Meet the Team

At Swanley Veterinary Clinic, our team is at the heart of everything we do. As an independent veterinary clinic in Swanley, Kent, we are proud to offer a friendly, experienced and compassionate team dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for your pets. With years of experience in veterinary nursing and clinical practice, our team combines strong medical expertise with a genuine passion for animal care.  We believe that great veterinary care is built on trust, continuity and personal relationships.

Whether you’re visiting us for routine care, advice, or treatment, you can feel confident that your pet is in safe and caring hands.

Veterinary Surgeons

Kylie Simons MRCVS
Clinical Lead Vet and Director

From an early age I knew I wanted to become a veterinary surgeon and that lifelong ambition became a reality when I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2008. Since then, I have worked in small animal first opinion practice, gaining broad experience across all aspects of patient care.

I enjoy the variety that general practice brings, from managing medical cases to performing surgery or dental procedures, and I value the opportunity to support pets and their owners through every stage of life.

I also have a particular interest in pain management, and for many years I have incorporated acupuncture into my treatments plans to improve comfort and quality of life.

Some of you may already know me from my eight years at Ashmore Vets, where I had the privilege of building strong lasting relationships with clients and their pets. Providing that same continuity of care and personal approach is at the heart of what we aim to offer at Swanley Veterinary Clinic.

Kevin Castle MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon

I moved to the UK in 1989 after qualifying and working for several years in South Africa. Not long after arriving, I decided Kent was the perfect place to settle.

I began my career here at a veterinary practice in Erith as an assistant, eventually becoming a partner and later the sole owner of Pet Care Veterinary Surgery. During that time, I worked closely with Head Nurse Louise Howells, and together we built a strong partnership and a thriving, successful practice.

At the end of 2023, I sold the surgery and decided it was time for a new chapter. Since then, my wife and I have enjoyed some travelling, and I’ve continued working as a surgeon for animal charities across London and Kent.

I genuinely love every aspect of being a vet and feel incredibly lucky to do a job that helps animals while working alongside people who care so deeply about them. I’m now really looking forward to this next step—working with Kylie and Louise to help make Swanley Vets a truly special place.

Registered Veterinary Nurses

Louise Howells RVN
Registered Veterinary Nurse and Director

My journey in veterinary care began in 2002, while I was still at school, working as a kennel maid in a small independent clinic.

After leaving school, I became a full-time member of the team, working on reception while training to become a Veterinary Nurse. I qualified in 2007 and went on to progress to the role of Head Nurse. During this time, I developed a strong foundation in patient care, clinical leadership, and a particular passion for surgical nursing. I was also incredibly fortunate to be supported and mentored throughout my career by colleagues who shaped my approach, including Kevin, whose guidance and support has been invaluable.

In 2024, I made the decision to focus on creating a new local independent clinic built around compassionate care, clinical excellence, and a truly personal approach for both pets and their owners. After a year of planning, I shared my vision with Kylie, who immediately shared the same passion and belief in what we wanted to create. Now, together, we are proud to be bringing Swanley Veterinary Clinic to life. We can’t wait to welcome you.

Kirstie Staggs RVN
Clinical Nurse Lead

Ever since I was young, veterinary nursing was the only career I could picture myself pursuing. I joined a practice alongside Louise and Kevin as a student veterinary nurse in 2013, straight from school, and have never looked back. Since qualifying, I have gained extensive experience across all areas of small animal practice and progressed to the role of Head Nurse, a position I proudly held for two years.

Throughout my career, I have been passionate about delivering exceptional patient care and advocating for the animals entrusted to us. My particular interests include anaesthesia, radiography and dentistry, and I enjoy combining technical expertise with a compassionate approach to ensure every patient receives the very best care. I am known for my calm, caring nature, attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the highest standards within practice. Whether supporting patients through surgery, caring for hospitalised pets or helping nervous owners feel at ease, I find great fulfilment in making a positive difference every day. Joining Swanley Veterinary Clinic is an incredibly exciting new chapter, and I am looking forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and their pets while helping to provide outstanding veterinary care within our local community.

Mary Wearn RVN
Registered Veterinary Nurse

I have always had a passion for working with animals and during my school years, gained valuable experience working in both a cattery and stables. After leaving school, I attended the Royal Veterinary College, where I obtained a Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing in 2012.

Since qualifying, I have worked as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in several small animal practices, developing my skills and knowledge through a variety of roles and learning from many experienced colleagues along the way. For the past 12 years, I have worked at Pet Care Vets in Erith, where I have thoroughly enjoyed building lasting relationships with clients and their pets.

I enjoy all aspects of veterinary nursing, but I have a particular passion for inpatient and ward care, ensuring that every patient receives the individual attention, compassion and support they need during their stay. Whether caring for medical cases, surgical patients or those needing a little extra reassurance, I always strive to provide the highest standard of care.

I am excited to be joining the team at Swanley Veterinary Clinic and helping to create a friendly, welcoming and supportive environment for both our patients and their owners.

Receptionists

Sandie

I am joining the team with around 9 years of experience as a veterinary receptionist, bringing a wealth of knowledge along with a warm and friendly approach to client care. I spent many of those years working alongside Kylie at Ashmore Vets, where I built strong relationships with clients and their pets. I’m excited to be part of an independent practice again and look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new clients, while getting to know all of their wonderful pets.