Our Team
These are the people who live our motto:
Caring for animals isn’t what they do, it is who they are.
Our Dream Team – the vets
The range of expertise that we bring with four veterinarians is unmatched. Each highly qualified and with their own field of interest, your animals will only receive the best care there is to offer.
Dr Hannelu De Villiers – BVSc (Hons)
Dr Hannelu (BVSc Hons) is the heart of our practice. Hailing from Barrydale in the little Karoo, she was a keen American Saddler rider and started working at Ceres Animal Hospital back in 2010.
She completed her Honours degree in 2012. She enjoys horse stud work, companion animal medicine and ophthalmology.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou
Dr Elna Van Der Westhuizen – BVSc
Dr Elna qualified in 2022, did her community service year in Worcester and worked at Robertson Veterinary Hospital until 2024, when she and her husband, Dr Coenie Blignaut, joined our team.
Dr Elna enjoys all aspects of veterinary science – from casting cattle and horses to cuddling puppies and kittens. She dreams about being a vet like James Herriot: to treat “all creatures great and small” and enjoys spending time in nature in her free time.
“Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” – Ephesians 4:1
Dr Coenie Blignaut – BVSc
Dr Coenie qualified in 2023 and did his community service year in Ashton.
His childhood hero was Steve Irwin and he has a passion for animals of all sizes. He loves surgery and is enjoying getting the experience offered by a mixed practice such as ours.
In their free time Dr Coenie and his wife, Dr Elna, likes to do anything outdoors, including birding, cycling, and hiking.
“The credit belongs to the man who is in the arena.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Dr Willie De Bruyn – BVSc
Dr. Willie de Bruyn grew up in Hartswater in the Northern Cape. He finished his studies in 2022 and completed his community service year in Kimberley. Since Kimberley he has traveled and worked in several different locations such as Upington, Piketberg and Kalgoorlie (Australia).
He is a calm and kind vet that is serious about his patients’ care. He enjoys herd health work for cattle and sheep and loves all things conservation and wildlife related.
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail” – Benjamin Franklin
The front desk and admin superheroes
The warmest welcome awaits as you walk through the door thanks to this dream team. Assisting with bookings, purchases from the Vet Store, or general reception admin, you cannot go wrong with these legends to assist.
Dewald Persens
Dewald joined the practice in 2015. He is our practice admin officer and his favourite animal is a dog, which is quite evident when you see the care he takes when these furry clients enter the door.
He is also incredibly helpful when it comes to advice about pet food and over-the-counter products.
Anthia Visagie
Anthia has been with us since 2017 as our practice receptionist and is the order and stock clerk. She’s always ready with a warm welcome.
Anthia keeps our Vet Shop in tip top shape, making sure your pets’ favourite products are always on the shelves and looking their best.
Bianca Hendricks
Bianca joined the team in 2024 and assists in reception and with other daily administrative tasks.
She greets every client with a beautiful smile, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for both pets and their owners.
Pamela Brink
Pamela started with us in 2024 and has quickly become a friendly and reliable face at reception. She is often one of the first people you see when you walk through our doors, always ready to welcome clients warmly and assist with bookings, enquiries, and day-to-day support. Her calm and caring approach helps ensure that every visit runs smoothly.
The finance whizz
Luzané Albertyn
Luzané recently celebrated 10 years with the practice and is in charge of the finance admin team as well as any equine administrative work.
She has a huge soft spot for cats, especially for the two main macs in the practice – our boss cats Vissie and Frankie.
The office backbone
Ntankiseng Blaauw
Always with a smile at the ready, she is the reason our practice sparkles.
Believe Chauchumba
A big man with an even bigger heart. Since 2010, he has cared for every patient, from the tiniest to the biggest, with kindness, patience, and so much compassion. The way he handles animals says so much about the gentle soul he is.
Xolisa Mngxali
Practice Assistant, shares a very special bond with our beloved practice cat, Vissie. Their close connection brings warmth to the practice, and Vissie can often be found keeping him company throughout the day.
Unathi Hlahla
Unathi is always willing to go the extra mile, consistently bringing that little bit extra in his role as a practice assistant. His dedication, willingness to help, and positive attitude never go unnoticed, making him a valued part of the team.
Specialists on call
Dr Laura McIntyre
Dr Laura McIntyre is our animal behaviourist, or if you prefer, the wise whisperer. She graduated from Onderstepoort in 2014 and completed a postgraduate course in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine through the University of Pretoria in 2015.
With experience ranging from rescue animal welfare to private behavioural support, she is available.
Visit her website on www.justnuisance.co.za to make an appointment.
Our facilities are available for the consultation.
Liebe Smuts
Liebe Smuts, is a full-scope physiotherapist, which means she is qualified to work on any animal patients.
She obtained her BSc Veterinary Physiotherapy (Hons) and is SAVC registered (P20/15547).
Fully mobile, with all equipment able to travel with her.
Contact her on liebe@veterinaryphysio.co.za for a home visit or use our practice at both client and physio’s convenience.
Our Trading Hours
OPERATIONAL HOURS
CONSULTATION HOURS
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Ceres Animal Hospital
502 Vos Street
Ceres, 6835