Karen Fenwick

I came to the practice nearly 33 years ago as a qualified veterinary nurse (RANA in those days!) I qualified at the Berkshire college of Agriculture in 1984 
During my time at Thanet Vets I have got married & had two daughters, both adults now and doing their own thing.

At home I fill my time with two dogs Marty 7yrs and Gizmo 4yrs. We also have 5 cats the eldest of which, Ron (14yrs) was from a litter of stray kittens brought into the surgery, (my husband is a sucker for ginger cats!) The others arrived over the years Fred (a 12yr Tortoise-Shell) Emo and Marmite (11yrs are Fred’s kittens) and Clockwork (a black and white stray my daughter adopted who is now 8yrs). I am pleased to say they all get on very well; the only casualty over the years has been my sofa.

At work I am responsible for the Nursing team, ensuring that their training is going well in practice and at college. My particular interests include dentistry, oral hygiene, prevention of tooth decay and feline behaviour. In 2016 I completed a certificate in Feline Nursing, which has enabled me to improve the practice for our feline friends. I have been named by some as the ‘cat lady’! I enjoy understanding how a cat thinks and what makes them tick resulting in some comical situations. This was followed by the BVNA oral hygiene course, giving me the title of Oral Care Nurse.  I enjoy nurse appointments, as it enables me to have contact with the owner as well as the pet and seeing the family unit working together.

I was once asked what I enjoy most about my job and honestly, I couldn’t answer because every day is different, every patient’s needs are different and technology is always improving the way we care for your pets.