About Animal Vets

Animal Vets is here for pets of all shapes and sizes. Having been operating for over 30 years, we offer a wealth of experience.

Patrick – after more than 50 years as a veterinary surgeon in over five countries, Patrick retired in 2023. He can now enjoy his passion for farming and beef cattle. His wife, Gillian, who has worked at animal vets since it started in 1991 also retired from managing the business.

Over 30 years

Our history

Patrick and Gillian started Animal Veterinary Services in 1991 after moving with their three young children to west Cornwall. From the early days of one farm and one dog client things have moved on considerably.

The Carbis Bay branch was opened in 2012 and after many happy years servicing our clients we relocated to a fantastic new, larger branch in Lelant in September 2023.

In 2021, with sadness, time to stop the large animal and equine side of the practice and we now concentrate solely on small animals.

We remain very much a family and independent practice with Patrick’s son, Jonathan and his wife, Claire McCotter running the practice.

Our Patients

From ducks to dogs, guipea pigs to great danes

We also wouldn’t be where we are today without out amazing clients. People and their pets come from Lands end to the Lizard and from St Ives to Newquay because they know we pride ourselves on highest possible standard of patient care.

Future vets

Nurturing future generations

We’re also dedicated to nurturing a future generationof veterinary professionals and are an approved training centre for veterinary nurses. We also very proud to be an accredited practice with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and have maintained that status year after year because of the high standards we achieve.

If you’re looking for a vet in Hayle or St Ives, get in touch with the family for family pets.

Meet our team.

Get to know out amazing veterinary team who will be caring for you and your pets.

I’ve been a vet since 1974 and still feel I have not done a day’s work! When I am not at the clinic I am at my farm looking after my cattle.

Dr. Patrick McCotter

DVM MVB MRCVS
Director & Retired Veterinary Surgeon
I graduated from St Georges university, Grenada in 2007, where I met my wife Claire. I now spend much of my time helping to manage the practice but still get to enjoy meeting our lovely clients and pets as often as I can.

Dr Jonathan McCotter

DVM BSc MRCVS
Director & Veterinary Surgeon
I love working at Animal Vets and have a particular interest in small animal medicine, especially ultrasonography. Outside of work I’m always busy looking after my 3 children – and my husband, Jonathan!

Dr Claire McCotter

DVM MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon

Dr Marissa Hutchinson

BVSc BSc MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon

Sarina Newman

NCert(Anaesth) RVN
Head Veterinary Nurse
Every day is different at Animal Vets, which makes my work really enjoyable! I love being part of a committed and caring team and developing my nursing skills at Animal Vets.

Lisa Popperwell

RVN
Veterinary Nurse

Sophie Semmens

RVN
Veterinary Nurse

Jenna Williams

RVN
Veterinary Nurse

Hannah Allen

RVN
Veterinary Nurse
I joined the team in Hayle in September 2014 as a receptionist. I have one rabbit called harry and in my spare time I enjoy gig rowing, socialising with friends and family.

Susan Thomas

Receptionist

Chelsea Hancock

Receptionist

Kirsty Dunn

Receptionist

Hollie Carlyon

Animal Nursing Assistant

Need excellent veterinary care for your pet?
Book an appointment with Animal Vets today.

Charities we support.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

There is always a vet available for you should your pet require EMERGENCY veterinary care when we are closed. All you need to do is call 01736 755 555.

We have taken the decision to use C-Vets for part of our Out of Hours Emergency service due to the national shortage of veterinary surgeons. By working with C-Vets we will ensure that we continue to provide you with an exceptional service during our opening hours.

At 18:00 on weekdays our phone lines will divert to an Emergency Vet from Animal Vets and after 18:30 will be diverted to C-Vets when they open. To obtain emergency veterinary care please dial our usual phone number.

Please note that we will continue to run Saturday morning clinics at Hayle.

Any time your animal needs help urgently outside of our business hours, please call our usual number 01736 755 555 and you will hear a message detailing how to contact the emergency vet.