dr Emma has a keen interest in cardiology and is currently advancing her skills in echocardiography. She also enjoys surgery and has a deep passion for teaching, both in veterinary practice and in rural communities. At HVH, she values working alongside an incredible team and finds joy in making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners.
Outside of work, Dr Emma loves running, reading, and spending time with her family and dogs.
Dr Emma’s top advice for pet owners: “Be prepared – pets bring immense joy but also require commitment and responsible care.”
Dr Carra Walters
BSc (Hons) BVMS MRCV
Dr Walters was born in Pretoria but relocated to London, UK, at 12 years old when her parents immigrated. She returned home to South Africa on completion of her Veterinary Degree at Edinburgh University and after working for three and a half years in London, where she gained a huge amount of experience in small animal medicine and surgery.
What most people don’t know about Dr Walters is that she first studied and gained a first class honours degree in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry before pursuing her ambition to become a vet. “I knew I’d always regret not following my dreams and I am so happy I did!”
Dr Walters has been a vet for 15 years and started at HVH in 2009, first in the capacity of a full-time emergency after-hours vet, then as co-owner after buying into the business in 2016. She took complete ownership of HVH in 2019. Much has changed both aesthetically and in management here at Hillcrest Vets. She says “running a 24hr practice comes with many challenges, and has been the steepest learning curve and the greatest achievement of my life (second to raising a little boy as a single mom)”. “I feel very strongly about compassionate care of our patients and we give our best here at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital. Being able to offer top of the range diagnostic and surgical facilities to the greater Upper Highway area is real a privilege”.
OUR #SUPERSISTERS
Sr Kathryn Justham
Veterinary Nurse
Sr Chantal (Chan) Robinson
Veterinary Nurse
Currently she thrives as part of the dynamic team at HVH, where she enjoys the variety of interesting cases and emergency situations that come her way. Outside of work, she is an avid runner, enjoys reading, and loves socialising with friends.
One of her proudest moments in her career was becoming a specialist nurse, a role that reflects her dedication to the profession.
WHAT ADVICE DOES SR CHAN HAVE FOR PET OWNERS?
Sr Chan advises pet owners to thoroughly educate themselves about their pets’ needs, whether it’s breed, diet, exercise, or medical care, and to ensure they have proper medical insurance to support their pets’ health.
Sr Zoe Evangelista
Veterinary Nurse
OUR FRIENDLY FRONT OF HOUSE
At least one of our highly skilled vets is on site for you and your pets 24/7.
HVH has a group of vets, all with different interests and strengths, that ultimately form one extremely knowledgeable team that works together, resulting in a much better outcome for your pet.
PATRICK
PAUL
SIFISO
LIBBY
ZANELE
BEV
OUR EXPERIENCED VETERINARY ASSISTANTS
At least one of our highly skilled vets is on site for you and your pets 24/7.
HVH has a group of vets, all with different interests and strengths, that ultimately form one extremely knowledgeable team that works together, resulting in a much better outcome for your pet.
SANELE
PETRUS
MOSES
BRIAN
THABO
JABU
PHIWA
PATRICK
PRINCESS
HELPFUL ADMINISTRATION
Our long-standing admin staff are the backbone of our practice.
VALMAE
Accounts / Administrator
SHARLENE
Debtors
GILLIAN
Administrator
PROMISE
Administrator
AMBER
Intern/Admin
JUST FOR PETS #SUPERHEROS
Our online store, JUST FOR PETS, is headed up by our superheros who keep on top of all the stock and deliveries.
ALECK
PETROS
MISSION STATEMENT
At Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital, we are dedicated to empowering pet families with top-tier veterinary care and invaluable guidance, ensuring cherished moments with your pets last a lifetime.