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
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.