
Chichester – your local AVG hospital.
Exceptional care, on your doorstep
A warm welcome awaits you and your pet at our Chichester hospital. Our hospitals are equipped to deal with (almost) anything. But more than that, you’ll feel supported and cared for. Chichester is a thriving practice, with consultations throughout the day and a large team caring for inpatients and surgical patients behind the scenes. It offers everything from routine care to advanced treatment and round-the-clock emergency and intensive care, all on one site.
Get in touch
Call – 01243 978800
Email – chichester@arunvetgroup.co.uk
Opening hours
Mon-Fri – 8am-7pm
Sat 8.30am-12.30pm
Outside these hours our emergency team is here.
For 24-hour emergencies, call – 01903 746028
Find us
Lion House, 79 St Pancras, Chichester, PO19 7DG
Easy access
There is free parking in our car park, with direct access from the car park to reception. If you need help getting your pet from the car, call us when you arrive and we will come and help.
Every moment covered
Chichester is one of our two hospitals, so our own emergency and critical care team is here around the clock. Call 01903 746028 at any time or find out more about our emergency care services.

Fully equipped
The friendly ambiance created by our unique interior design will help you feel at home from the moment you arrive. Behind the scenes, your pet will feel cosy and safe in our separate, air-conditioned cat and dog wards. As one of our two hospitals, Chichester holds advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, including:
- Endoscopy for detailed diagnosis
- Advanced surgery for orthopaedic (bone and joint) and laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery
- A dedicated physiotherapy suite with K-laser therapy to support recovery and rehabilitation
Services available for Chichester clients
As one of our two hospitals, Chichester offers the full range of care in one place, from a routine vaccination to advanced surgery and intensive care through the night.
Everyday care
- Consultations and health checks
- Vaccinations and preventative healthcare
- VIP Care Plan
- Parasite prevention and treatment
- Repeat prescriptions and dispensing
- Puppy and kitten care
- Senior pet clinics
- Nurse clinics
- Weight management
- Behaviour advice
- Travel services (AHCs – Animal Health Certificates)
- End-of-life care
- (Home visits available with advance notice)
Diagnostics and treatment
- On-site blood and urine tests
- Microscopy
- Digital x-ray
- BVA hip and elbow scoring
- Ultrasound
- Anaesthesia with multiparameter monitoring
- Intravenous fluid therapy
- Neutering
- Dentistry
- Routine surgery such as lump removal
- Inpatient care
Advanced and emergency
- 24/7 emergency and critical care on site*
- Advanced internal medicine investigations*
- Accredited eye scoring*
- Ophthalmic surgery, including cataract removal*
- Advanced orthopaedic surgery*
- CT imaging*
- Endoscopy*
- Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery*
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation*
- Advanced abdominal surgery*
*available to this practice’s clients at its supporting hospitals.
Meet the team at Chichester
The vets, nurses, receptionists and support team you will see when you visit, and the emergency and critical care team behind them.
CHRISTIAN DONSWIJK
PGCertSAS MRCVS
Clinical Director
Chichester
Christian qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2013 and joined AVG in 2017. He is a Clinical Director based at our Storrington hospital and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. He is also recognised by the RCVS as an Advanced Practitioner in this field. Christian has a particular interest in surgery and leads our laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery service. He enjoys helping patients through diagnosis, treatment and recovery, with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome for every pet.
Outside of work, Christian enjoys running, cycling and spending time in the garden.
Claire Bounds
BA VetMB PgC(SAM) MRCVS
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Chichester
Claire qualified from the University of Cambridge in 2012 and is one of our Clinical Directors based at our Chichester hospital. Claire has a particular interest in internal medicine and achieved her Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2018. She was recognised as an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in the discipline the following year. Passionate about getting to know each patient as an individual, Claire enjoys finding the best treatment approach to suit both pets and their families.
Outside of work, Claire enjoys exploring the South Downs with her husband, young children and spaniel, Ember, while her cat, Pod, keeps a close eye on her gardening efforts.
Laura Jenner
BVetMed BSAVA PGCert SAS MRCVS
Clinical Director
Chichester
Laura graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and joined our Chichester hospital as Clinical Director in 2021. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery and is recognised by the RCVS as an Advanced Practitioner in this field. With extensive experience in both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery, Laura has a particular interest in canine stifle conditions, including cruciate disease. She enjoys guiding patients through every stage of their treatment, from diagnosis and surgery through to recovery and rehabilitation.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the South Downs and local beaches, and tending to her garden.
Tom Theobald
BVM BVS MRCVS
Clinical Director
Chichester
Tom graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2016 and is one of our Clinical Directors based at our Chichester hospital. After spending three years at a busy veterinary hospital in North Devon, he worked as a locum vet across the country, gaining valuable experience in both first opinion and emergency practice. Tom enjoys the varied caseload that general practice brings and has a particular interest in internal medicine. He is currently working towards his Certificate in Small Animal Medicine, with a keen interest in endoscopy.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys spending time outdoors with his Labrador, Wilson, particularly by the coast and in the sea.
Dru Shearn
BVetMed MRCVS
Clinical Director
Chichester
Dru graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2014 and began his career in large animal practice before moving into a busy small animal hospitaL. He achieved his Certificate in Emergency Medicine and Surgery in 2020 and joined AVG in 2022, later becoming Clinical Director. Dru has a particular passion for dentistry and oral surgery, spending much of his time helping patients achieve a comfortable, pain-free mouth. He is especially committed to advocating for older pets, ensuring that age is never a barrier to receiving the treatment they need.
Outside of work, Dru and his wife enjoy spending time outdoors and are happiest exploring wild and remote places together.
Gabby Santoro
BVetMed PgC MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Chichester
Gabby qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2017 and joined AVG in 2021. Based at our Storrington hospital, she has a particular passion for small animal medicine and achieved her Postgraduate Certificate in this discipline in 2021. Gabby enjoys working closely with patients and their owners to investigate complex medical cases and develop tailored treatment plans. Her calm and caring approach makes her a valued member of the team.
Outside of work, Gabby enjoys spending time with her family and rescue dog, Alan, who is the perfect companion for countryside walks followed by a well-earned pub lunch.
ELEANOR O'LEARY
MVB MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Chichester
Eleanor graduated from University College Dublin in 2014 and joined AVG after several years working in small animal practice across Hampshire. She is based at our Chichester hospital and enjoys the variety that general practice brings, from preventative healthcare through to more complex medical cases. Eleanor has a particular interest in small animal medicine and is continuing to develop her knowledge in this area. She is passionate about building strong relationships with pets and their owners and providing personalised care throughout every stage of a pet’s life.
Outside of work, Eleanor enjoys gardening, baking and exploring the local countryside. She also shares her home with Purcy, a former stray who quickly found a permanent place in her heart.
Hannah Jack
BVSc BSc MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Chichester
Hannah graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2004 and is based at our Chichester hospital. Hannah enjoys all aspects of general practice and has a particular passion for building long-lasting relationships with clients and their pets. She holds a Certificate in Small Animal Practice and has a strong interest in internal medicine.
Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and Whippet. Together, they love exploring new places and heading off on adventures in their campervan.
Alice Shearn
BVM BVS MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Chichester
Alice graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2018 and joined AVG in 2023. Based at our Chichester hospital, she enjoys the variety that veterinary practice brings, from consulting and surgery through to caring for hospitalised patients. After graduating, Alice worked in a large independent practice in Leicestershire before spending time travelling and working as a locum vet. Having worked with AVG on and off as a locum during this time, she was delighted to join the team permanently. Alice enjoys all aspects of small animal practice but has a particular soft spot for inpatients. She is also a big fan of Staffordshire Bull Terriers and will never turn down the opportunity for a cuddle.
Hannah Capehorn
BVMSci CertAVP(ECC) MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Chichester
Hannah joined AVG in 2023 and works across our Storrington and Chichester hospitals. She holds a Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care and has particular interests in emergency medicine, inpatient care and soft tissue surgery. Hannah enjoys the variety and challenge that hospital practice brings and is passionate about supporting patients through some of their most critical moments. She values building strong relationships with pets and their owners and helping guide them through treatment and recovery.
Outside of work, Hannah enjoys exploring the countryside with her rescue Cocker Spaniel, Bella.
Amber Fielder
BVSc MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Chichester
Amber graduated from the University of Surrey in 2023 and joined AVG after gaining experience in a busy veterinary hospital. She has a particular interest in soft tissue surgery and inpatient care and enjoys supporting patients throughout their treatment and recovery. Amber works across several of our sites, including Chichester, Storrington and Westergate, and enjoys the variety that comes with caring for a wide range of patients and building relationships with their owners.
Outside of work, Amber enjoys playing netball, spending time with friends and family, and travelling whenever she gets the opportunity to explore somewhere new.
Allard De Kam
MRCVS
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING VET
Chichester
Allard is a Veterinary Surgeon based at our Chichester hospital. Originally from Zeeland in the Netherlands, he grew up close to the coast before later settling in West Sussex. Allard holds a Certificate in Diagnostic Imaging and has extensive experience across a range of imaging modalities, including CT, MRI and ultrasound. He has a particular interest in abdominal ultrasound and enjoys helping to diagnose complex cases through advanced imaging.
Outside of work, Allard enjoys spending time outdoors with his Silken Windsprite, who has been part of the family since puppyhood. Together they enjoy walks, trips to the beach and relaxing in the garden.
Claire Lomas
BVM&S MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Chichester
Claire joined AVG after previously working with the team as a locum vet. She graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2016 and began her career in a busy mixed practice in Kent with a strong focus on zoo, wildlife and exotic animal medicine. She later moved to the Maldives to work as a sea turtle vet, combining her veterinary skills with her passion for conservation. Her main professional interests are soft tissue surgery and exotic medicine and surgery.
Outside of work, Claire loves being in the sea, whether that’s surfing, kitesurfing or exploring new stretches of coastline in her van with her cat and travel companion, Mooncake.
Caz Awde
LEAD REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE
Chichester
Caz joined AVG in June 2019 after qualifying as a veterinary nurse in 2017. Originally based at our Storrington hospital, she moved to our Chichester hospital in 2021 and was later promoted to Lead Nurse. Caz enjoys all aspects of nursing but is especially passionate about inpatient care. She achieved her ISFM Certificate in Feline Nursing in 2021, followed by her ISVPS Certificate in Medical Nursing in 2025.
Outside of work, Caz enjoys exploring the South Downs and Sussex countryside with her dog.
Zara Baker
LEAD REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE
Since qualifying as an RVN in 2008, Zara has gained extensive experience across referral ophthalmology, referral anaesthesia and surgical nursing. She joined our Chichester hospital in 2023 and was promoted to Lead Hospital Nurse just a few months later. Alongside her clinical role, Zara is a clinical coach and holds certificates in anaesthesia, emergency and critical care, and veterinary practice management. She also has a particular interest in laser therapy.
Outside of work, Zara enjoys spending time with her husband, son and dog, as well as supporting Pet Blood Bank as an ambassador.
Becky Dixon-Stubbs
Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse
Chichester
Becky qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2020 and joined AVG in 2021. She was promoted to Lead Nurse at our Storrington hospital in September 2022 before joining the SDVR team as a Referral RVN in June 2024.
Prior to qualifying, Becky completed internships in New Zealand caring for an endangered bird species and at a big cat rescue in Florida, gaining valuable experience working with a wide variety of animals. Becky has a particular interest in anaesthesia and emergency and critical care and holds a Certificate in Anaesthesia.
Outside of work, Becky enjoys cycling and scuba diving. She is also mum to two very naughty cats.
Hannah Osgood
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Chichester
Hannah is a Registered Veterinary Nurse based at our Chichester hospital. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing and is passionate about providing high-quality care to both patients and their owners.
Hannah particularly enjoys the variety that veterinary practice brings, from supporting patients during procedures to caring for them throughout their recovery. She takes pride in helping to create a positive experience for pets and their families.
Kayleigh Holder
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Chichester
Kayleigh is a registered veterinary nurse at our Chichester hospital. She’s part of the nursing team caring for our patients throughout their time with us, from consultations and nurse clinics to surgery and hospital stays.
Hilary Duffield
REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE
Hilary joined AVG in December 2023 after working at a small practice in Staffordshire. She qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2020, graduating from Harper Adams University with a BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing. Hilary enjoys all aspects of hospital nursing but has a particular interest in nutrition and medical nursing. She is passionate about supporting patients throughout their treatment and recovery.
Outside of work, Hilary enjoys playing board games and attending gigs. She also has a mischievous tortoiseshell cat called Matilda, who keeps her busy at home.
Tilly Smelt
Student Veterinary Nurse
Chichester
Tilly joined AVG as a receptionist before making the transition to Animal Nursing Assistant in 2024. She is based at our Chichester hospital.
After completing an Animal Management course at Brinsbury College, Tilly developed a keen interest in dog training, inspired by working with her own Greek rescue dog, Milo. Having loved animals for as long as she can remember, she enjoys being able to combine her passion for animal care with her role at AVG.
Outside of work, Tilly enjoys spending time with her dogs, Milo and Barney, and her cat, Monty. She also loves socialising with friends, exploring the countryside and discovering new places to eat.
TASH LUDWIG
Animal Nursing Assistant
Chichester
Tash joined AVG in 2021 and is one of our Animal Nursing Assistants. As a passionate advocate for German Shepherds, Tash is well known throughout the practice as the “German Shepherd Lady”. She is the proud owner of two German Shepherds, Bhrina and Kaiser, and enjoys sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the breed. Within her role at AVG, Tash has a particular interest in theatre work. She enjoys preparing patients for procedures and helping to maintain the surgical equipment and instruments that support our clinical team.
Outside of work, much of Tash’s time is spent with Bhrina and Kaiser, exploring the countryside and enjoying life with her dogs.
Emma Randell
Animal Nursing Assistant
Chichester
Emma joined AVG in 2024, initially working as a receptionist before moving into the role of Animal Nursing Assistant, based at our Chichester hospital. Prior to joining the veterinary profession, Emma gained valuable experience working with dogs in a training centre, pet shop and doggy day care environment. She enjoys helping patients feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible during their visits and loves being part of their care journey.
Outside of work, Emma has two Miniature Schnauzers and enjoys training and competing with them in agility and scent work. Her passion for dogs and animal welfare is at the heart of everything she does.
Holly McIvor
Animal Nursing Assistant
Chichester
Holly joined AVG in August 2023 and is part of the Animal Nursing Team at our Chichester hospital.
With a passion for animal care, Holly completed an Animal Management course at Brinsbury College and has recently completed her Veterinary Care Assistant qualification at Plumpton College. She enjoys developing her knowledge and gaining hands-on experience as part of the nursing team.
Outside of work, Holly enjoys spending time with her two cats, Luna and S’more, her Mini Lop rabbit, Brownie, and her family Doberman, River. She also enjoys getting outdoors for long walks with family and friends.
LARA BERGAMASCHI
PGCertSAECC MRCVS
Night Veterinary Surgeon
Chichester
Lara qualified with distinction from the University of Milan in 2015. Following graduation, she completed a Small Animal Surgery and Anaesthesia internship at a referral centre in Germany through a Leonardo Da Vinci scholarship programme. After moving to the UK in 2016, Lara gained experience in both first opinion and hospital practice before developing a particular passion for emergency and critical care. She achieved her Postgraduate Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care in 2022 and is recognised by the RCVS as an Advanced Practitioner in this discipline. Lara joined the SDEV team in 2022 and is based at our Chichester hospital.
Outside of work, Lara enjoys travelling, trying different cuisines and spending time with friends, family and her beloved dog, Asia.
Beth Sparrow
Night Registered Veterinary Nurse
Chichester
Beth joined AVG in June 2022 and is based at our Chichester hospital. After completing A-levels, she went on to study Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Plymouth.
Beth enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing, with a particular interest in wildlife husbandry. She hopes to further develop her skills in emergency and critical care nursing in the coming years.
Outside of work, Beth enjoys keeping active through regular gym sessions and Irish dancing. She also loves spending time outdoors with her family’s Springer Spaniels, Gus and Gem.
Becca Hammond
Lead Receptionist
Chichester
Becca joined AVG in 2023 and now leads our reception team, making sure every client and pet gets a warm welcome. Animal lover through and through, she’s given a home to three rescues: Binx, and later Winifred and Billy, who have settled in happily alongside.
Gemma Brennan
Receptionist
Chichester
Gemma qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2007 and joined AVG in 2020, becoming lead nurse at our Westergate practice. She moved to our Chichester reception team in 2025 and still helps with nursing when she can. She loves meeting clients and making pets and owners feel at ease. Outside work, she’s mum to two and loves beach walks and days out, along with her cats, Dudley and Hooley, named after the February 2022 storms they were born in.
Emma Lewis
Receptionist
Chichester
Emma is part of our reception team and loves working with animals, and with the whole team around her. At home, her world revolves around her cat, Ziggy. Emma lives in Rustington, but still spends plenty of her free time in London and Surrey, catching up with her brothers and friends.
Local information
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