Quality is about providing you and your pets with well-considered solutions to health problems and preventative medicine. It is about ensuring you and your pets enjoy a consistent, positive experience when dealing with our team at all times. Importantly, quality is also about providing you with first class service.
We are pet owners too, so we fully understand the loyalty, love and enjoyment that pets bring into our lives. That is why you can be sure that your special pet will always receive the best possible care and attention when you entrust them to us.
It is our policy to offer our clients treatment options, so they are able to have input into the most appropriate course of action for their pet. We provide information about the treatments that may be proposed, along with estimations for the associated costs, to allow our clients to make informed decisions about their pet’s treatment.
We do ask for payment at the time of service. We accept cash, most major credit cards, and have EFTPOS facilities available.
We opened our Eltham Central Veterinary Hospital in 2001, and since that first day we have been proud to be one of only 58 (current at time of publication in 2020) veterinary hospitals within Australia to receive and consistently maintain the prestigious title.
The ASAVA or Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association is an Australia-wide organisation that represents Veterinarians who are dedicated to excelling in small animal practice. The ASAVA Hospital Accreditation Scheme awards only those veterinary practices that achieve the highest levels of quality health care and practice management in innovative, state-of-the-art hospital facilities.
Our Veterinarians are highly motivated professionals and have a genuine concern for your pet’s welfare. It is our belief that continuity of service is important so, if you wish to see a particular Veterinarian, please feel free to ask our receptionist at the time you book your appointment.
Veterinarian
Partner
I have been in general veterinary practice for almost 20 years since graduating from the University of Melbourne in 1982. I spent the last eight years of primary and secondary school at Xavier College, Kew before I entered University for my veterinary science education. The past 15 years of my career has been spent with Dr Chris Barton at the Diamond Valley Veterinary Hospitals during which time I became a partner in the Practice in the early 1990’s.
Professionally, my general areas of interest lie in the fields of companion animal medicine and surgery. My special areas of…
I have been in general veterinary practice for almost 20 years since graduating from the University of Melbourne in 1982. I spent the last eight years of primary and secondary school at Xavier College, Kew before I entered University for my veterinary science education. The past 15 years of my career has been spent with Dr Chris Barton at the Diamond Valley Veterinary Hospitals during which time I became a partner in the Practice in the early 1990’s.
Professionally, my general areas of interest lie in the fields of companion animal medicine and surgery. My special areas of interest are in skin diseases (dermatology), eye diseases (ophthalmology) and behavioural medicine. I am currently a Senior Fellow and Academic Associate of the University of Melbourne Faculty of Veterinary Science.
I come from a large family of whom my father was a dedicated animal lover. My family grew up with a multitude of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, lizards, small parrots, cockatoos and even a tortoise that shared both the indoor and outdoor confinements of our home with myself and my six brothers and sister. Being renowned as one of Australia’s greatest criminal lawyers, Dad spent much of his private time dedicated to a very close relationship with all our pets at home. The time and enjoyment that he spent with our family pets provided him with a natural formula to relax and unwind from the stresses of his very public career. I am married to Linda who is a lawyer, and we both share a wonderful relationship with our beloved Miniature Poodle, Lou Lou.
My personal interests include a love of classical music and opera. I am a dedicated follower of Australian Rules Football being a passionate Collingwood supporter. Outside my intensive commitment to the Practice and my professional educational development, I enjoy dedicating some time to my other interest in digital photography and videography. My time of relaxation is spent walking with Linda, reading, listening to music and engaging in philosophical discourse.
Veterinarian
Partner
Sarah graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2001, and has worked in both regional Australia and the UK.
She started working at Diamond Valley Veterinary Hospitals in 2005 and in early 2015 became a Partner.
She loves working with all small animals but her particular passion is Feline Medicine.
Sarah is a bit of a crazy cat lady herself, and together with her husband and son, lives with Ziggy Stardust, a bold tuxedo cat who is obsessed with soft toys and trying to eat her knitting. Sarah loves her job, her clients and her team and considers herself very lucky to be part of the DVVH group.
Veterinarian
Partner
Deanna graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2002. She joined the Diamond Valley Team in 2005 and in 2015 became a Partner.
During this time Deanna has developed a particular interest in small animal surgery and ultrasonography. Deanna enjoys all aspects of working as a veterinarian with DVVH but especially the relationships she has with her clients and their pets.
At home, Deanna, her husband and their 2 young children enjoy the company of their small menagerie which include parrots and chickens, a playful Greyhound named Dolly and some green tree frogs.
Veterinarian
Caitlin joined the Diamond Valley team in August 2018 as a familiar face, having nursed with us throughout her veterinary studies, and she is loving being back. She graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2009 and worked in mixed practice in the Yarra Valley before moving to the UK where she worked in a busy small animal clinic on the coast of Essex. Her passion lies in medicine, soft tissue surgery and ultrasonography. She also enjoys getting to know her patients and nurturing the human/animal bond. At home Caitlin and her husband Glenn have a feline fur child Mia and they will soon be welcoming their first human child in May 2020. Outside of work her passions include parkrun, painting, hiking, AFL and jazz music
Veterinarian
Erandi joined the Diamond Valley Hospital team in 2009. After graduating from the University of Melbourne in 2004, she started her veterinary career in Gippsland where she worked in a small animal clinic which also undertook a large component of wildlife work.
Together with her husband and two boys, they are proud owners of Loco a black and white cow cat, Erik a rescue Maine Coone and Suddhi the ex-RSPCA Staffy
After leaving Gippsland, Erandi has worked in various clinics around Melbourne as a locum veterinarian which has given her a valuable insight into how different clinics are run and also allowing ample time to travel.
Her veterinary interests lie in all areas of small animal medicine and surgery with a particular interest in Veterinary Ophthalmology after completing a Post Graduate course in 2007. In 2016, she completed an Post Graduate Course in Small Animal Internal Medicine and 2020 has started with some refresher short courses in Small Animal Medicine.
Outside of work, her main interests revolve around food, travel and dancing and often a combination thereof.
Veterinarian
Originally from a farm background in country South Australia Carolyn moved to Melbourne to study and graduated in 1996. A number of years were then spent in mixed and small animal practice in South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the United Kingdom. Returning to Australia and Melbourne in 2005 Carolyn joined Diamond Valley Veterinary Hospitals in early 2006.
Carolyn is interested in all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery but is particularly fascinated by Companion Animal Behaviour and enjoys helping clients understand the weird and wonderful things that their furry family members get up to.
Outside of work Carolyn shares her life with her husband and 2 busy young boys as well as Roy the Border Collie cross (who has his own anxiety and storm phobia issues) and four extremely cute guinea pigs.
Veterinarian
Janine graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1991, and worked in suburban Melbourne before heading off to work in Northern England.
Since returning home to Australia she has worked in research at the University of Sydney, as a Technical Services Vet for a pharmaceutical company, and in small animal practice.
Janine began working with the Diamond Valley Team in late 2001 when our lovely Eltham Central Veterinary Hospital opened, and has been there ever since, except for a few short breaks for babies and family.
When not working, Janine is kept busy with family, two very active Hungarian Viszlas, a horse and a multitude of chooks and budgies.
Veterinarian
Anu joined the Diamond Valley Vet team in early 2017.
She grew up in Melbourne and graduated from Melbourne University in 2002. Anu started her career in mixed practice in central Victoria.
She then realised her passion lay in small animal practice, so after travelling, she returned home to work in inner city Melbourne.
Anu most enjoys getting to know her clients and patients and to see how their furry friends make an important part of their family.
She has an interest in canine medicine and soft tissue surgery and many years of experience.
Anu shares her home with her husband, 2 young daughters, Ginger the cat and silky bantam chickens.
In her spare time, she enjoys running, baking, gardening and camping holidays.
Founding Partner
Chris Barton was a founding partner alongside Joseph of Diamond Valley Veterinary Hospitals. After many years dedicated to the practice and animal welfare organisations such as Bali Dogs and Save-A-Dog Scheme Chris retired from DVVH in early 2017.
Nurse
Practice Manager
Leisa has been with Diamond Valley Veterinary Hospitals since 1998 and during this time she has completed many various jobs including veterinary nursing and wildlife caring.
These days Leisa spends most of her time in the office, ensuring that all the bookkeeping and administration details are taken care of.
Home life is busy for Leisa with 3 boys to run around, any spare time is spent with her family and friends.
With such a long standing knowledge of the hospitals and clients, Leisa is still a popular local face about the place.
We would be lost without her many years of experience.
Nurse
Sam joined us in 2003 and is still an important member of the Team today.
Initially having a career in the corporate hospitality industry, Sam realised her true passion was with animals and made the necessary steps to fulfill this dream.
Having grown up in Warrandyte, Sam has a good in-depth knowledge of the local area and its wildlife and enjoys being able to help our local native critters.
In her spare time Sam enjoys spending time in the garden at home with her family and fur children.
Nurse
I started grooming in 1973. Initially this involved approximately 3 years in training, learning the techniques for all breeds of dogs in order to become an all breed dog groomer.
Punctuating this time I have had a few breaks from grooming to raise a family and pursue other activities.
I have worked in various veterinary clinics for over 20 years, and I have worked for the Eltham Central, Montmorency and Box Hill Veterinary Hospitals since 1997.
I am a registered Feline Control Council (FCC) cat show judge and have judged all over Australia as well as internationally.
I have also breed and shown Minature Poodles and Persians for many years.
My love for animals has led to a rewarding career in grooming and veterinary nursing as well as enjoyable hobbies in breeding, showing and judging.
Nurse
Nicole joined the Team at Diamond Valley Veterinary Hospitals in July 2016 after moving to the Northern side of Melbourne from Bentleigh.
After finishing high school, her drive and passion to work with animals and the outdoors lead her to the country where she undertook a Bachelor of Agriculture. After a few years of farming and working on the land, her life long wish to become a vet brought her back to Melbourne. She found her calling when she started veterinary nursing in 2007 and has never looked back!
Nicole’s interests in animal behaviour lead her to be heavily involved in her local dog obedience club where she became an instructor and a keen participant in obedience and agility with her JRT.
Her deep love for animals means she is always surrounded with “fur babies”. With 3 dogs, a cat and birds, she is kept very busy and active at home – but wouldn’t have it any other way.
Nurse
Bree found her “home away from home” with us here in April 2016. She found her love for veterinary nursing in 2010 and continues to adore her career choice, surrounding herself with many a “foster-fail” including Dennis the Cockatiel and Franklin the Eastern long neck Turtle, among other much beloved furry four footers.
Outside of the nursing world Bree’s interest in animals lead her to pet grooming, which she fills her spare time with. Being around animals and helping them feel more comfortable is found to be greatly therapeutic for her.
Recently Bree discovered she had a keen interest in feline and canine behaviour, which lead her down the exciting path of instructing Puppy Pre-School. She can now be found wooing puppies at our Eltham Central location whilst running puppy classes.
Having grown up in the Diamond Valley area, Bree is always recognizing the locals by name or by face. Working close to home gives Bree great joy as she loves our community.
She is available to discuss any of your pets needs at both of our clinics and is always eager for a chat when on reception.
Nurse
Rio joined the Diamond Valley Veterinary Team in March 2017.
She started her nursing career in 2010 and completed her veterinary nursing studies in 2012, this giving her the qualification to locum in many veterinary practices throughout Melbourne, country Victoria and even Perth.
Moving from North Ampton, England at the age of 15 with family, she now lives in the heart of the Yarra Valley with her husband, 2 boxer dogs Ebony and Ope and her bearded dragon Mazard.
As a qualified veterinary nurse she continue to improve her skills with ongoing studies in all aspects of vet nursing and patient health care, and has a passion for radiology and pathology.
Rio has a very active lifestyle and enjoys being with friends and family indulging at the local wineries, taking the dogs to the beach, camping, walking and the occasional horse ride.
Nurse
Rose joined the Diamond Valley Veterinary Hospital team in July 2017.
Rose’s passion for animals started from a very young age, she was always surrounded by pets of her own and family friends that were rescuing wildlife. This is what lead Rose into a career in Veterinary nursing.
Rose first started veterinary nursing in 2009, and recently completed her Certificate IV in 2017.
Rose lives with her toy poodle dog Questa, as well as multiple orphaned or injured wildlife that she cares for at any given time.
Outside of veterinary nursing, Rose likes to spend her time rescuing and for caring wildlife, going away camping and four wheel driving and taking photos of nature and animals.
Nurse
Growing up in country Victoria surrounded by animals, Karrie was destined to end up working in the animal care industry.
Working as a veterinary nurse since 2010, Karrie’s areas of interest include surgical nursing and wildlife rehabilitation.
Having joined the DVVH team in 2019, Karrie now lives locally with her partner and their adorable and insanely spoiled pup Piccolina and a very demanding yet entertaining sulphur crested cockatoo named Basil.
Nurse
Hannah joined the diamond valley veterinarian team in April 2019.
Hannah grew up in regional Victoria and was always surrounded by animals. She attended an agricultural high school and spent every spare moment helping to tend to all the animals. This spurred her passion to one day pursue a career helping them for a living.
It was through work experience in 2012 that she discovered Vet Nursing and never looked back!
She moved to Melbourne in 2015 to start studying and graduated in 2018. While she enjoys every aspect of nursing, she particularly enjoys animal behaviour and helping owners better understand their pets.
Outside of work, you will find Hannah either spending time with friends and partner or spoiling her two fur-babies, Mae Mae and Otto.
Groomer
Sheila our Groomer (or “Pet Pamperer” as she is often called!) joined our Team in 2015. She has been grooming for over 20 years, and still has just as much love for the job and the pets today as she did when she first got started all those years ago.
Sheila is a proud mum of 3 boys, as well as being just as proud a pet parent of her 3 little chihuahuas and also 3 cats. Her interests have changed over the years, but she still loves cooking , tending to her herb garden, pottering around the garden, and particularly enjoys her knitting and crochet. She’s even looking into spinning wool and dog fur into a wonderful mixed yarn!
Sheila has a strong passion and gives it her all with her grooming work – she never takes for granted the trust it takes to leave your fur babies with her for grooming, and always goes the extra mile to make each pet feel loved, pampered and relaxed just as she would want for her own fur babies.
There is no pet too big, small or furry that she won’t have looking and feeling their best!