Edda Pohlandt MRCVS, BVSc, BSc (Agric), veterinary surgeon, was born in South Africa in 1965 and graduated from Onderstepoort University, South Africa in 1996. She became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the same year. She worked in mixed practice in Burnley, Lancashire and in Totnes in Devon for five years.

After her daughter Thiane's birth, she returned to South Africa to open her own practice, the Dullstroom Animal Hospital. The Dullstroom Animal Hospital was a small animal and equine practice, with Mrs Pohlandt's special interests being small animal surgery and equine lameness work. Renowned for its many birds of prey, Dullstroom was the ideal place to expand her interest in raptor medicine and surgery.

Already a keen falconer, and having a husband who breeds gyr/saker falcons, led to a comprehensive raptor rehabilitation programme of wild birds of prey. She also started a Community Veterinary Clinic in the local township, running a vaccination and speying programme for the pets of underprivileged people.

In 2007 Mrs Pohlandt achieving her ABVA acupuncture qualification in the UK which allowed further treatment of arthritic, injured and lame patients.

Regular locum work in the UK since 2008 has meant that Mrs Pohlandt has worked in a number of veterinary practices in the UK, from small sole charge practices to large 11 branch veterinary centres.

After moving to Cumbria opening a small animal and exotics practice in Carlisle was the next logical step.

Kay Hills MRCVS is a confident and competent veterinary surgeon with over ten years experience in small animal practice. She will be doing regular afternoon surgeries and will be running our BEST FRIENDS’ CLUB clinics. When not at work, Kay has her hands full her little son Fraser who arrived in June 2012.

Carly Horwood joined Falcon Vets in January 2012 as our afternoon receptionist. She is an animal lover and keen wildlife enthusiast and has plenty of experience with all exotics, as her mother owns a zoo! She has a hamster and a dragon and is completing her degree in Wildlife Management as well as doing her animal assistant training course at the surgery.

David Harrison is taking Carly’s place while she is on maternity leave. David will be covering afternoon reception duties, as well as using his animal behaviour expertise to give advice and guidance on training. David owns four dogs of his own and his long standing involvement with the charity Animal Concern Cumbria usually means there are several more dogs in his care, waiting to be rehomed.

Sarah Hesketh is our morning receptionist and resident dog groomer. When Falcon Vets approached Sarah to see if she had the time to groom a few of our clients' dogs, we liked her so much we asked if she wanted to join our team! She said yes and has been with us ever since. You will see her on reception in the mornings and all grooming is arranged, by appointment, to suit your convenience. Sarah owns a Pekinese and spends all her spare time with her Cob mare called Missy.

Vikki Wharton has taken on reception and animal care duties. Vikki has a wealth of animal care experience and is doing her introductory veterinary nurse training course. She has joined us as health and safety officer and part-time receptionist. Vikki has a whole host of rescued pets – guinea pigs, dogs, cats, fish … and she will take in the odd hedgehog that needs nursing as well!