Meet the Team
We are incredibly proud of the team we have built at Doorstep Vet. We select our staff very carefully, and the whole team strives to deliver the exceptional level of customer service that we have become renowned for. Whether you’re speaking to a member of our office team or chatting to our nurses or vets at your appointment, you are in safe hands.
We have a highly experienced team, and every staff member has worked for many years in the vet profession. Some of us are entering our 3rd or 4th decade of working with animals – that’s a lot of pets that we’ve seen over the years!
Vet Team
Joanna Melville MRCVS
Founder and Veterinary SurgeonJoanna (Jo) graduated from the R(D)SVS, Edinburgh and has worked in the veterinary industry for over 20 years.
She decided to set up Doorstep Vet after seeing a clear need for a less stressful and more personal experience for owners and their pets.
Jo loves all aspects of GP care, but has a particular interest in internal medicine and management of chronic health conditions. She has a particular soft spot for our Golden Oldies….
Jo is available for appointments on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Gemma Rutherford MRCVS
Veterinary SurgeonBorn in Newcastle, Gemma returned back to the North East when she graduated from the RVC in London in 2009.
Having worked in busy small animal practices for 13 years, she soon realised after having her son, that her heart was in the consulting side of the job rather than the surgery. Gemma enjoys spending time with pets and their parents, performing thorough examinations, working at their pace, talking through options and decision making together, and building a bond of trust with the family. What better way to do all this than right on your doorstep?
Gemma loves the geriatrics, especially our feisty felines!
Outside of work Gemma has a very active little boy that keeps her busy, and a spoilt cavapoo called Sausage.
Gemma is available for appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Alison Cunningham MRCVS
Veterinary SurgeonAlison has been a small animal vet for 35 years, the last 25 of those in the North East. She joined the team at Doorstep Vet in February 2025, and is enjoying having the time to get to know her patients and put them at ease.
Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her family, riding her horse, walking her dog, gardening, and wild swimming.
Alison is available for appointments on Thursdays and Fridays.
Nursing Team
Gabby Taylor RVN
Registered Veterinary NurseGabby has 20 years experience of working in Veterinary Practice. Since qualifying in 2008, she has cultivated a deep passion for building strong and lasting relationships with both pets and their owners. Gabby takes pride in taking her time to get to know each of your pets, ensuring that trust and bonds are built during each visit, and loves that the convenience and comfort of our mobile service allows her to do this.
Gabby has a particular fondness for our feline and rabbit friends, and always strives to make their experience as positive and relaxed as possible.
Outside of work, Gabby enjoys dancing and walking in nature, and spending quality time with her cheeky Persian cat Winston’.
Claire Snaith RVN
Registered Veterinary NurseClaire qualified in 2014 and in 2019 completed her Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
Immediately prior to joining Doorstep Vet in 2025, she worked in a non-clinical role as a Technical Support RVN, but decided to return to clinical practice as she missed caring for patients hands-on and supporting owners directly.
Claire particularly enjoys caring for senior pets, as she believes this is an area where we can make a real difference.
Outside of work, she enjoys dog walking, running, playing football for a local team, and spending time with friends and family.
Angela Ray RVN
Registered Veterinary NurseAngela started working with horses after leaving Houghall college in 2001. After 15 years in this profession she made the change to Veterinary Nursing in 2014. She qualified in 2018 and has worked in General practice and referral before moving to Doorstep Vet in late 2025.
She has a special interest in all things feline and has a keen interest in behaviour and caring for the more senior pets.
In her spare time she loves to take her Fazer 600 out for a spin on the winding country roads. She can also be found on long distance walks having completed The Pennine Way and Hadrian’s Wall Path.
She has a rescue cat called Freyja who is now 12 years old, very independent and loves to go outside to dig up her carefully planted garden.
Office Team
Jessica Perkins RVN
Practice ManagerJess found her true calling after volunteering for a cat charity. She has acquired a wealth of experience during her 20 years of working in the veterinary profession.
Jess qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2010 and has since gained valuable experience in first opinion and referral practices. As well as Head Nurse and Practice Manager positions.
Jess is passionate about owner and pet care, striving to provide the highest level of care and attention to both
Outside of work Jess enjoys being in the countryside walking or cycling with her husband and son.
Lorna Mitchell
Client Care AdvisorLorna joined the Doorstep team in Summer 2024, bringing with her, many years of experience in the veterinary industry
As a Client Care Advisor, Lorna is mainly based at our office. She is passionate about building strong relationships with clients and takes pride in being the first point of contact and guiding owners through their journey with us. She is also a fantastic team player and keeps everyone entertained at Mission HQ!
When she’s not at work, Lorna enjoys spending time outdoors. She is an avid hiker, often taking on challenging trails for personal fulfillment or to support charitable causes.
Johanna van Talligan
Client Care AdvisorJohanna’s career in the veterinary profession began (after 30 years as a civil servant) when she joined an Equine veterinary practice in Stocksfield carrying out both animal care and reception duties. After 12 very happy years she moved to a small animal practice closer to home and worked there as a veterinary receptionist for the next 8 years.
Johanna joined Doorstep Vet in May 2024 as a Client Care Advisor. She has always believed that pet and client care is paramount in the veterinary industry and tries to ensure she is a friendly and helpful point of contact at all times.
Outside work Johanna enjoys walking with the family dogs (2 lovely lurcher sisters), reading and gardening.
Isla
Head of SecurityIsla joined us in 2023, having previously struggled to find her niche in previous roles. She is mainly responsible for ensuring office deliveries run smoothly. She has been known to chew the odd package and is still on probation.
Reggie
Trainee Office Motivation ManagerReggie joined us in 2026. Lacking life experience, he is on a steep learning curve but is very enthusiastic. Reggie is great for team morale but not so good for productivity as the team spend a lot of time cuddling him. Reggie is on probation.