About Us
About Us
Connaught House Vets was established over half a century ago and was one of the first practices in the country to be granted hospital status by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. We continue to work to follow the highest level of the voluntary Practice Standards Scheme, so we can provide the best standard of care for our clients and their pets.
As well as the hospital in Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton the Connaught Group also has branch surgeries in Kingswinford and Codsall. Kingswinford has a dedicated team of nursing and support staff, whilst Codsall is run by familiar faces from Wolverhampton.
In addition to the treatment of domestic pets, the practice also has a devoted Equine team which provides care to horses, ponies and donkeys (with the occasional pig!). Most equine patients are treated in their home environment however, owners can choose to bring their horses to the equine clinic at Shepherds Buildings, Burnhill Green.
We aim to provide an individualised, caring service to all our clients (whether companion or equine) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Above all we intend to prioritise the welfare of your pet or horse and discuss the best options for treatment with our clients to involve them in the decision making process at all points.
Small animal out of hours services are provided by our own vets until late evening when they are passed over to a dedicated out of hours provider, equine out of hours emergencies are always covered by our own vets.

History
Originally founded in 1953 by Mr W M Taylor at Pipers Row, Wolverhampton the practice re-located some 20 years later to Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton. The very first branch surgery on Oaken Lanes, Codsall was opened in 1961 and remains there today for routine appointments.
In 1977 Connaught House Vets was one of the very first practices in the country to be granted Hospital Status by the MCRVS. Since moving to Tettenhall Road the practice has undergone an extensive programme of refurbishment and modernisation. Whilst consulting rooms, reception, dispensary, laboratory, offices and residential areas remain in the original building, the theatres, wards, X-Ray room and prep rooms are housed in the purpose-built hospital at the rear of the premises.
We purchased an existing Veterinary Practice on Broad Street, Kingswinford in 2002 which became our second branch surgery. Our equine department was established in 1980 by Mr Taylor’s daughter, Sue, and now has a base at Burnhill Green near Wolverhampton. Sue Taylor has been partner since her move to the practice in 1980, with Nick Bolton joining her in the partnership around 1990. Andrew Mills took over from Mr Bolton in 2016 following his retirement.
Meet The Team
Veterinary Surgeons

Sue Taylor BVMS MVM MRCVS
Senior Partner - Equine Vet
I am the daughter of Mick Taylor, the founder of the practice, hence I grew up with veterinary medicine around me, helping my father from a very early age.
I qualified from Glasgow vet school in 1976, and then spent a year as a postgraduate studying equine orthopaedics leading to an MVM. Following several years living in Newmarket working as a locum, I returned here in 1980 and have been here ever since. I have been one of the race course vets at Wolverhampton from 1980, Uttoxeter race course since 1988, I am now part of the team at Haydock and also at Aintree for the bigger race days such as the Grand National. I find all my job fascinating, but I have a special interest in equine performance/ lameness and in farriery (I am an examiner for the Worshipful Company of farriers).
I have ridden all of my life and own several thoroughbred horses. In my (limited!!) spare time I train point to pointers and hunter chasers; often having them from youngsters, breaking them in and then taking them through their training. I also breed the occasional thoroughbred foal. I live with my rescued lurcher Jasper, my whippet Tiny Tim and my partner Paul who manufactures saddlery.

Andrew Mills BVet Med MRCVS
Partner – Equine Vet
I graduated from The Royal Veterinary College in London in June 2007 and joined Connaught Veterinary Group straight away. I joined the partnership in 2016. I currently work mainly for our equine department but do still do some companion animal work, spending my days out and about on visits and covering some evenings in practice. I have a particular interest in equine dentistry (with my equipment purchases being a running joke as ‘boys toys’ – the hazards of being the only male!) and I am part of the team that covers Wolverhampton racecourse.
Outside of work I spend my time cycling and I am currently on a fitness drive and spending my spare time running up the Wrekin to try and get the best time in the practice (being beaten by Isla at the moment but not for long!!). I have a wife, Beverly (also a vet at Connaught House) and two daughters, Faith and Constance. We live with our pet Jack Russell, Bobbie and our parrot Bertie.

Gayle Capps BVSc MRCVS
Equine Vet
I qualified from Bristol vet school in 1999 and worked in a mixed practice in Bedfordshire for three years, before moving to The George Veterinary Group in Wiltshire for the best part of ten years, initially doing small animal and equine, but ultimately solely equine. We moved to Shropshire in 2012, because we fell in love with the countryside whilst being here on holiday! The house we bought will keep our DIY skills and gardening skills busy for years to come. I have been at Connaught since the move.
I have two children who also keep me busy, a long-suffering husband who works in London, and a very daft retriever called Alfie who comes out on visits with me.

Julie Wylie BVet Med (Hons) MRCVS
Clinical Director
I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2002 and have worked at Connaught since I qualified. I have an interest in emergency and critical care cases, and I am currently completing a certificate in this area.
I own 2 border collies, 2 toy breeds and several cats. I enjoy teaching and competing in dog agility in my spare time. I live with my husband Keith and our young daughter Heather.

Kelly Huntley BVSc MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
I qualified from Bristol University in 2012 and have been working at Connaught House since May 2014, where I am mainly based at the Kingswinford branch. I have a keen interest in all aspects of internal medicine, especially feline.
Outside of work I have a border collie called Ted and spend most of my time walking him as well as competing at dog agility.

Beverley Mills BVetMed BA MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Hailing from Ohio, I moved to London to attend the Royal Veterinary College. I had the pleasure of meeting my husband, Andrew, whilst at the RVC. I qualified in 2007 and moved to Shropshire, working in a mixed animal practice at Hollybush Vets. I joined the Connaught team in 2015, I work mainly in the Kingswinford branch but can occasionally be found at the hospital. I enjoy all areas of small animal practice but have a particular interest in surgical cases.
I now work part time to facilitate being a taxi service to my daughters Faith and Constance. When I get any spare time, I enjoy gardening and playing the piano.

Jess Foulkes BVetMed MRCVS
Equine/Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
I qualified from Royal Veterinary College London in 2019. I joined the team at Connaught right away after spending time here on placement. I am mainly Equine but you will find me at the Hospital in Wolverhampton seeing small animals weekly (when Jan allows!).
Will Garner BVetMed MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2019 and joined Connaught House immediately after. I have a keen interest in diagnostic imaging, particularly ultrasonography, and intend to undertake further training in this area in the near future.
Outside of work, I enjoy clay pigeon shooting in my spare time, previously having been part of the shooting team at university. I grew up surrounded by working gundogs and have a gold working Cocker Spaniel called Rosie.
Veterinary Nurses

Lisa Whitehouse RVN
Nursing Director
I started working at Connaught in 1990 and attended Rodbaston College where I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 1997. My main interest lies in emergency and critical care cases as I gained a certificate in this area in 2014.
I own a border terrier and a lurcher, who I love walking and spending time with. My other hobbies include riding my motorbike as well as watching motorbikes and Formula 1.

Samantha Rudge RVN
Head Nurse at Wolverhampton Hospital
I have worked at Connaught since September 2010, with a short period in another practice in 2013/14. I previously worked in another Veterinary Practice for nearly 3 years. I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in Summer 2012. I have special interests in Veterinary Anaesthesia, laboratory diagnostics and in-patient care.
Felicity Adams
Veterinary Nurse
I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse from Harper Adams University in 2014. I worked at a busy veterinary hospital in Leeds for 5 years before joining Connaught House Veterinary Hospital in January 2019.
I have an interest in feline nursing and have completed the International Society of Feline Medicines certificate in Feline Nursing. I have a cat called Louie who is 8 years old and in my spare time I am currently working on decorating my new house. I also like to take the opportunity to volunteer to help animals abroad when I can.
Lucy Crawford
Veterinary Nurse
I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in a college in Newmarket and worked in an Equine hospital in Lambourn.
I started working at Connaught House in 2019 and work in both the small animal hospital and the equine department.
I own a Jack Russell called Bertie who keeps me busy. I enjoy dressage, eventing and horse racing.

Claire Woodworth
Veterinary Nurse
I started my veterinary career in 2011, joining Connaught in 2015 and qualifying as an RVN in 2018. My interests lie in ECC, anaesthesia and laboratory. I have since gained a certificate in exotics nursing (Avian) and plan to continue further study.
Outside of work, I enjoy gigs, walks with my dog and gardening.

Claire Cook RVN
Deputy Head Nurse Kingswinford
I started work at Connaught Wolverhampton Hospital in 2008, qualified in 2010 and moved to the Kingswinford branch in 2017. I enjoy all aspects of theatre work, nurse clinics and pharmacy.
Outside of work I have my horse Dolly who I ride most days and my elderly Jack Russell Terrier Dot who keeps me on my toes. I also enjoy motorcycles and day trips out.

Maureen Mason RVN
Nursing Assistant
I joined Connaught House in 1983 and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 1987 after training at Rodbaston College. I work at both the main Wolverhampton Hospital and the Codsall branch surgery.
I have an Italian Spinone called Wesley, and I am an avid support of Newcastle United FC!

Alison Jones
Nursing Assistant
I joined Connaught Vets in 1980 – I am the longest serving member apart from Sue Taylor! – and attended Rodbaston college for my animal nursing training. I work at both the Wolverhampton Hospital and Codsall branch surgery.
I have a black and white cat called Travis.

Kerry Wall RVN
Head Nurse at Kingswinford
I qualified in 2000 at Rodbaston College and came to work at the Kingswinford branch of Connaught in 2004. I have a keen interest in canine behaviour.
I share my home with my two cats, Tyrion and Harry, an African Grey Parrot called Roo and my lovely English Pointer Kobi. My interests are dog showing and working Kobi (so generally spending lots of time in muddy fields) and yoga.

Sarah Allen RVN
Veterinary Nurse Kingswinford
I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2002 whilst working at a Veterinary surgery in Birmingham. I started working at Connaught in April 2010.
I have two lovely cats and I’m proud Mum of two boys, spending most of my free time running around after them and socialising with friends and family.

Joanna Parker RVN
Veterinary Nurse Kingswinford
I started at Connaught in Wolverhampton in 2006 and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2010.
I moved to the Kingswinford branch in 2012 and here I still am.
I enjoy nurse clinics and love meeting new animals we welcome to the practice.
For Hobbies, I have an online (Facebook) company called El’s Tails, where I personalise pet products, so this keeps me busy when I’m not at the vets.
I have a beautiful Labrador called Radley who is 9 years old and he is a very spoilt boy.

Bethany Underhill
Veterinary Nurse Wolverhampton
I joined Connaught in July 2017 to complete my training and qualified as a RVN in 2018. I have a particular interest in Nurse Clinics, medical nursing and especially love Sight Hounds! I am currently in the process of completing a Certificate in Animal Behaviour which is due to finish in January 2022.
I have three lurchers; Ariel, Brair and Blaze and a tortoise called Stormageddon! Outside of work I enjoy walking the dogs in the countryside or trips to the seaside, spending time with friends and family and a big fan of True Crime!
Paula Wilson RNV
Veterinary Nurse
I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse from Myerscough College, Preston in 2003. I worked in a very busy A+E practice in Bury Lancashire for 18 years before moving to Wolverhampton. After a short period at another practice I joined Connaught House Veterinary Hospital in November 2020 and have a keen interest in surgery and theatre work. In February 2022 I am starting a Certificate in Dentristy.
I currently have 2 border collies, Talli & Effi, and 3 cats Bobby, Makie and Finley.
The Support Team

Jan Lake
Equine Manager
I began working at Connaught House in 1998, starting on reception and then migrating to the offices upstairs to focus on the Equine Department. I now spend my days tracking down the equine vets and keeping them focussed on the job in hand – even I cannot stop them from going AWOL at times (!) – as well as dealing with the administration the equine department brings with it.
In my spare time I breed and show Maine Coons, and I am often seen walking into the practice with one of my beloved cats in tow.

Jan Moore
Receptionist
I have worked in the Veterinary Profession for over 15 years at both Wolverhampton and Kingswinford, but you can now find me at the Kingswinford branch permanently.
I own two horses and a dog. My family and I lived overseas in Singapore and Malaysia for many years where I assisted with the Riding for the Disabled Association.
Angie Guttridge
Receptionist
I started working for Connaught Vets in Oct 2019, but previous to this have been a veterinary receptionist for 20years so obviously enjoy all aspects of the job!
I have a 9 year old Labrador that loves swimming in the sea when my husband and I take her to the caravan in Wales, and she also loves long walks on the beach.
I enjoy walking and listening to live music.
My proudest moment was when my youngest son got married in June 2021, it was such an emotional day!

Barb Hawkins
Receptionist
I previously worked at Thomas Cook Travel for a number of years, but after deciding I needed a change I joined the Connaught Team over 11 years ago. You can find me at the Kingswinford branch.
My hobbies are Pilates, cycling and horse riding and have my own horse, Rosie. I am a volunteer at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Bromsgrove where I help with fundraising, assisting in the vet clinic, walking dogs, playing with cats, cleaning kennels, doing laundry (in fact, anything that needs doing!!).
Rebecca Tolley
Receptionists
I joined Connaught Vets, Kingswinford branch, back in 2019, after previously working in the horse racing industry which took me all around the world working with some amazing trainers and horses.
After having my Son Cian in 2019 I wanted to stay local to my home town but also continue to work with animals, which Connaught Vet provides. I enjoy talking to clients and working as a team player.
I love spending time with my family and friends. We have a dog call Rosie which we rescued back in 2015.
Michelle Stringer
Receptionist
I have been a receptionist for Connaught House Veterinary Group since 2019 at the Kingswinford branch.
I enjoy the diversity of the role, meeting clients and their animals and working as part of a team.
I had previous receptionist/secretary experience but am actually a fully qualified nursery nurse teacher and have also run my own business.
My hobbies outside of work include socializing with friends and family, keeping fit, swimming, hiking, cycling and the gym.
I currently have two Yorkshire terriers and have kept rabbits, birds and cats in the past.

Stephanie Simpson MAAT
Finance Manager
I am a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians and have been employed at Connaught House since 2007.
My pets include Jez the large ginger cat, Megan the West Highland White Terrrier dog who gets into lots of trouble, and Mr Darcey the horse who is quite a new addition to the family.
Allison Edwards MAAT
Finance Administrator
I joined Connaught in October 2009 working as part of the accounts team and am a full member of the Association of Accounting Technicians.
I love my bible, my family and my friends.
I enjoy watching Columbo and could sit and watch him on TV all day long if time allowed. I love to travel but equally also enjoy visiting National Trust gardens and have subsequently developed ‘green fingers’ of my own, following in the footsteps of my Dad who grows the best veggies ever!!

Liam Payne
Head Receptionist
I started at Connaught House Vets in June 2018, and I work part time on reception at the Wolverhampton Hospital. I particularly enjoy talking to clients on the front desk and working behind the scenes in the offices.
In my spare time I breed mini lop rabbits (and have earned the deserved title of ‘Crazy Rabbit Man’). I also own two horses that I compete locally.
Sarah Wankling
Receptionist
I started working as a receptionist at Connaught House in June 2021, having previously worked at a different practice for 4 years. I enjoy meeting clients and their animals and all aspects of reception work.
Outside of work I am kept very busy with my 4 dogs – Reggie a 7 year old rescue lurcher; Nala a 4 year old rescue from Croatia; Buddy a 2 year old English Springer Spaniel who is training to be a working Gundog, and I am currently fostering Henry, a 10 month old rescue from Croatia. I also help my friend with her horses and enjoy country walks and rides. In any spare time I have, my husband and I support our sons at Motocross and football.
Michelle Howes
Receptionist
I have worked at Connaught House since January 2021. After gaining a BSc (Hons) in Animal Management I went on to be a Zoo Keeper for 11 years. I worked mainly with Primates ranging from Marmosets and Tamarins to Orangutans. I have also spent some time working with and training dogs who have since gone on to be Police Dogs and Anti-Poaching dogs in South Africa.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my pets and am a huge fan of Eeyore.
Monet Davies
Receptionist
I started at Connaught House in march this 2021, I am a receptionist at Kingswinford. I especially enjoy meeting new owners and seeing new pets. I am also a UKCC1 qualified equestrian coach.
Outside of work I enjoy teaching horse riding and working my own horses (2 ex race horses who I adore!) especially enjoy cross country
As well as the horses, I have teacup Yorkshire Terrier and one cat.
Zoe Finch
Animal Care Assistant
I started at Connaught Vets in April 2021 as a Veterinary Nursing Assistant with a view to progress to a Student Veterinary Nurse the end of next year as my dream has always been to train to be a Registered Veterinary Nurse.
I originally worked with horses at a stables and am grateful to Connaught Vets to be giving me the chance to train in my dream job.
I enjoy helping the vets with the animals whatever the task from holding the puppies to helping for bloods, and I also enjoy watching theatre and learning new things everyday.
Outside of work I have a horse called Toffee, I love to go riding in the woods and spending as much time as I can with her, however when I’m not at the stables I am at home with our family dogs and my rabbit. We are a very animal orientated family which is why animals are my passion.
The Student Staff Team
Stacey Wilkinson
Student Veterinary Nurse
I started at Connaught House in June 2019 as a Student Veterinary Nurse, I am on track to qualify in 2022. I have a interest in Radiography and am keen to gain further qualifications when I qualify as a RVN.
I own 2 Border Collies called Zack and Chance who are father and son. A horse called Pretty Boy (PB for short) and a cat called Theo.
My hobbies are riding my horse and singing around studying.
I also enjoy going on city breaks and long weekends away with my Fiance.
Bethany Vaissiere
Animal Care Assistant
I started working at Connaught House in January 2021, my job role at the moment is Animal Nursing Assistant but I will hopefully be going to college in January 2022 to start my Veterinary Nurse training. I enjoy working in the lab and taking care of all the inpatients and watching them leave happy and healthy again. I hope to achieve my animal nursing qualification.
Outside of work I love to go on walks, and going out with friends and family. My pets at home are Timothy, a ginger cat who is roughly 8months old. I adopted him from Connaught. I also have a bearded dragon called Rory who is 4 years old.
The Practice Standards Scheme is a voluntary scheme administered by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). The RCVS sets minimum practice standards, which include emergency cover, hygiene, staff training, certain types of diagnostic and surgical equipment, and complying with the legal requirements of running a business. The RCVS carries out regular inspections and spot checks to ensure the standards are maintained.
There are 3 levels of standard, the highest being awarded the classification of ‘Veterinary Hospital’. Connaught House Veterinary Hospital is proud to have been classified as a Veterinary Hospital since 1977. The Partners are under no obligation to maintain this level of practice standard, but do so in order to continually improve the practice to provide the best possible care for your pet.
Fees
All fees, foodstuffs and drug charges are subject to VAT at the current rate. Fee levels are determined by the time spent on a case and according to the drugs, materials, consumables and diets used.
Methods of Payment
Fees are due for settlement at the end of each consultation, the discharge of your pet or upon the collection of drugs/diets. You may settle the account using:-
- cash
- cheque with current bank card
- credit/debit card in-person or by telephone
Estimates
We will provide a written estimate with regard to the probable costs of a course of treatment. Please bear in mind that any estimate given can only be approximate: Often a pet’s illness will not follow a predictable course and unexpected costs may be incurred owing to the condition’s complexity.
Settlement Terms
Any account with an outstanding balance will receive an invoice via the post. Invoices are due for payment by return. Where further reminders have to be sent we may add charges to cover the cost of administration. If accounts remain unpaid they will be referred to an outside agency for collection and further charges will be levied in respect of costs incurred in collecting the debt. Any cheque returned by our bank as unpaid, any card payments not honoured and any cash paid which turns out to be counterfeit will result in the original balance of the account being restored and any bank and administration charges added. In some circumstances, particularly if you have no long term credit rating with our business, we will ask for a deposit before commencing a treatment plan.
Insurance Settlement Terms
The business supports the principle of veterinary health insurance and on behalf of its clients will endeavour to deal with the administration. We do not make a charge for this service however, it is your responsibility to settle our account in full and then reclaim the fees from your insurance company. We advise that you inform your insurance company and request a claim form before a treatment plan starts. In the event of long term conditions, claim forms should be submitted regularly.
Inability to Pay
If for any reason you are unable to settle your account in full at the normal time, we would ask you to discuss the matter as soon as possible with a member of staff. Please note that part-payments may only be sanctioned by a senior member of the business. We reserve the right not to supply any medicines, diets or consumables for veterinary care if an account is not settled in full at the time of consultation or discharge.
Complaints and Standards
We hope you never have recourse to complain about the standards of service received from Connaught House Veterinary Group. However, if you feel there is something you wish to complain about, then please direct your comments in the first instance to the practice manager.
Ownership of Records
Case records are the property of, and will be retained by, Connaught House Veterinary Group. Copies of the records will be given, on request, to a veterinary surgeon who is taking over the case.
Ownership of Images
The care of your animal may involve the production of a variety of recordings and images e.g. X-rays, ECG’s. Even though we make a charge for carrying out and interpreting the results, ownership of the images remains within the practice.