Dr Jakob HayesVeterinarian

Jakob graduated with a BVSc from the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 1992. After graduating, he worked in South Africa for 4 years before heading to England for a "holiday" that lasted 12 years! In 2006 Jakob obtained a Certificate in Small Animal Surgery (CertSAS) from the Royal Veterinary College through examination. Together with his family of four (there are now five!) Jakob moved to Melbourne, Australia in 2008. Jakob has been living in the beautiful tropics of Townsville since 2011 and bought the Wulguru Vet Clinic in July of 2015.

He enjoys spending time with his wife Karen, two boys Gerard and Brian and daughter Bailey.

Jakob has a Silver Domestic short haired cat named 'Leopard", a Chocolate Burmese cat named 'Biscuit', a Shih Tzu x Maltese named
'Matilda' and last but not least a Groodle named 'Fyre'

Dr Lucy La SpinaVeterinarian

Hi, I'm Dr Lucy,
I grew up in Townsville and graduated from James Cook University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.
I have a passion for small animal surgery and medicine and have worked in the animal industry since 2017.
I love all kinds of animals and am very excited to be part of the Wulguru Team.
I have 2 dogs named 'Ziggy' & 'George', 1 horse named 'Max', along with a Indian ring neck bird and a few reptiles.
In my spare time, after attending to all my animals, I do also enjoy anything and everything crafty, horse riding and spending time with my partner and kids.

KristenVeterinary Nurse - Surgical

Hi, I'm Kristen,
I grew up in the Whitsundays and moved to Townsville in 2015 to study Zoology, however I quickly realised in 2016 whilst working in the vet industry, that Veterinary Nursing was my true calling. I completed my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing 2018 and am currently studying my Diploma of surgical nursing and management.
My household consists of 'Kaos' - who lives up to his name 90% of the time!, 'Mumma' who just loves to snuggle and cuddle, 'Mayah' loves anything water, food and in her spare time chasing birds out of the backyard, 'Hugo' just loves long runs along the beach or in the parks, but also relaxing on the lounge with my partner and I watching Netflix, my latest addition, 'Tucker' the youngest & smallest in the household, but with the biggest personality, is keen to start agility and scent work.

KaylahVeterinary Nurse - Surgical

Hi, I'm Kaylah,
I have a huge passion for patient care and Staffy Cuddles!!
I have worked in the animal industry since 2018 and graduated in 2020 - Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
My main goal in my life has to be to work with animals, to help, support them and assist clients in understanding their pets needs and behaviours.
I have a huge soft spot for Staffies!! I Love how they are always so happy and affectionate for life. I do have my own Staffy,... of course!.. her name is 'Missi' , she doesn't live alone, I also have 'Denis' - staffy mix, 'Gingy' - a rescued kitty cat, and 'Kiko' my South American Conure.
My pets are my Family to me, so my spare time is mostly revolved around them, but when time permits from my animals, I do also enjoy being in the garden, reading and Kickboxing,
My favourite things about my job are the Dental procedures, cleaning your pets teeth is very satisfying!, assisting in any orthopaedic procedures and making your pets post operation recovery time as easy and stress free as possible for them, loads of cuddles provided!!

TeganVeterinary Nurse / Vet Student

Hi, I'm Tegan,
I have been a part of the Wulguru team for 4 years now and began my Bachelor of Veterinary Science at James Cook University in 2019.
I have a retired ex-racing greyhound named 'Travis' who can often be found wandering around the clinic or being used as our main blood donator for patients in need.
I enjoy horse riding in my time off from studying and hope to pursue a career in mixed practice when I graduate in 2023.
I love to see the bond between owners and their pets, and look forward to meeting you when you next visit the clinic!

HollyVeterinary Nurse / Vet Student

Hi, I'm Holly!
I moved to sunny Townsville in 2020 to study my Bachelor of Veterinary Science at James Cook University, and have been part of the Wulguru Family ever since.
I have been working in Vet Clinics across the state since I was Thirteen, and wouldn't dream of doing anything else.
I qualified as a vet nurse in 2018, and have spent time in a variety of general practices and specialist hospitals.
My specialties include nutrition, hydrotherapy and massage therapy for our canine companions.
I am DOG mad, and share my (chaotic) home with a tribe of Five small dogs and a bunch of backyard chooks.

DiSenior Veterinary Nurse / Receptionist

Hi, I'm Di and pictured are my sidekicks - 'Po' and ' Dougie'
Once upon a time, a long time ago... well around 1996, I was asked to come 'help' a good friend, who happened to own a Veterinary Clinic in Airlie Beach QLd, just for a couple of days!!...from then, let's fast forward to today!.. it was whilst 'helping out' in this clinic, that I discovered a passion for a profession, that I had never dreamed of, and have never lost this passion, to care for any animal and their humans.....
Over the years I have gained attainments in all levels of Veterinary Nursing from Surgical, Vet wholesalers to Practice Management
My working career has granted me to work in a couple of various levels of Veterinary clinics in QLD and NSW, and I started working alongside Dr Jakob about 13yrs ago, and in the Wulguru Clinic since 2017.
This profession has allowed me to meet so many spectacular Vets and Vet nurses, clients and furry friends that have and continue to inspire me to this day.
I look forward to meeting and chatting to everyone when you visit the clinic.