Meet our staff
Veterinarians
Dr Max Tori BVSc (Hons) LLB MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery)
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Having grown up in Bendigo, Max was very happy to return home to work at Bendigo Animal Hospital in 2013. Max graduated with first class honours from the University of Sydney in 2012 and enjoys the challenge of more complex surgical and medical cases, particularly orthopaedic surgery and diagnostic imaging. Having a keen interest in surgery, Max obtained his membership of the ANZCVS in Small Animal Surgery in 2018 by examination. Max enjoys the variety of cases he gets to see in general practice and plans on being in Bendigo for the foreseeable future.
Dr Chris Allison BVMS GPCert (ExAP) MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery)
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Chris graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2007 and went on to work in mixed practice for 5 years before coming to Australia. He has a keen interest in reptiles and rabbits and completed a certificate in exotic animal practice to further his knowledge in this area.
Chris completed an internship at a specialist surgical practice in Melbourne where he gained valuable knowledge in more complex dog and cat surgeries, especially orthopaedics. In 2016 Chris obtained his membership of the ANZCVS in surgery and returned to Bendigo Animal Hospital.
Dr Clare Montgomery BVMS
VETERINARIAN
Clare was born in Northern Ireland and studied in Scotland at the University of Glasgow.
After graduating in 2012 Clare has worked in multiple different countries including Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland and Australia in small and large animal practice.
Clare moved to Bendigo in January 2016 with Dr Chris after 8 months of working as a locum in Melbourne. She has a professional interest in small animal medicine and is looking forward to sitting her Medicine Membership exams soon.
Dr Karen Costigan BVSc
VETERINARIAN
Karen graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1998 and worked in Swan Hill in mixed practice for 3 years. After getting married, she took a few years off to raise her family before moving to Bendigo to continue her career as a veterinarian.
Karen has since developed a keen interest in small animal medicine, and especially enjoys feline medicine.
Dr Hayley Crawford BVetBio/BVetSc
VETERINARIAN
Hayley graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2018, starting her veterinary career in Ballarat as a small animal general practitioner. Hayley has a special interest in medicine and recently completed a post graduate certificate in ultrasonography. Hayley thrives on the fact no one day is ever the same in the veterinary clinic. Hayley enjoys seeing a wide range of species from bunnies to great danes. She has a soft spot for the Australian wildlife and is excited to begin a wildlife treatment and care program with Taronga Zoo.
Dr Nikita Sanal BSC DVM
VETERINARIAN
After graduating from the university of Melbourne Niki developed her skills as a small animal veterinarian working in Ballarat and later, Geelong. Niki has over four years’ experience and has developed a keen interest in internal medicine, particularly diagnostic imaging. Niki is kind and caring and enjoys working with patients to ensure a positive experience when visiting the clinic.
Dr Sita Jhaveri BSC DVM
Sam is a 2020 graduate of the University of Melbourne. Sam spent the first 2.5 years of her career in mixed practice, treating not only household pets but also large animals and livestock. Whilst this work was interesting she decided that trekking around in muddy paddocks wasn’t for her and that she wanted to focus on small animals.
Sam has a particular interest in surgery and hoping to join the list of vets capable of performing laparoscopic procedures very soon.
Sita grew up in Bendigo and knew from a young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. Whilst studying at Melbourne University she spent time in a variety of clinics including Bendigo Animal Hospital and developed a strong interest in many aspects including surgery, emergencies and internal medicine. Sita enjoys seeing a variety of species including the exotics and varied wildlife that come through the door.
Dr Samantha Cheetham BSC DVM
Veterinary nursing staff
Sue
Emily
Sherie
Georgia
Tayleur
Alyce
Serena
Laura
Jemma
Administration staff
Whitney Practice Manager
Marnie Administration