About Us
About Us
Rose Bay Vet Hospital is a well-established veterinary facility located in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. The hospital employs two full time and two part time veterinarians as well as four nursing/ancillary staff.
The hospital aims to provide the highest quality care for any animal visiting the clinic whilst being compassionate to the needs of owners.
Meet our Doctors
Dr Jo Smaller
Practice Vet Director
Jo Smaller graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours), completing her thesis on a rather peculiar disease known as rat lungworm.
She began her career in North Queensland, where she had the unique opportunity to treat a wide range of native wildlife, from kangaroos and cockatoos to the occasional taipan. Since then, Jo has worked in small animal practice across Sydney and completed a Master’s in Small Animal Practice.
Her professional interests include ophthalmology, internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and diagnostic imaging.
Outside of work, Jo is kept busy by her two fur babies, Midnight and Sky. Midnight was rescued as a sickly, scrawny kitten found in a bin in Sydney’s western suburbs. Once covered in ringworm, he’s since grown into a sleek black panther. Sky, Jo’s mischievous golden Labrador, is known for raiding the treat bar and demanding cuddles, although she’s not exactly known for her brains!
More recently, Jo’s attention is happily shared with her two human babies, Zola and Archie.
Dr Ciara Reilly
Veterinary Surgeon
Ciara graduated from University College Dublin in 2018 and spent five years working in a busy small animal practice in Ireland before making the move across the world to Sydney in 2023. She joined the Rose Bay Veterinary Hospital team in 2024.
Originally from Dublin, Ciara loves getting to know her patients and enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to your pets. Ciara has had Goldies her whole life so has particular soft spot for any coming through the door!
Outside of work, Ciara enjoys exploring the outdoors around Sydney’s beaches, coastal walks and travelling.
Dr Ann Shannon
Veterinary Surgeon
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Ann grew up surrounded by animals and inspired by her father, who was also a vet. Following in his footsteps, she graduated from University College Dublin in 2022 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. After gaining experience in a mixed animal practice and a busy small animal clinic in Ireland, she made the move to Sydney to continue her career. Since arriving, Ann has worked in a bustling small animal practice before joining our hospital, where she enjoys providing compassionate, high-quality care to pets and their families.
Outside of work, Ann enjoys playing multiple team sports, surfing, camping, and exploring Sydney’s beautiful beaches.
Dr Sarah Wheeldon
Veterinarian
Sarah started at Rose Bay Veterinary Hospital in September 2019. Originally from Newcastle, she graduated from the University of Sydney in 2014.
After graduation Sarah gained experience with all farm animals, small animals, rabbits, guinea pigs, and wildlife working in rural NSW, London and New Zealand.
Sarah enjoys meeting your fur babies, making sure to reward any needles with plenty of treats! She has an interest oral health and dental surgery and passed the dentistry membership exam in 2022, so be sure to brush your animals teeth before your visit!
Outside of work Sarah enjoys spoiling her adopted cat Oakey.
Dr Bridget Bliss
Veterinarian
Dr. Bridget Bliss has been a dedicated veterinarian at Rose Bay Vet since 2022. She completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland in 2012 and has furthered her expertise with a GP Certificate in Diagnostic Imaging. Dr. Bridget is currently pursuing a GP Certificate in Cardiology, expanding her skills to offer comprehensive care to her patients.
Growing up on a farm in Queensland, Dr. Bridget developed a deep love for animals early on. After gaining extensive experience working in London for seven years, she returned to Australia with a particular passion for internal medicine and the management of patients with chronic illnesses.
Outside of work, Dr. Bridget enjoys surfing, gardening, and spending time with her family, including their beloved border collie, Cleo.
Meet our Nurses
Rachael Oatway
Practice Manager
Rachael has been a qualified Veterinary Nurse for over 10 years. She joined our team in January 2019 as Practice Manager and we are delighted to have her with us. Rachael works around the clock, behind the scenes to ensure our hospital runs smoothly.
Outside of work Rachael enjoys her Boston terrier called Coby.
Caitlin Brawley
Animal Attendant
Caitlin has always had a strong passion for animals, having grown up around cats, horses, and now a dog. Inspired by her lifelong love for animals, she began working at Rose Bay Vet Hospital in 2024 as an Animal Attendant.
She is currently studying Animal Care and plans to further her career by studying Veterinary Nursing once she completes her current course.
At home, Caitlin has two cats and a Golden Retriever. She loves meeting new animals and is dedicated to providing them with the best care possible.
Grace
Animal Attendant
Having been an animal lover for as long as she can remember, Grace’s dream to work at a veterinary hospital came true when she started as an animal attendant at Rose Bay Vet Hospital in 2023.
Grace is currently studying veterinary bioscience and chemistry at the University of Sydney. She is particularly interested in native birds, frogs and possums. At home, she cares for her cavoodle, Maggie, and an axolotl called Flapjack.
Jorja
Animal Attendant
Having grown up with pets all her life, Jorja has always wanted to work in the veterinary industry.
Jorja has a passion for animal care and welfare and is currently studying veterinary nursing. Jorja is committed to her studies and is gaining hands-on experience and knowledge working with the team at Rose Bay Vet.
Her goal is to provide compassionate care and support to both animals and their owners and make a positive impact to the veterinary industry.
Imogen Graham
Vet Student/Reception
Imogen joined the Rose Bay team in 2021 after moving from Melbourne to study the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Sydney.
In her spare time, Imogen enjoys playing the trombone, scuba diving and taking her border collie for walks on the beach. She also enjoys holidays with her family on the South Coast of New South Wales. You can find Imogen working at reception on the weekend. She looks forward to meeting you and your much-loved pets!
Maddie
Vet Student
Maddie is a veterinary student currently pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinary surgeon at the University of Sydney. Maddie’s passion for the industry was sparked at a young age when her family first adopted their cats. As a child Maddie loved tending to them, often wrapping their pretend injuries up with bandages.
She joined the Rose Bay Team in 2018, working as a kennel hand on Sunday afternoons while completing her HSC. After spending some time abroad earlier this year she came back to work with us full time. She’s highly devoted to providing love and care to all our patients and can often be seen handing out treats and cuddles to all the patients in reception.
Outside of work she can be found at the beach, with friends or taking her handsome pup Dexter on adventures.
Meet our Staff
Stacy Garret
Lead Receptionist
Originally from Manchester, UK, Stacy has been surrounded by animals her entire life. She began working with horses at just six years old and went on to own several in the UK, developing a deep understanding and love for their care. Her passion for animals followed her all the way to Sydney, where she continued her equestrian interests and worked as a coach in Centennial Park and traveled around Australia working with several polo teams.
Stacy brings her natural compassion, friendly personality, and genuine care for both owners and their pets to every interaction. She’s dedicated to making every visit a positive experience, ensuring clients and their furry friends feel welcome and supported.
Outside of work, Stacy is a proud mum to Nora and Elsie, and shares her home with two energetic little companions — Ernie, her Jack Russell, and Bailey, her Tenterfield Terrier. Her warmth, care, and love for animals make her an invaluable part of the Rose Bay Vet team.
Tayla Walker
Receptionist
Tayla is a veterinary receptionist who joined the team in 2025 after moving from Melbourne.
With several years of experience in hospitality and event management, Tayla decided to follow her love of animals and bring her skills to the veterinary world. Known for her warm, friendly approach, she’s always happy to help, offer support, or share a smile with both clients and their furry friends.
Back home, her cats Snowflake, Jaiya, and Suki, keep her on her toes and remind her every day why she’s so passionate about working with animals. Their playful personalities and endless affection continue to inspire her dedication for animal care and motivate her to become a veterinary nurse.
Emily Shannon
Receptionist
Originally from Ireland, I moved to Australia four years ago in search of sunshine, new adventures, and a career that truly brings me joy. I found that at Rose Bay Veterinary Clinic, where I work as one of the receptionist. From the moment I joined, I knew I’d found my place, surrounded by kind people, adorable animals, and the chance to make a real difference every single day.
I’m passionate about animal care and love being the friendly face that welcomes clients and their pets, helping to create a calm and positive experience for everyone who walks through the door. Whether it’s assisting with appointments, supporting the veterinary team, or giving extra cuddles to our furry patients, I take pride in making both pets and owners feel comfortable and cared for.
Outside of work, I’m a big animal lover myself, I adopted my cat, Winston, from the vet, and he’s been the best little sidekick ever since. I’m excited to continue growing my career in the veterinary field, learning from the amazing professionals around me, and building strong relationships with clients and their beloved pets along the way.
Marmalade Cat
Hospital Resident Caretaker
Marmalade was born in the Blue Mountains, south west of Sydney. She spent her first months of life homeless wondering the streets before being taken in by an animal shelter. It was then that she was transferred to the Rose Bay Vet Hospital. It didn’t take long before she was promoted to the position of hospital caretaker.
She holds a very important job at the clinic. She is responsible for ensuring that the clinic treats are still delicious in addition to making sure everything runs smoothly and that anybody that walks past the clinic is tempted to come in to give her a chin scratch.
In her spare time she loves raiding the food cupboard, chasing her tail and of course sleeping.
