Michelle is a veterinarian at Takurua Vets who brings a calm, thoughtful presence to every consult. She provides comprehensive care for pets at all stages of life, supporting their families through preventative health, illness, and recovery with empathy and clarity.
What Michelle enjoys most about veterinary medicine is that no two days are ever the same. Each day brings new challenges, new puzzles to solve, and new opportunities to make a meaningful difference. She finds the greatest reward in seeing animals feel better - whether that means recovering from illness, living more comfortably with chronic conditions, or simply leaving the clinic calmer and less anxious than when they arrived.
Michelle has a natural ability to read animal body language, including the subtle signals that often go unnoticed. This skill allows her to adapt her approach in real time, helping pets feel understood and safe while ensuring their care is as low-stress as possible. She has a particular interest in dermatology and senior pet health, and enjoys working closely with families to improve quality of life over the long term.
She has a deep appreciation for the unconditional love and unique personalities animals bring into our lives, and believes that kindness and patience go a long way - for both pets and people.
Outside the clinic, Michelle is kept on her toes by her Labradoodle, Hudson, who is known for his gentle nature and impressive enthusiasm for food. When she’s not at work, you’ll likely find her with a good coffee in hand, unwinding with an episode of Grey’s Anatomy after a busy day.
Her personal motto is simple and true to how she practises:
“Kindness goes a long way - for pets and people.”
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
Certificate in Science and Technology
Fear Free Certified Professional
Michelle has a particular interest in dermatology and in supporting senior pets as they age. She enjoys working through skin and ear problems such as itching, recurrent infections, and allergy-related flare-ups, taking a practical, step-by-step approach to get pets comfortable again and reduce repeat issues over time. She also loves helping older dogs and cats live well for longer, with a focus on early detection, comfort, mobility support, and quality-of-life planning.
