Staff | North Coast Veterinary Services

Dr Lauren Archer

Dr Lauren Archer BVSc is the chief veterinarian of North Coast Veterinary Services.

Lauren started caring for animals at a very young age. As a toddler on her grandparents' farm, she "helped" in the yards and roamed the paddocks checking none of the cattle had diarrhoea. Once old enough, she took an after-school job at a vet clinic where she worked until getting into Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney.

Since graduating in 2008, Lauren has gained a broad range of experience. Lauren was a flying vet in the first years of her career. In a tiny plane, she flew between Katherine and the Torres Strait - working with cattle, horses, dogs and cats on remote stations and Indigenous communities. Since leaving the Northern Territory, Lauren has worked in various practices along the Australian east coast including Murwillumbah, Broken Hill, Maffra, and Yeppoon.

In 2019 Lauren opened North Coast Veterinary Services - the best vet for rural animals in the region. Since opening, she has been busy at the clinic nearly every day making sure every pet is getting the care they deserve.

Anthony Archer

Anthony Archer B Ex.Sci, B Pthy (Hon) is the administrative officer and a veterinary assistant at North Coast Veterinary Services.

Having grown up on a dairy farm in the Goulburn Valley, he served in the Army before completing a Science degree at University followed by an honours degree in physiotherapy.

Currently, Anthony is a physiotherapist in Ocean Shores working on human patients. Anthony frequently comes with Dr Lauren on call outs and provide assistance where strength or spotlights are required.

Veterinary Nurses

We are excited to be able to support our patient care with Certificate 4 qualified veterinary nurses on the North Coast Veterinary Services team. The high level of veterinary nursing skills of this qualification help ensure all our patients receive excellence in care. Our nurses bring passion, dedication and a love of animals to their roles.

Tashi has done everything! But now, after studying at TAFE and working for a vet in Lismore, we have her caring for the patients and clients of North Coast veterinary Services. Tashi has been with us since we opened our doors and we are thrilled to have her as our head nurse. Her nursing and customer skills are exceptional, and the animals just love her. When she is not taking care of our beloved patients Tashi is saving the world by replanting rainforest habitats and walking her Staffys.

Keiran started working for North Coast Veterinary Services around the middle of 2022. She completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2016 and between then and now has volunteered with a myriad of different species; domestic, native and exotic, with Giant Petrels and Frigatebirds being a couple of her top favourite bird species she’s had the pleasure of rehabilitating. Keiran has rapidly taken North Coast Veterinary Services’ title of “Chief Greyhound Cuddler” and wastes no time in making sure all of the greyhounds that come into the clinic are smothered with her love. When she’s not cuddling hounds, you’ll see her smiling face and loving nature greeting all walks of life that come through the door.

Matilda has been working with us since 2019 when she started her nursing career as a trainee. She has now completed her certificate 4 in vet nursing this year and is now partt-ime nurse with us. You may also recognise her from the delicious Baker and Daughter’s in Mullum where she also helps out in her family business. Matilda's family moved to the area when she was a child and she grew up surrounded by animals, having many family dogs and horses, This inspired her love of animals and she now owns her very own Staffordshire terrier, Valentine. She is mostly found in the hospital caring for our in patients but she will also be one to greet you at the door with a friendly smile as you enter our clinic.

Amy started a trainee Nurse here, and has recently graduated from Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing at Kingscliff Tafe. She has a love for horses and livestock. She is busy with two of her own horses and lots of cattle at home. Being a local hobby farmer she has an interest in agriculture and livestock health. Amy is also known for smothering your pets with cuddles and treats.

Dr Claire Kelly

Dr Claire graduated as a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons) in 2021 from

the University of Queensland. Having grown up in the northern rivers, she moved back to the region in 2022 to join our team after finding her first veterinary job lacked the diversity of patients she was looking for.

Now, at North Coast Veterinary Services she is in the field with horses, cows, alpacas and sheep, and at the clinic with our dog and cat patients. Claire loves working with all creatures great and small but has a special interest in growing her large animal skills.

In her free time Claire loves all things outdoors including camping, spearfishing and exploring waterfalls.

Dr Bonnie Wetherall

Dr. Bonnie Wetherall BVSc (Hons) is a dedicated veterinarian who graduated from the University of Queensland in early 2024. Hailing from Mackay, Bonnie's upbringing on a 200-acre cattle farm instilled in her a profound love and understanding of animals from an early age.

With a keen interest in exotic species, Bonnie's passion lies particularly with avian patients, drawing from her fascination with their unique physiology and behaviors. At home, she shares her space with two quirky parrots, who serve as both companions and a source of endless amusement.

Outside of veterinary practice, Bonnie embraces the beauty of the natural world, often found exploring the great outdoors or strolling along the sandy shores with her faithful Border Collie, Seven.

Veterinary Nurse Trainees

We are excited to have Veterinary Nurse Trainees at North Coast Veterinary Services. These nursing students come from Kingscliffe TAFE and Wollongbar TAFE to gain the practical skills required to be brilliant nurses.

Currently, our trainees are Brooke, Tess, Katie, and Kate. They are all coming into veterinary nursing with experience in other roles and we are excited to have them on board.

Terry

Terry is the furry heart of North Coast Veterinary Services.

Terry is a local girl, adopted as a silly little kitten from a Murwillumbah farm. She has grown into a gorgeous soul who makes every day better. When things get hectic, she still wants a cuddle. When things are quiet, she loves to have a play.

If you are fortunate enough to see her around the clinic, this scruffy little character always enjoys attention.