Dr. Sheelagh Higgerty, BA (Natal), BVSc (Hons) (Pret)

Sheelagh qualified at Ondesterpoort in 1980 and started her career in a small animal practice in Johannesburg. She then moved to the Cape where she joined an equine practice in Ceres, primarily involved in reproduction. Returning to Johannesburg, Sheelagh started Crowthorne Veterinary Clinic in 1990 and is the sole owner. Originally based in Crowthorne, the clinic is now based on the edge of the Beaulieu Estate in Main Road, Kyalami, where Sheelagh’s magnificent ox wagon can be seen.

Sheelagh is an FEI Official and Treating Veterinarian in six disciplines, show jumping, dressage, (including para-dressage), driving, eventing, vaulting and reining. She is Chairperson of the SAEF’s Veterinary Commission, Chairperson of the South African Equine Veterinary Association Sport Horse Committee and National Head Veterinarian in South Africa for the FEI.

Apart from her extensive experience with horses and small animals, Sheelagh also treats cattle and sheep. Sheelagh has a particular interest in diagnostic imaging.

Crowthorne Veterinary Clinic is a member of IVPD
(Institute of Veterinary Practice Development).

In her spare time, Sheelagh enjoys carriage driving and has won numerous accolades in the driving discipline, including winning the Avis Driving Derby twice and several South African Driving Championships.

Glenda Milne : Office Manager

Glenda joined Crowthorne Veterinary Clinic in 2011 and is responsible for the smooth running and organisation of the front office and client care.

Previously in the hospitality industry, Glenda worked at Hunters Rest Hotel as Public Relations Officer. She also worked for AVIS, managing the Rustenberg and Sun City branches. Before relocating to Johannesburg and joining Crowthorne Veterinary Clinic, Glenda worked at a Veterinary Clinic in Rustenberg. Glenda lives in Lonehill with her husband. She has three sons and one grandson.

Jenny Oertel : Receptionist

Jenny joined Crowthorne Vet in April 2016. Jenny worked in the corporate world in Public Relations for IDC for many years and in addition, developed an environmental conservation project focussed on Johannesburg’s rivers.

Jenny is an equestrienne and animal lover and lives in Kyalami with her son, her horses, dogs, cats and a pot bellied pig.

Melody Cochrane : Accountant/Bookkeeper

A very long standing member of the team, Melody joined Crowthorne Veterinary Clinic in 1994 on a free-lance basis. She left to work for CHOC, the Childrens Oncology Centre for four years and returned to Crowthorne Veterinary Clinic in 2004.

Melody lives in Pretoria and has two children and three grand-daughters and between them they have many dogs!

Guildford Phukubye : Groom and Kennel Assistant

Guildford has been with Sheelagh since 1992.

In addition to caring for the animals in the clinic, Guildford drives the carriages and looks after Sheelagh’s five horses. Guildford has two children and one grand daughter.

Trymore Sibanda : Kennel Assistant

Trymore joined Crowthorne Veterinary Clinic in 2009 after completing his schooling.

He is responsible for the care of the animals in the clinic and works closely with the vets on treatments.

Gladys Phukubye

Gladys has been with Sheelagh since 2000 and looks after all the staff at the Veterinary Clinic with her ready smile and lots of cups of tea and coffee.