Inspired by difference
PROVIDING PERSONAL SERVICE
We’re practical and realistic, encouraging an open discussion about the treatment options for your pet – aware that personal, sentimental and financial considerations all have a role to play in the decisions you make to fulfil your needs and those of your pet.
On a large property with ponies and goats grazing on Kikuyu pasture among various other farmyard animals, we’ve retained the countryside charm of Constantia in an environment conducive to wellness and healing.
Our reception area has been designed with the atmosphere of a comfortable home, allowing both you and your pets to receive care in a relaxed and stress-free environment that doesn’t feel foreign or all that different from other enjoyable new spaces to explore. Consultations can be carried out where your pet feels most at ease, sometimes on the couch and sometimes in the spacious garden – except for cats, of course!
Dr. Hamish Currie established the Village Animal Clinic in Constantia Village in 1987 and later relocated to the current site, renaming it Alphen Veterinary Hospital. In 2006, he was joined by Dr. Rosemary Dallas, now well known in the Constantia community. Together, they developed a strong ethos of veterinary care, and over the years, they have welcomed Drs. Trishantha Govender and Heidi Kuhn, each bringing their unique contributions.
As of the end of 2023, ownership of the practice has been taken over by Dr. Rosemary Dallas. At Alphen Veterinary Hospital, our dedicated team is committed to delivering clinical excellence with compassion and nurturing long-term relationships with our clients.
On a large property with ponies and goats grazing on Kikuyu pasture among various other farmyard animals, we’ve retained the countryside charm of Constantia in an environment conducive to wellness and healing.
Our reception area has been designed with the atmosphere of a comfortable home, allowing both you and your pets to receive care in a relaxed and stress-free environment that doesn’t feel foreign or all that different from other enjoyable new spaces to explore. Consultations can be carried out where your pet feels most at ease, sometimes on the couch and sometimes in the spacious garden – except for cats, of course!
Dr. Hamish Currie established the Village Animal Clinic in Constantia Village in 1987 and later relocated to the current site, renaming it Alphen Veterinary Hospital. In 2006, he was joined by Dr. Rosemary Dallas, now well known in the Constantia community. Together, they developed a strong ethos of veterinary care, and over the years, they have welcomed Drs. Trishantha Govender and Heidi Kuhn, each bringing their unique contributions.
As of the end of 2023, ownership of the practice has been taken over by Dr. Rosemary Dallas. At Alphen Veterinary Hospital, our dedicated team is committed to delivering clinical excellence with compassion and nurturing long-term relationships with our clients.
Dr ROSEMARY DALLAS
Dr Rosemary (Rose) worked for three years at Glencairn Animal Clinic, at the time a branch practice of Alphen Vet, before moving to Alphen Veterinary Hospital in 2006. A compassionate general practitioner with a gentle approach to her patients, she displays careful attention that’s resulted in her being much-loved by our clients. As well as being a skilled surgeon, she’s particularly talented in the field of diagnostic ultrasonography. She has pursued small animal cardiology as a field of interest. Rose loves working with dogs, having two of her own, but particularly enjoys feline medicine and surgery. She has a good understanding of rabbits and other exotic pets.
Dr ROSEMARY DALLAS
Dr Rosemary (Rose) worked for three years at Glencairn Animal Clinic, at the time a branch practice of Alphen Vet, before moving to Alphen Veterinary Hospital in 2006. A compassionate general practitioner with a gentle approach to her patients, she displays careful attention that’s resulted in her being much-loved by our clients. As well as being a skilled surgeon, she’s particularly talented in the field of diagnostic ultrasonography. She has pursued small animal cardiology as a field of interest. Rose loves working with dogs, having two of her own, but particularly enjoys feline medicine and surgery. She has a good understanding of rabbits and other exotic pets.
The veterinary team is completed by our veterinarians, who with their special skills add an extra dimension to our services.
The veterinary team is completed by our veterinarians, who with their special skills add an extra dimension to our services.
Dr Trishantha Govender
Dr Trishantha (Trish) joined our team in 2021 having moved to Cape Town from Durban. She graduated in 2016, spent a year in the Eastern Cape working on sterilisation campaigns and farm animals, and thereafter spent three years in small animal practice in the UK. Her interests lie in surgery, where she is highly competent and confident, and when not in theatre she’s cuddling (or consulting) with cats! Trish is a thoughtful and kind vet, also good with exotic pets. She enjoys mountain walks, sea swimming and reading in her free time.
Dr Heidi Kuhn
Dr Heidi grew up in Potchefstroom, and graduated from Onderstepoort in 2016. After working in Germiston for her community service year and at a Johannesburg small animal practice thereafter, she relocated in 2021 to Cape Town with her two cats, and joined our team at Alphen Vet. Heidi’s interests are in small animal medicine, soft tissue surgery and diagnostic imaging. She is careful and thorough, always ensuring that her patients receive the best attention.
Dr Gina Wright
Dr Virginia Samiec
Dr. Virginia, originally from Vienna, Austria, graduated in 2010 from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. After gaining valuable experience in the Austrian Alps for two years, she moved to Switzerland to specialise in Small Animal Medicine. In 2015, she successfully completed her Small Animal Board Exam. In 2016, she relocated to South Africa to further her career. With a keen interest in surgery and diagnostic imaging, Dr. Virginia is passionate about advancing her skills in these areas. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys all things related to horses, from riding her horse, Buzz, to helping other horses with their bit and bridle issues.
Dr May Maritz
Dr May offers acupuncture at Alphen Vet once a week. She offers rehabilitation expertise and massage, and has vast experience in optimizing pain management in patients with chronic conditions.
Joanne Kröber
Joanne Kröber is our practice manager is our wonderful and dedicated practice manager. She is calm and kind, keeping both staff and administrative affairs in order! Her home has been open to many a rescue animal over the years, and somewhere in our garden is an olive thrush handreared by Jo.
Juanette Le Roux
Juanette (Jay), our physiotherapist is passionate about improving the mobility and comfort of her furry friends, dedicating her work to enhancing their quality of life. When she’s not helping animals, you can find Jay enjoying her time at home in the garden, spending time with her dog, relaxing with family or taking part in outdoor activities like hiking and playing squash.
Sr Elizabeth Louw
Sister Elizabeth Louw (Liz) is our kind, efficient and highly competent nurse. She is available to assist and advise on many health-related matters. In addition to the usual nurse visits, for repeat injections, wound checks and bandage changes, Liz is available for puppy checks, she participates in dental work and is qualified and equipped to perform euthanasias. Liz has two dogs and two cats and enjoys hiking, running and swimming in the sea in her spare time.
Jani Stauss
Jani is an aspiring veterinary nurse passionate about animal care, particularly bunnies. She is dedicated to hands-on work with animals in need, focusing on rehabilitation. Her compassionate approach makes her a valued team member. Alongside her love for animals, Jani expresses her creativity through art, finding balance between her nurturing instincts and artistic side. This unique combination allows her to enhance the lives of the animals she helps, bringing both care and creativity to her important work.
Sr Lexi Minutelli
Sr. Lexi grew up with a love for animals. After high school, she began working at rhino orphanages, where she gained experience with wildlife, both big and small. She then pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Nursing at Onderstepoort. After graduating, she worked at a busy 24-hour emergency clinic and later at a small animal practice. In December 2024, she joined Alphen. Her favorite part of the job is seeing patients improve and heal. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her very energetic dogs and parrots.
Our SUPPORT STAFF are highly trained in animal care with an impressive depth of experience and are well known to many of our clients for the care they provide to each patient. Judith, whom we rely on keeps the practice clean and hygienic to the highest standards of healthcare and comfort alike and ensures hospital beds are warm and cosy when needed.
Judith Nobula
Edward Phiri
Emanuel Piriquito
Simon Manda
The RECEPTION TEAM are dedicated, knowledgeable and efficient. They are always available to help with nutrition and pet care enquiries.
Julie Twigg
Tracy Bisset
Marion Rayner
Georgina Wall
Luke Johnson
Our practice would not be complete without our FELINE STARS: Kitshoff and Umami. They bring joy, therapy and laughter to our lives.
Kitshoff
Playful, muscular, red haired, and he arrived during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Meet none other than the charming Kitshoff! He quickly crept into our hearts with his lovable nature. He is a true catnip lover and natural comedian, keeping us entertained with his antics and delightful personality.
Umami
Meet Umami, our beloved rescue cat who joined our family in 2019. As the resident therapy cat and ultimate lap warmer, she has a special talent for encouraging her chosen human to take a well-deserved rest break whenever she settles in for a cosy snooze. With her gentle spirit and warm presence, Umami brings comfort and joy to all of us.
ACCREDITED ASSOCIATIONS
ACCREDITED ASSOCIATIONS
Let’s work together
HOW CAN WE ASSIST YOU?
We understand that every case is different and that there are practical, financial, sentimental and personal factors at play – so whether in a routine visit or more serious situation, we seek to guide and equip you as the pet owner for any healthcare decisions you need to make.