Michael Jensen
Veterinarian & Practice Owner (BVSc Hons)
Dr Mike is the practice owner and senior veterinarian at 4 paws. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1993. He then started working in country practices in Victoria as a new graduate veterinarian. From day one he was fixing broken bones in small animals while also working on cattle and horses... even buffalo!!  He then locumed in north east Victoria and UK for a number of years. Dr Mike moved to Townsville in 2001, worked on the Sunshine coast for a few years in 2010 and then became an owner of 4 Paws Veterinarians in 2013. 
He also has a passion for teaching young aspiring surgeons as students and as veterinary graduates. Mike says that he enjoys seeing them develop into great vets! Mike is also a big jokester and loves to make everyone laugh and keep the good vibes going! 
Dr Mike is a skilled and senior veterinarian with a talent and interest in orthopaedic, surgery, soft tissue surgery and ophthalmology. Since 2013 he has built up the surgery component for 4 Paws. He has always had a passion for fixing and building things being the son of an army mechanic/engineer. Dr Mike always describes orthopaedics as “glorified carpentry”, and gets great satisfaction from seeing your pets go home with an aim to move comfortably again and return to an active lifestyle, running around with their families. 
Mike's hobbies and interests includes house reno's, AFL football (previously coaching juniors and women's teams), and now enjoys playing squash again that he took up in Uni days 
Michael Jensen
Veterinarian & Practice Owner
Dr Mike is the practice owner and senior veterinarian at 4 paws. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1993. He then started working in country practices in Victoria as a new graduate veterinarian. From day one he was fixing broken bones in small animals while also working on cattle and horses... even buffalo!! He then locumed in north east Victoria and UK for a number of years. Dr Mike moved to Townsville in 2001, worked on the Sunshine coast for a few years in 2010 and then became an owner of 4 Paws Veterinarians in 2013.
He also has a passion for teaching young aspiring surgeons as students and as veterinary graduates. Mike says that he enjoys seeing them develop into great vets! Mike is also a big jokester and loves to make everyone laugh and keep the good vibes going!
Dr Mike is a skilled and senior veterinarian with a talent and interest in orthopaedic, surgery, soft tissue surgery and ophthalmology. Since 2013 he has built up the surgery component for 4 Paws. He has always had a passion for fixing and building things being the son of an army mechanic/engineer. Dr Mike always describes orthopaedics as “glorified carpentry”, and gets great satisfaction from seeing your pets go home with an aim to move comfortably again and return to an active lifestyle, running around with their families.
Mike's hobbies and interests includes house reno's, AFL football (previously coaching juniors and women's teams), and now enjoys playing squash again that he took up in Uni days
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Riley Oates
Veterinarian (B.V.Sc)
Dr Riley Oates is a senior small animal veterinarian who graduated from James Cook University in Townsville in 2018 with a bachelor of veterinary science. Riley first worked as a mixed practice veterinarian in Emerald for 2 years before returning to Townsville where we were lucky enough to have her join the 4 paws team in 2020.
Riley has an incredible skill for small animal surgery but also thoroughly enjoys all aspects of her job. She is also passionate in anaesthesia, palliative care, and emergency surgery.
In addition, Riley has completed a lot of extra training in brachycephalic medicine and surgery. Riley’s passion and keen interest for airway surgery sparked when her own Frenchie, Hugo, had airway surgery six years ago and she noticed a huge improvement to his quality of life. Since then she has successfully helped many Pugs and French bulldogs breathe easier and snore less with the surgery that she offers to open their airways. She finds it very rewarding when those happy owners walk back through the door with healthier, happier dogs.
When Riley is not at work she loves to hang out at the beach with her golden retriever Maggie and cattle dog Moose. She also loves kayaking, fishing and generally being outdoors!
Riley Oates
Veterinarian
Dr Riley Oates is a senior small animal veterinarian who graduated from James Cook University in Townsville in 2018 with a bachelor of veterinary science. Riley first worked as a mixed practice veterinarian in Emerald for 2 years before returning to Townsville where we were lucky enough to have her join the 4 paws team in 2020.
Riley has an incredible skill for small animal surgery but also thoroughly enjoys all aspects of her job. She is also passionate in anaesthesia, palliative care, and emergency surgery.
In addition, Riley has completed a lot of extra training in brachycephalic medicine and surgery. Riley’s passion and keen interest for airway surgery sparked when her own Frenchie, Hugo, had airway surgery six years ago and she noticed a huge improvement to his quality of life. Since then she has successfully helped many Pugs and French bulldogs breathe easier and snore less with the surgery that she offers to open their airways. She finds it very rewarding when those happy owners walk back through the door with healthier, happier dogs.
When Riley is not at work she loves to hang out at the beach with her golden retriever Maggie and cattle dog Moose. She also loves kayaking, fishing and generally being outdoors!
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Lisa Potts
Veterinarian (B.V.Sc)
Doctor Lisa graduated in 2018 from JCU in Townsville with a bachelor of veterinary medicine. Lisa worked for two and a half years in Mackay as a mixed practice veterinarian. Although she loved working with all animals great and small, she developed a passion for small animal ultrasound, cytology and medicine. Doctor Lisa has been an integral part of the 4 paws team for 2 years now! We are especially lucky to have her because of her expertise in ultrasound as well as small animal medicine which have grown through completing further studies. Her patients love Lisa because of her huge heart as well as a desire to help her patients to the best of her ability at all times!  In her free time Lisa loves taking her golden retriever to the beach, going for a bike ride or anything out doors.
Lisa Potts
Veterinarian
Doctor Lisa graduated in 2018 from JCU in Townsville with a bachelor of veterinary medicine. Lisa worked for two and a half years in Mackay as a mixed practice veterinarian. Although she loved working with all animals great and small, she developed a passion for small animal ultrasound, cytology and medicine. Doctor Lisa has been an integral part of the 4 paws team for 2 years now! We are especially lucky to have her because of her expertise in ultrasound as well as small animal medicine which have grown through completing further studies. Her patients love Lisa because of her huge heart as well as a desire to help her patients to the best of her ability at all times! In her free time Lisa loves taking her golden retriever to the beach, going for a bike ride or anything out doors.
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Samantha Coomes
Veterinarian (BVSc)
Dr. Samantha (Sam) Coomes is a skilled veterinarian who graduated from James Cook University in 2019 and joined 4 Paws shortly after in 2020. Sam has a diverse set of interests within the veterinary field, with a focus on behaviour, internal medicine (particularly epilepsy), and ultrasound. You'll often find her consulting and handling hospital cases.
Sam's passion for behaviour was sparked when she adopted her dog; a Husky named Xero. Sam quickly discovered that Xero suffered from severe separation anxiety as well as epilepsy. This personal connection motivated her to delve deeper into the field of behaviour and find ways to help animals like Xero. She has even completed extra study and is now proudly 'Fear Free' certified!
Sam is a great asset to 4 paws as she has undertaken additional education in internal medicine through distance education courses. Sam is currently completing her second distance education course in this area! We are so proud! Additionally, she has previously attended multi-day conferences focusing on behaviour and ultrasound.
Outside of her professional life, Sam enjoys spending her spare time on adventures with Xero and riding horses with friends.
Samantha Coomes
Veterinarian
Dr. Samantha (Sam) Coomes is a skilled veterinarian who graduated from James Cook University in 2019 and joined 4 Paws shortly after in 2020. Sam has a diverse set of interests within the veterinary field, with a focus on behaviour, internal medicine (particularly epilepsy), and ultrasound. You'll often find her consulting and handling hospital cases.
Sam's passion for behaviour was sparked when she adopted her dog; a Husky named Xero. Sam quickly discovered that Xero suffered from severe separation anxiety as well as epilepsy. This personal connection motivated her to delve deeper into the field of behaviour and find ways to help animals like Xero. She has even completed extra study and is now proudly 'Fear Free' certified!
Sam is a great asset to 4 paws as she has undertaken additional education in internal medicine through distance education courses. Sam is currently completing her second distance education course in this area! We are so proud! Additionally, she has previously attended multi-day conferences focusing on behaviour and ultrasound.
Outside of her professional life, Sam enjoys spending her spare time on adventures with Xero and riding horses with friends.
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Marina Worden
Veterinarian (BVSc)
Dr Marina graduated from James Cook University in 2015 and started working as a mixed practice vet in Bell (south-east Queensland). Dr Marina has been an extremely valued part of the 4 Paws Veterinarian team since starting work with us in 2019. She is a very talented surgeon and has done additional study in soft tissue surgery as well as dentistry. However, she loves to work with animals of any size. Her upbringing on a cattle property in Far North Queensland was filled with endless opportunities to care for animals great and small which sparked her keen interest in becoming a Veterinarian. We are very lucky to have Dr Marina as a senior veterinarian as she also has a passion for teaching and loves to share her wisdom with the other members of the team
In Marina’s spare time you’ll find her out with her family fishing, camping and spending time with their kelpie Brin 
Marina Worden
Veterinarian
Dr Marina graduated from James Cook University in 2015 and started working as a mixed practice vet in Bell (south-east Queensland). Dr Marina has been an extremely valued part of the 4 Paws Veterinarian team since starting work with us in 2019. She is a very talented surgeon and has done additional study in soft tissue surgery as well as dentistry. However, she loves to work with animals of any size. Her upbringing on a cattle property in Far North Queensland was filled with endless opportunities to care for animals great and small which sparked her keen interest in becoming a Veterinarian. We are very lucky to have Dr Marina as a senior veterinarian as she also has a passion for teaching and loves to share her wisdom with the other members of the team
In Marina’s spare time you’ll find her out with her family fishing, camping and spending time with their kelpie Brin
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Indi Burnett
Veterinary Nurse ( Cert IV Veterinary Nursing)
Indi an amazing senior nurse who is also very treasured as a long term nurse  She joined the team back in 2019 and completed her veterinary nursing studies (certificate IV) in 2020. Indi grew up on a sheep and cattle property in south west Queensland which is where her love for animals started! 
Indi has a strong love for surgery as well as anaesthesia. Indi has even gone on to do extra study and extensive practical training focusing on orthopaedics and Brachycephalic airway surgery (BOAS). She finds it extremely rewarding seeing the improvement in patients' quality of life after Orthopaedic and BOAS surgeries.
When Indi is not at work she loves being outdoors especially with her two dogs Steve and Arlo who love to swim. Indi also spends time hanging out with her 3 horses, fishing or anything really outdoors. 
Indi Burnett
Veterinary Nurse
Indi an amazing senior nurse who is also very treasured as a long term nurse She joined the team back in 2019 and completed her veterinary nursing studies (certificate IV) in 2020. Indi grew up on a sheep and cattle property in south west Queensland which is where her love for animals started!
Indi has a strong love for surgery as well as anaesthesia. Indi has even gone on to do extra study and extensive practical training focusing on orthopaedics and Brachycephalic airway surgery (BOAS). She finds it extremely rewarding seeing the improvement in patients' quality of life after Orthopaedic and BOAS surgeries.
When Indi is not at work she loves being outdoors especially with her two dogs Steve and Arlo who love to swim. Indi also spends time hanging out with her 3 horses, fishing or anything really outdoors.
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Chloe Boyd
Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV Veterinary Nursing)
Chloe is one of our senior nurses and has been a part of the 4 Paws family since 2021. Chloe is a very talented vet nurse with 10 years experience  We are so lucky to have her! Chloe has always enjoyed all aspects of being in the veterinary industry, especially surgery! Recently, however, she has taken on a more administrative role. You can find Chloe at both Charles Street & Upper Ross clinics.
Chloe's absolute favourite part of her job is helping nurse sick pets through illnesses so that they return healthy and happy to owners. As well as this, she really enjoys getting to know clients and pets that come through the door at both clinics.
In her spare time Chloe is usually running her own small business making pet collars, leashes, ID tags and more. She also loves to spend time with friends and family, taking her two dogs and rainbow lorikeet on outdoor adventures and loves trips over to Magnetic Island. 
Chloe Boyd
Veterinary Nurse
Chloe is one of our senior nurses and has been a part of the 4 Paws family since 2021. Chloe is a very talented vet nurse with 10 years experience We are so lucky to have her! Chloe has always enjoyed all aspects of being in the veterinary industry, especially surgery! Recently, however, she has taken on a more administrative role. You can find Chloe at both Charles Street & Upper Ross clinics.
Chloe's absolute favourite part of her job is helping nurse sick pets through illnesses so that they return healthy and happy to owners. As well as this, she really enjoys getting to know clients and pets that come through the door at both clinics.
In her spare time Chloe is usually running her own small business making pet collars, leashes, ID tags and more. She also loves to spend time with friends and family, taking her two dogs and rainbow lorikeet on outdoor adventures and loves trips over to Magnetic Island.
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Rebecca O'Brien
Veterinary Nurse ( Cert IV Veterinary Nursing)
Meet our Team!
Rebecca O’Brien is a talented Nurse who joined the 4 paws team in 2021.
Rebecca loves small animal anaesthetic, being scrubbed into surgery with the vets as well as emergency care. Basically Bec is an all rounder and loves all aspects of her job! Rebecca has completed extra training and has a passion for brachycephalic medicine. Rebecca says “It is so rewarding to help them breathe better and I love seeing them come in with a better quality of life”. 
When Rebecca is not at work she enjoys camping, going to the beach and hanging out with her 3 dogs; Willow, Patch and Russle.
Rebecca O'Brien
Veterinary Nurse
Meet our Team!
Rebecca O’Brien is a talented Nurse who joined the 4 paws team in 2021.
Rebecca loves small animal anaesthetic, being scrubbed into surgery with the vets as well as emergency care. Basically Bec is an all rounder and loves all aspects of her job! Rebecca has completed extra training and has a passion for brachycephalic medicine. Rebecca says “It is so rewarding to help them breathe better and I love seeing them come in with a better quality of life”.
When Rebecca is not at work she enjoys camping, going to the beach and hanging out with her 3 dogs; Willow, Patch and Russle.
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Elizabeth Frequin
Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV Veterinary Nursing)
Elizabeth is a qualified Veterinary Nurse and is our longest standing team member of nearly Thirteen years!! Elizabeth is as dedicated to the team as she is she to being the very best nurse to care for her patients. We are so damn lucky to have her!
She has formed very special bonds with so many long term clients as well as their pets. Elizabeth is a highly valued member of the team due to her passion for small animal surgery, hospital cases as well as emergency care. Lizzy is well known by all for her fun and caring nature. There is absolutely never a dull moment with her around!
Over the years Elizabeth has reared neonates and fostered many pets but now with a full house of her own. Her passion is to raise a family and to continue being the best Nurse she can be.
Elizabeth Frequin
Veterinary Nurse
Elizabeth is a qualified Veterinary Nurse and is our longest standing team member of nearly Thirteen years!! Elizabeth is as dedicated to the team as she is she to being the very best nurse to care for her patients. We are so damn lucky to have her!
She has formed very special bonds with so many long term clients as well as their pets. Elizabeth is a highly valued member of the team due to her passion for small animal surgery, hospital cases as well as emergency care. Lizzy is well known by all for her fun and caring nature. There is absolutely never a dull moment with her around!
Over the years Elizabeth has reared neonates and fostered many pets but now with a full house of her own. Her passion is to raise a family and to continue being the best Nurse she can be.
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Matilda Burgess
Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV Veterinary Nursing )
Matilda, otherwise known very affectionately as Tilly is a very valued member of our team. Tilly is another one of our very talented and very lovely nurses.
She absolutely loves to get involved with anaesthetics, in particular, she has an interest in soft tissue surgeries. Tilly loves to support our patients during their surgical recovery and gets satisfaction from hearing how much they improve at home! Similarly, Tilly is also passionate about patient care whilst they are unwell in hospital.
Tilly is currently training with Dr Mike to become our 'scrub nurse' to sterilely help out during orthopaedic surgeries. As well as this Tilly is one of our grooming nurses whose job is to trim and clean our patients who are admitted for sedated grooms.
Tilly is also just as busy at home! She has 3 dogs; a mini foxy named Frankie, a Staffy x named Mo, a golden retriever named Winston and a cat named Henry. Tilly often has a very full house as she also helps as a foster carer for in needs puppies and kittens! She loves to spend her spare time renovating her property and hanging out with family.
Matilda Burgess
Veterinary Nurse
Matilda, otherwise known very affectionately as Tilly is a very valued member of our team. Tilly is another one of our very talented and very lovely nurses.
She absolutely loves to get involved with anaesthetics, in particular, she has an interest in soft tissue surgeries. Tilly loves to support our patients during their surgical recovery and gets satisfaction from hearing how much they improve at home! Similarly, Tilly is also passionate about patient care whilst they are unwell in hospital.
Tilly is currently training with Dr Mike to become our 'scrub nurse' to sterilely help out during orthopaedic surgeries. As well as this Tilly is one of our grooming nurses whose job is to trim and clean our patients who are admitted for sedated grooms.
Tilly is also just as busy at home! She has 3 dogs; a mini foxy named Frankie, a Staffy x named Mo, a golden retriever named Winston and a cat named Henry. Tilly often has a very full house as she also helps as a foster carer for in needs puppies and kittens! She loves to spend her spare time renovating her property and hanging out with family.
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Danae Pedrola
Trainee Veterinary Nurse (Currently studying Cert IV )
Danae’s career in the veterinary industry began when she started her training here at 4 Paws in March 2022
Danae is currently studying her cert IV in veterinary nursing, with the hope to expand her studies further in the coming years. Danae has already learnt so much and is such an important part of our team!
Danae enjoys all aspects of the nursing role but thrives in surgical anaesthesia monitoring, caring for hospital patients and as well as assisting with reviving neonates after caesarians.
Danae loves working with and caring for all types of animals, and has two cats and a dog of her own. Growing up in Far North Queensland, Danae has always loved exploring waterfalls and tropical islands along the coast and when she isn’t in the clinic she loves to spend time at the beach with friends or anything outdoors!
Danae Pedrola
Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Danae’s career in the veterinary industry began when she started her training here at 4 Paws in March 2022
Danae is currently studying her cert IV in veterinary nursing, with the hope to expand her studies further in the coming years. Danae has already learnt so much and is such an important part of our team!
Danae enjoys all aspects of the nursing role but thrives in surgical anaesthesia monitoring, caring for hospital patients and as well as assisting with reviving neonates after caesarians.
Danae loves working with and caring for all types of animals, and has two cats and a dog of her own. Growing up in Far North Queensland, Danae has always loved exploring waterfalls and tropical islands along the coast and when she isn’t in the clinic she loves to spend time at the beach with friends or anything outdoors!
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Tayla Fitzsimmons
Trainee Veterinary Nurse (Studying Cert II in Animal studies )
Tayla is our newest addition to the 4 paws team Tayla joined the 4 paws team a few months ago and has never looked back! Tayla ('Fitzy') briefly worked as a nurse previously but is loving getting the opportunity to further her knowledge with our skilled senior nurses.
Tayla is currently loving all aspects of veterinary nursing and is so excited to make it her career. In particular she has enjoyed developing her skills in anaesthetic monitoring and scrubbing into new and exciting surgical procedures. She also has learnt a lot about treatment of complicated medical cases in hospital and loves helping them be comfortable and feel safe during their stay!
Tayla says the favourite thing about her job is getting to see how much love clients have for their fur babies and also seeing how excited our patients are when they finally see their owner after surgery or a hospital stay!
Tayla is new to Townsville and so far is loving the weather and exploring the outdoors. She is especially loving swimming at places like big crystal creek and rolling stone creek! 
Tayla Fitzsimmons
Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Tayla is our newest addition to the 4 paws team Tayla joined the 4 paws team a few months ago and has never looked back! Tayla ('Fitzy') briefly worked as a nurse previously but is loving getting the opportunity to further her knowledge with our skilled senior nurses.
Tayla is currently loving all aspects of veterinary nursing and is so excited to make it her career. In particular she has enjoyed developing her skills in anaesthetic monitoring and scrubbing into new and exciting surgical procedures. She also has learnt a lot about treatment of complicated medical cases in hospital and loves helping them be comfortable and feel safe during their stay!
Tayla says the favourite thing about her job is getting to see how much love clients have for their fur babies and also seeing how excited our patients are when they finally see their owner after surgery or a hospital stay!
Tayla is new to Townsville and so far is loving the weather and exploring the outdoors. She is especially loving swimming at places like big crystal creek and rolling stone creek!
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