About Us

Clinical Director | Veterinary Surgeon | BVetMed GPCertSAS

David Barker

David has been at the practice since 2012. In 2020 when previous owner Greg Maskill decided to retire, Greg knew that there was only one man for the task, and he knew that the animal community of Watford and South Hertfordshire would be safe in David’s capable hands.

Qualifying from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009, David has seen and cared for a wide variety of cases within the animal world. With a selected interest in surgery, David gained a postgraduate certificate in Small Animal Surgery in 2015 and feels an excellent sense of achievement when a patient fully recovers from difficult emergency surgery to enjoy life again.

As the proprietor, David now focuses primarily on the managerial role of the clinic but is usually available for complicated cases when his particular expertise and knowledge are required.

Outside of the practice, David is a keen photographer and has travelled to far flung places such as Kenya, Peru and Sri Lanka taking photos of indigenous wildlife.  Closer to home, David is a keen Watford Football Club fan and can often be found cheering them on from the sidelines.

Veterinary Surgeon | BVetMed

Gemma Edgcombe

Gemma qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in June 2022. She is currently completing her Veterinary Graduate Development Programme under the mentorship of Clinical Director David Barker.

Gemma enjoys music, cooking and gardening.

Practice Manager | RVN | Veterinary Nurse

Sarah West

Now at the surgery since 1999 Sarah is a very familiar face here at our practice as a member of our nursing team.  Sarah qualified as a veterinary nurse in August 2001 and has many duties, but her favourite parts are the interaction with pet owners during consultation, which builds a strong relationship with her patients.

Sarah finds her role as clinical coach for the new student nurses at the practice extremely fulfilling and wants to continue helping them to reach their own goals of qualifying.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and her Burmese cats called Violet and Hector.

FDSC RVN | Head Veterinary Nurse

Kristina Giles

Always wanting to work with animals, during her teens Krissy spent her work experience in a veterinary practice. Realising her vocation, Krissy trained at the Royal Veterinary College with a foundation degree in veterinary nursing and qualified in 2010, joining us at the practice in April 2021.

Having previously worked in much larger practices, Krissy has completely embraced smaller practice life as it allows her to build relationships with our clients and their pets. Her holistic care for animals also extends to their owners too, as she understands it can be an anxious time for pet parents when their beloved pets are away from home. Krissy has a keen interest in wound care and bandaging.

Her own pets are 2 black and white cats called Elvis and Riley. Elvis was a stray and also a victim of an RTA – he has been with Krissy now for 10 years. Riley suffered medical problems as a kitten which proved too much for his original owner – he is now a happy and fit adult cat in Krissy’s care.

Also outside of work, Krissy loves caring for her large garden and growing vegetables, and enjoys practising hot yoga.

Student Veterinary Nurse

Jasmine Harding

Jasmine joined the Avenues Veterinary Clinic in April 2022 after completing her Level 3 diploma in Animal Care and Management at Oaklands College. She is now training to become a veterinary nurse at the College of Animal Welfare.

Outside of work Jasmine enjoys spending time with friends and family and walking her dog Blaze

VCA | Veterinary Care Assistant

Claire Lochead

Part of our team since 2004, Claire qualified as a Veterinary Care Assistant in 2012. During her time here at the practice, Claire has developed a particular interest in caring for our in-patients and enjoys nurturing the close bond between patients and clients.

At home she has four pets – dogs Shyla and Bailey and cats Bella and Bobby. When she has free time, Claire enjoys spending time with friends, family and of course her pets!