Our team
Meet the team
Rachel Caplan
BSc (Hons), BVM&S, MRCVS, PGCertSAM
Director & Veterinary Surgeon
Rachel Caplan
BSc (Hons), BVM&S, MRCVS, PGCertSAM
Director & Veterinary Surgeon
Rachel graduated from Edinburgh Vet School in 2013 and has worked in small animal practice ever since—though her love for animals started long before that. She holds a further qualification in internal medicine and has a particular interest in those complex, puzzling cases that require a little extra digging.
As the director of Welland Valley Vets, she’s passionate about creating a practice built on honesty, kindness, and clear communication. For her, great veterinary care is about more than just clinical knowledge—it’s about genuinely caring for the people and pets who walk through the door.
Outside the clinic, life is full and lively with her husband, their three daughters, Nala the Labrador (a professional food thief), and Pickle the cat, who—as cats tend to do—rules the house with an iron paw.
Robert Pontefract
B.V.M.S, Cert V Ophthal, M.R.C.V.S.
Robert Pontefract
B.V.M.S, Cert V Ophthal, M.R.C.V.S.
Rob qualified from Glasgow Vet School back when perms were popular and phones had cords. Since then, he’s racked up decades of experience, starting out in mixed practice in Castle Bromwich and Selby before jetting off to the University of Pennsylvania for an intensive small animal internship.
Upon returning to the UK, Rob set his sights on eyes — earning his Certificate in Veterinary Opthalmology in 1989. He’s now on the British Veterinary Association’s Eye Panel for hereditary disease, which means he gets to peer deeply into pets’ peepers and declare whether or not they’re genetically squeaky clean.
In the clinic, Rob juggles a mix of general small animal work (with a special fondness for surgery), opthalmology referrals from other vets, and BVA eye testing for breeding dogs. He’s also your go-to man for matters of the heart — quite literally — carrying out ECGs, X-rays, and heart scans like a true cardiac connoisseur.
When he’s not being a veterinary superhero, Rob leads a double life as a pianist, music-lover, theatre fan, photographer, cyclist, and — wait for it — mountaineer. Whether it’s rock climbing, ice climbing, or something that looks far too vertical to be sensible, Rob’s probably scaled it. Honestly, we think he spends half the year halfway up a cliff.
Knowledgeable, calm under pressure, and always up for a challenge (especially if it involves crampons), Rob brings a huge amount of expertise — and a healthy dose of character — to our team.
Daisy Middleton
Head RVN
Daisy Middleton
Head Veterinary Nurse
Daisy is the calm, steady presence at the heart of the practice. Always collected, quietly efficient and beautifully organised, she has a talent for keeping everything running smoothly — even on the busiest days. Like a swan gliding across the water, Daisy makes it all look effortless, while paddling away beneath the surface to keep things on track.
Kind and thoughtful by nature, Daisy plays a key role in caring for pets while they’re with us, helping them feel safe, settled and well looked after. She also has a knack for keeping the whole team in order, gently guiding the day and making sure nothing (and no one) is forgotten.
Daisy is currently completing a certificate in behaviour, reflecting her interest in understanding pets as individuals and helping reduce stress during their visits. It’s knowledge she puts to good use every day — especially when a little extra patience or reassurance is needed.
Outside of work, Daisy is kept thoroughly entertained by her Hungarian Vizsla, who provides a daily reminder that even the calmest households can include a resident clown.
Steady, kind and quietly brilliant, Daisy is exactly the sort of head nurse you want caring for your pet and supporting the team behind the scenes.
Georgia Breacher
RVN
Georgia Breacher
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Georgia is the kind of nurse who genuinely thrives when things get a little chaotic. She has a real talent for bringing calm, order, and reassurance to busy days, and she especially loves caring for hospitalised patients — keeping a close eye on them and making sure they’re as comfortable (and spoiled) as possible. Emergencies don’t faze Georgia either; she’s at her best when she’s needed most. She thrives on busy days, where her ability to create order out of chaos really shines. Calm, focused and thoughtful, Georgia plays a key role in making sure pets feel safe while they’re with us — and that owners can feel reassured knowing their pet is in kind, capable hands.
Outside of work, Georgia’s household is as lively as you’d expect. She’s owned by two completely mad spaniels and a hand-reared cat who grew into a slightly feisty character — so she’s very comfortable managing strong personalities of all shapes and sizes.
When she’s not at the practice, Georgia loves keeping active, and she’s rarely one to sit still for long. She also extends her care beyond the clinic by working with the Stamford Cat Sitter, helping to look after pets in the local community — because for Georgia, caring for animals is never just a job.
If your pet needs calm, capable hands (especially on a busy or stressful day), Georgia will be right there — probably with a smile, a plan, and a lot of energy.
Charlotte Thorp
Student Veterinary Nurse
Charlotte Thorp
Student Veterinary Nurse
Charlotte is currently in her second year of training to become a veterinary nurse at The College of Animal Welfare and is due to qualify in 2026. Although early in her career, she brings a level of care, maturity and dedication well beyond her years.
Hardworking and conscientious, Charlotte always gives 100% to everything she does — once she’s set a task, she’ll see it through properly, with no corners cut. She has come on in leaps and bounds and is always keen to learn and improve.
Charlotte has a natural way with animals and has a habit of falling a little bit in love with every patient she meets. She particularly enjoys inpatient care, making sure pets are comfortable, well looked after and reassured (often with extra cuddles when required).
At home, Charlotte has a Cockapoo called Marley who, somewhat inconveniently, hates the vets — giving her a special understanding of just how brave some of our patients have to be.
Kind, committed and quietly determined, Charlotte is a valued member of the team and a friendly face for both pets and owners.
Dawn
Receptionist (Orton Branch)
Dawn
Receptionist (Orton Branch)
Dawn is the smiling, chatty heart of our Orton branch. Most clients know her well — and if they don’t, they soon will — thanks to her love of a good natter and her talent for making everyone feel welcome. She always goes above and beyond to make sure clients and their pets have everything they need, often before they even realise it themselves!
Behind the scenes, Dawn keeps the day running smoothly. She’s brilliant at organising the schedule, keeping the vets on track, and making sure nothing gets forgotten — all while doing it with her trademark cheer and ever-present smile. Calm, capable, and endlessly helpful, she’s the one making sure everything just works.
At home, Dawn shares her life with three energetic German Shorthaired Pointers and keeps herself entertained tearing down mountain trails on her bike in Wales. Friendly, organised, and full of energy, Dawn is exactly the person you want welcoming you through our doors and keeping the team on track.
Jo
Receptionist (Stamford Branch)
Jo
Receptionist (Stamford Branch)
Jo is an essential part of our Stamford branch, keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. She’s thorough, organised, and loves making sure every detail is in order — from appointments to paperwork, nothing escapes her attention. Her efficiency and reliability mean both pets and clients are well looked after throughout the day.
Jo has been with the practice for a couple of years and enjoys bringing structure and order to the day, supporting both the team and our clients. She ensures every visit goes as smoothly as possible and helps make the Stamford branch a calm, well-run place for everyone.
At home, Jo regularly looks after her son’s dog, so she knows firsthand the importance of pets being safe, comfortable, and well cared for. Calm, dependable, and thoughtful, Jo is a reassuring presence for both clients and the team.