OUR STORY
Blakehurst Vet began as a small, single-vet practice primarily offering house calls. Over the years, it has grown into a larger clinic with a purpose-built facility. Owned and operated by the Bathgate family, Blakehurst Vet proudly remains a family-run, independent business dedicated to providing personalised care. Serving the St George and Sutherland Shire communities, the clinic now features modern facilities and convenient on-site parking while maintaining its commitment to exceptional, tailored service.
Meet Dr Hamish Bathgate
Hamish’s love for animals began in his childhood, spending school holidays with his cousins on their farm in western NSW. Those early days were filled with farm life, where he helped shear sheep, herd cattle, and bonded with the working dogs he adored. These experiences planted the seeds for his passion for animals, leading him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
After graduating from Sydney University, Hamish headed out to the bush, working in a small clinic that cared for both large and small animals. It didn’t take long for him to realise that he was best suited to caring for smaller animals – his arms, after all, weren’t quite long enough for birthing calves! Deciding that his veterinary path lay closer to the cities, he began working with small animals.
Like many young vets of his time, Hamish ventured to the UK for a locum experience, spending two years working throughout England before returning to his hometown of Sydney, taking up a position in the St George area. Yet, his ultimate goal was always to establish his own practice.
So, in 2006, Hamish took a significant step by purchasing Blakehurst Vet from his friend Kathy, who had originally started it as a house-call service. With this new chapter, Hamish was thrilled to create a clinic where both pets and their owners feel genuinely cared for. However, to bring his vision fully to life, he knew he needed a trusted veterinary partner.
Hamish and Catherine have known each other for over 20 years. Hamish was her mentor and boss when she was a vet in training in the late 90s. Since graduating from Sydney University, Catherine has worked with small animals at various Sydney clinics, where her diverse and extensive consulting experience has made her an exceptional vet.
Over the years, Catherine and Hamish have always kept in touch and, after years of encouragement from Hamish, Catherine finally agreed to join him at Blakehurst Vet, and it’s a decision neither has looked back on.
That was a decade ago, and since then, Hamish and Catherine have become the core of Blakehurst Vet. Their partnership is built on mutual trust, appreciation, and a shared commitment to their patients. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and skill, forming a balanced team that clients have come to rely on.
With these two dedicated vets handling most consultations and surgeries, Blakehurst Vet is far more than a medical facility – it’s a community founded on trust and understanding.
Hamish and Catherine believe that exceptional veterinary care goes beyond treatment; it’s about building relationships. They take the time to understand each pet’s unique needs and each owner’s concerns, ensuring that every patient receives the most personalised, comfortable care possible.
Enter Dr Catherine Lee
Our Manager Karla Lukins
No veterinary practice is truly complete without an exceptional manager, and in Karla, we have the very best.
Karla is a highly qualified veterinary nurse with extensive experience in the field. For the past seven years, Karla has worked closely with Hamish and Catherine as their trusted veterinary nurse.
Prior to this, Karla received comprehensive training in triage, surgery, and nurse consultations. Her expertise in these areas has been further refined during her time at Blakehurst Vet.
In addition to her nursing responsibilities, Karla has consistently taken on the role of unofficial manager, demonstrating exceptional leadership and organisational skills. Her efforts were formally recognised in early 2024 when she was officially appointed practice manager.
Under Karla’s leadership, she and her team of dedicated animal health professionals work tirelessly to deliver exceptional care to pets and their owners. Their commitment to prioritising the wellbeing of every pet they treat has earned them the trust and gratitude of the local community.