Sandymount Pet Hospital

Richard Lavelle MVB MRCVS

Dick is practice principal of Sandymount Pet Hospital with over 30 years of experience. After graduating from University College Dublin he spent several years working in mixed and equine practice, before discovering a passion for companion animals. He first worked in London then for several years in Dublin before opening Sandymount Pet Hospital in 1998. Dick is interested in all aspects of veterinary and strives to provide the highest quality veterinary services to his clients. To keep on top of all the latest developments in veterinary medicine he attends annual conferences and has recently returned from the North American Veterinary Congress. Dick’s interests include sport of any kind. He has two Jack Russell terriers Hutch and Fudge.

John Hanley MVB MRCVS

John graduated from University College Dublin in 2004. He worked in Small animal practice in the United Kingdom before returning to Dublin in 2005 to join the team at Sandymount Pet Hospital. John has a special interest in soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery. He is constantly developing his surgical skills and has been expanding the range of orthopaedic procedures that the clinic can now offer. He is currently undertaking a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. In his spare time John is a keen surfer.

Sarah-Jane Lynch BVSc

Sarah Graduated from Massey University in New Zealand in 2004. She spent three years working in Small animal practice in New Zealand before moving to Ireland, she joined the team in 2008. Sarah has a special interest in small animal medicine, particularly diagnostics including radiography, ultrasonography and cytology. In 2006 Sarah completed a distance education programme in Veterinary diagnostic imaging. Most recently she has undertaken a practical course in Veterinary ultrasound with advance abdominal scanning. Sarah enjoys recreational diving both warm and cold water and hiking. She has a 9 year old dog Bella who she brought over from New Zealand.

Miriam Hanley MVB MRCVS GP Cert (S.A.P.)

Miriam graduated from UCD in 2004. She then spent a year in small animal practice in the UK. In 2005 she married John Hanley & joined Sandymount Pet Hospital. Miriam completed a general practitioner certificate in small animal practice in 2007 and was nominated for the Stronghold Veterinary Pet Care awards that same year. She is currently studying for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ certificate in advanced veterinary practice. She has a keen interest in all areas of small animal medicine & surgery. Her hobbies include art, music and equestrian sports – where she represented Ireland. She has one daughter names Olivia.

Elaine Fogarty
Senior Administrator

Elaine Joined Sandymount Pet Hospital in 2000. She soon discovered a real interest and enjoyment in Veterinary. Elaine has 11 years of experience in Veterinary Practise and over 20 years of experience in Small Business management. Elaine is a keen golfer and a past captain of O’Reillys golf society. She is also an annual supporter of the Charity Welcome Home, which runs the Wexford Cycle and Midsummer Walk. Elaine has a 9 year old boxer Sophie, and two cats Misty 14 and Sammy 6.

Paula Hughes DipVN RVN

Paula’s first steps towards a career in veterinary nursing started when she completed the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons certificate in veterinary nursing in 1999. From here she took some time off to travel and spent 6 months working in Australia at the Paddington Cat Hospital. She joined the team at Sandymount Pet Hospital in 2006 and started her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2007. Paula graduated from UCD in 2010 with an academic achievement award. In the same year she was awarded the IVNA student vet nurse of the year. Paula is interested in wildlife rehabilitation as well as small animal nutrition. Paula has two pampered pets Tony a 4 year old springer cross and Piglet a 5 year old cat.

Tanis Cronin DipVN RVN

Tanis started her nursing career with a certificate in animal care from St Johns College in 2006. She joined Sandymount Pet Hospital in 2009. She also graduated from University College Dublin in 2010 with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. Tanis achieved two academic awards, student of the year and best exam results. Tanis is interested in anaesthesia and surgical nursing. She is a member of the IVNA and a regular attendee of the IVNA congress. Outside of veterinary Tanis enjoys travel, recently she was in Borneo visiting the rainforest and experiencing Orangutan conservation first hand. She has a beautiful female cat Brutus!

Faela Smyth Dip VN RVN

Faela joined Sandymount Pet Hospital in 2007. She has always been a dedicated animal lover and rescuer of waifs and strays, with 4 years volunteering at the North Dublin SPCA to her credit. She started her formal training at Killester College in 2008 where she completed a Veterinary assistant course with distinction. From here she was accepted into the UCD Diploma of Veterinary Nursing, which she graduated from this year with flying colours. Faela has a special interest in emergency medicine. She has an ever expanding list of pets including Poppy a 6 year old Toy Poodle, Woody a 2 year old African Pigmy Hedgehog and Pudding a 2 year old cat.