About
Riverland Veterinary Hospital and Emergency Centre is a locally owned and operated veterinary practice that has served the pet population of the riverland and surrounding areas since 1984. We are a full-service mixed animal practice. This means we care for both large and small animals providing all levels of care for your pets ranging from routine preventive care to dentistry, soft tissue surgery, orthopedics, medical consults, large animal care, advanced diagnostics as well as 24-hour emergency afterhours service.
We understand that your pet is an important part of your family, and we are committed to offering outstanding service from their first check into their precious golden years.
Our services range from small animal in-clinic procedures and routine care, surgeries and emergency and intensive care to large animals services such as Xray, farm visits and 24-hour emergency after hours services.
With clinics located in Berri, Renmark, Loxton, and Waikerie, Dr John Hammond and associates will provide the professional and caring service your pet needs.
VETERINARIANS
Dr John Hammond is a highly qualified and respected Veterinarian with over 45 years of experience
Dr John got his degree in Veterinary Medicine from Queensland University in 1975, and then worked at the Adelaide Emergency Hospital for 4 years followed by 5 years of Equine medicine and surgery before moving to the Riverland and purchasing and building the Riverland Veterinary Practice in 1984.
Dr Hammond is passionate about all aspects of Veterinary Care but has a special interest in Orthopaedic Surgery, Large Animals and Emergency Medicine.
In his spare time Dr Hammond is very adventures being it trekking in Tasmania, desexing street dogs in India, canoeing Coopers creek or bringing veterinary care to remote outback Australia.
Dr Hammond has 3 dogs at home Mia (Chihuahua) and Nellie and Charlie (Cavaliers)
Dr John Hammond BVSc (Hons)
My name is Dr Ariel Stephenson. I graduated from the university of Adelaide in 2014 and joined the Riverland Veterinary Practice team in 2015.
In the nearly 7 years of working here I have had many amazing opportunities to expand my skill set and give back to those in need.
One of my favourites being travelling to the Cook Islands in 2018 to provide veterinary care and support to the community.
I have a special interest in Emergency, Dentistry and Large animal medicine.
Dr Ariel Stephenson BScPV DVM
My Name is Dr Nicole Cruickshank and I graduated from Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The University of Adelaide in 2019. I soon joined the Riverland Veterinary Practice team in early 2020. I have a keen interested in dentistry, and soft tissue surgery and hope to gain more experience in emergency. I love meeting everyone and their furkids and helping them to feel better!
If I’m not at the clinic you might see me sitting by the river sipping an early morning coffee or enjoying the amazing sunsets that come at the end of the day. I have two crazy cats at home- Paintbrush and Cobweb, who I have adopted through the clinic as stray kittens. They are absolute terrors some days, but I love them anyway. In my spare I love to bake- cookies, cakes, slices- you name it and ill bake it. (And always much appreciated at the clinic on a busy day.
Dr Nicole Cruickshank BSc (Hons) DVM
Originally from the South-East of South Australia and relishing in the nicer weather of the Riverland, I have been working at Riverland Vet Practice since I graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2020.
I had the amazing opportunity this year to travel to remote areas of South Australia to provide veterinary care to those in need, I also worked with Safe Pets Safe families to provide veterinary care to those effected by or at risk of homelessness these were very rewarding experiences and something I will continue to do in the future.
I enjoy seeing animals big and small; from birds, dogs, and cats, to horses, cows, sheep, and everything in between.
Dr Simone Treloar BScVB DVM
Originating from Queensland, I graduated from James Cook University in December 2023. Having always been drawn to small town communities and mixed veterinary practice, I commenced my career with RVP in 2024.
I love all aspects of mixed practice, with a keen passion for large animal surgery and medicine.
I’m excited to meet our clients and owners from each part of the gorgeous Riverland. In my spare time, I enjoy getting outdoors with my pup: Dobby, hiking, camping, skateboarding and footy.
Dr Imogen O’Neill BVSC
MANAGEMENT
I started at the Riverland Veterinary Clinic in 2019, with a passion for people and always had a love for animals. I am particularly partial to dogs with obedience training being my favourite. At home, probably chewing up my potted plants, is a Border Collie and a German Shepherd. The best part of my day is when a staff member swings past with a puppy that needs a cuddle”.
Sandra Kernich
ADMINISTRATION
I first began employment as Bookkeeper/Payroll Officer with the Riverland Veterinary Practice in May 2018. Whilst my position in the business does not require direct contact with the patients, I often find myself checking in on animals in the runs and sharing my office with staff pets.
I enjoy spending time with my human and fur family, gardening, boating on the river and playing netball. Our fur family includes beautiful Molly – a Golden Retriever/Alaskan Malamute – she is 12 years old and loves swimming the river. Two of our newest pets are gorgeous kittens – Sessy & Winnie who are very entertaining.
Karina Tschirpig
Hi, my name is Jamie. I previously worked at the Riverland Veterinary Clinic in 2013, after spending some time travelling, I have returned to the Riverland and to the clinic to start a family. I am also a part of the fauna rescue group for the Riverland region and am always happy to help with any native wildlife. Growing up in the region prior to moving away has given me a lot of experience with animals and particularly horses and large farms. My pets at home include a large array of birds, dogs, kangaroos and reptiles (self-confessed German Shepherd lover)
Jamie Butters
I first started at R.V.P in 2012 running the puppy classes in Berri, in 2014 I was offered a Trainee nurse position and enjoyed this role up until 2020 when I switch to reception. I really enjoy working and helping clients, so this role has been a great change for me.
In my free time I enjoy training my 4 dogs Ellie, Ivy, Maddie, and Mabel. They will often be seen behind the counter at our Berri Practice.
Katie Warland
VETERINARY NURSES
I have worked for RVP for nearly 30 years and have my Cert 1V in Veterinary Nursing, I manage the Renmark Clinic, run Puppy Classes, and have a special interest in Animal Behaviour and Training. I really enjoy helping pets fit in to their family.
Gill Atkinson V.N
I started at Riverland Veterinary Practice 20 years ago in December 2001 & became a fully qualified Cert IV nurse 2005. Over the years I have seen & been involved in many varied facets of the veterinary industry. I have come to have special interests in pathology, feline health, surgery, radiology, wildlife care (in particular – kangaroos) & emergency. There have been so many highlights over the years but the biggest one would have to be the weeklong trip to remote cattle stations in the Australian outback to nurse for surgical procedures on cattle & horses. I have a very keen interest in photography & use this at work to capture some of the ‘gorier’ elements of veterinary life. I also enjoy outside activities – fishing, lazy days by or on the river with family. Working at home on our small property is also something I enjoy. I love watching motorsports, watching movies & reading along with the photography. I love where I work, the people I work with & feel privileged to be able to spend my time at a place where I enjoy every moment.
Mel Reichelt V.N
I started working at the Riverland vet practice in 2006 and got my full qualification in 2007.I left in 2011 to start a family and after 7 years returned in 2018.
I am very passionate about Nutrition.
At home I have 2 American Staffys called Axel and Jagger and a chonky cat names Lola A.K.A Fat Trish
Tammy Schofield V.N
I first started at the Riverland Veterinary Practice in 1997, I got my Cert 4 Nursing Qualification in 2003. I worked for 7 years Veterinary Nursing before exploring further and having a career change, later (2013) I returned to the clinic. I feel privileged to be able to care for your pets and hope that not only can I make a difference to your pets but also help you during often very difficult times.
I’ve seen great change since first starting in the Veterinary Industry and am very proud of the improvements in medical, surgical and technology that has really lifted the standards provided and expected for your pets.
Kim Schwarz R.V.N
Hi, my name is Hannah,
I completed my certificate 4 in Veterinary nursing in 2018 and joined the R.V.P Team in 2021.
I am passionate about emergency surgery and patient care; I look forward to continuing to grow my knowledge and skill set in all aspects of the Veterinary industry.
Hannah Sims V.N
My name is Kady Schwertfeger. I started at the clinic in March 2017. I completed my certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in October 2019. My special interests in my field are dentistry and pathology. I own a staffy X named Dudley who I adopted as a puppy from the clinic in July 2021. In my spare time, I play netball, football, and basketball.
Kady Schwertfeger V.N
My name is Paige Finocchio I have my Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing.
My special interests in the Veterinary field are Wildlife (mostly marsupials & reptiles), large animals, diagnostic’s e.g., blood & urine pathology, radiographs & ultrasounds. Hobbies: camping, fishing, raising baby joeys Pets: Lilly my staffy, Florence my cat, Mr Spicy (Jungle Python) & Lucy (Diamond Python) my snakes and several kangaroos that I have cared for and raised over the years.
Paige Finocchio V.N
I have been Nursing for 9 years and obtained my qualification in 2016. I started working for the Riverland Veterinary Practice in March 2021.
I am passionate about behaviour and emergency medicine.
Bec Lovett V.N
Amie is a qualified vet nurse who joined the Riverland vet practice team in 2022 after completing her placement with us in 2021. Before joining our team, she studied a diploma of animal technology and was a horse-riding instructor in the Adelaide hills. Amie enjoys all aspects of nursing from consults to emergency care but has a special interest in large animal/ rural nursing as well as post-operative care/ rehabilitation and all life-stage care. Amie currently has one dog at home called Pip who enjoys joining Amie on adventures or coming to work.
Amie McCarthy V.N
My name is Jordyn, I have recently graduated a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at the end of 2022 and joined the RVP team straight out of university at the start of 2023. I grew up on a farm in country Victoria, then moved to Adelaide for University so I’m appreciating being back in a small town. My interests are diagnostic imaging and surgical nursing. I also have a passion for native wildlife and production animal health and management.
Jordyn Rogers B.V.T
My Name is Bonnie, I recently joined the RVP family after completing 2 of my placements here while studying a Bachelors degree in Veterinary Technology at the University of Adelaide. I loved the team, clientele and most importantly the animals so I was over the moon when I was offered the job. I grew up on a farm back in the Adelaide Hills so I’m loving being back in a country town setting. I have a strong passion for production animals especially cattle since I grew up around them. My main areas of interest include livestock reproduction and heard health. Aside from enjoying the occasional farm visit I also have a soft spot for cuddly companion animals and wildlife. Pathology is an area that I’d love to explore further in order to assist vets with diagnostics.
When I’m not at work you’ll probably catch me baking, lifting weights or kayaking down the river.
Bonnie Lenard B.V.T
HOSPITAL ASSISTANTS
My name is Hailey, I first started volunteering at the Riverland Veterinary Practice in early 2021. This has led to me being offered a Trainee Nurse Position starting in 2022. I am very excited to begin my study and continue to develop my skills.
Hailey Butler
After completing work experience in September 2020, I was fortunate enough to begin part-time work in October 2020 at the Riverland Veterinary Practice. I started as a Kennel Hand where I worked two nights a week while still completing my school studies. In 2021, I completed a TAFE course in Certificate lll Rural Operations while still completing my school studies and working my two shifts. Commencing in 2022, I will be studying a Certificate lll in Companion Animal Services while increasing my work shifts and learning a new role in Veterinary Nursing. After the completion of this study, I will begin a Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing in the following years.
My strong interests in my job are providing the best care possible for all animals that come into the Practice and monitoring Surgeries. It is a truly rewarding job in that I get to work with my passion for animals whilst having the best work colleagues.
My favourite hobbies would be spending time outdoors and training at the gym.
Charlotte Zimmermann
I started work at R.V.P in 2011 and hope this will be the job and industry that will take me through to retirement. I enjoy all aspects of work and have a keen interest in instrumentation.
I have recently taken on the role as a more involved hospital assistant which gives me the opportunity to be doing more patient discharges and contact time with owners, which I am really enjoying.
Sue Farrelly
GROOMERS
I have worked for RVP as a Groomer for 10 years, based at the Renmark Clinic and also work from home grooming. It is very rewarding seeing dog’s going out looking clean and with a lovely haircut. I have been involved with the Riverland dog training Club for about 40 years, mostly instructing and trialling in quite a few disciplines including Obedience, Rally, Agility and more recently Tricks and I have gained many titles with several dogs.
Kay Richardson
