Meet The Team!
We believe vet care shouldn’t add to the stress — for you or your pet.
That’s why we bring it to you. Our team provides low-stress, in-home veterinary care across every stage of your pet’s life — from first vaccinations and wellness checks, right through to gentle, dignified end-of-life care. No waiting rooms, no unfamiliar smells, no carrier battles. Just your pet, in the place they feel safest, getting the care they need.
We’re a small team, and that’s deliberate. It means your pet sees familiar faces, and you get to know us too — not just as vets, but as people who genuinely care how your animal is doing.
Dr. Kelly McDermott BVSc.
Business Owner/Veterinarian
Peaceful Pets is owned and operated by Dr. Kelly McDermott. She graduated with a BVSc from Massey University in 2011. She has spent the last few years providing small animal veterinary medicine, and has realised the need and desires for pet owners to have home based pet care. Growing up in the United States, she was exposed to all sorts of pets from temporary wild pigs, snakes, and alligators, to the more common dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, hampsters, gerbils and fish. As such, she understands the human- animal bond, and unfortunately has experienced the end of life scenario many times. While it is never easy, knowing that she is easing suffering and pain allows her to provide end of life care gratefully. Kelly currently has a small mob of ex racing greyhounds, a fluffy mutt, 1 cat, 1 fish, some chickens and kids which all keep her very busy. As well she greatly enjoys the amazing NZ outdoors, by scuba diving and playing sports (when she’s not broken!)
Dr. Ruben Lourens BVSc.
Veterinarian
Ruben graduated from Massey University in 2023, and since then has focused on becoming a genuinely well-rounded vet — building his skills and confidence across everything from everyday consultations to surgical procedures. That range means your pet gets the same steady, capable care whether it’s a routine check-up or something more involved.
Clients often mention his patience with anxious animals — Ruben takes the time to let a nervous pet settle in on their own terms, which makes a real difference when you’re welcoming a vet into your home. He brings that same patience to his volunteer work at a local cat rescue, where he provides health checks and vaccinations in his own time.
When he’s not at work, you’ll usually find Ruben out exploring New Zealand on his motorcycle — his most recent trip took him up the east coast all the way to Cape Reinga.
Margie Weddell
Veterinary Nurse
Margie has spent over 15 years in the animal industry, and her approach has stayed the same throughout: work with people, not against them, and never pass judgement. She started out as an animal inspector in Wellington, improving the lives of animals by working alongside the community. She then moved to Levin, where she spent time at the SPCA centre. She holds a certificate in vet nursing and has been part of the Peaceful Pets team since 2022, bringing the same steady, caring approach to every patient and family she meets.
Behind the scenes, Margie is also our resident tech wizard, looking after our clinic software from the backend so the day-to-day runs smoothly. At home she shares her life with two cats, Maggie and Buttermilk.
“I Love Animals.”
Sandra Leuba
Veterinary Nurse
I am originally from Switzerland but arrived in New Zealand 26 years ago. I worked for nearly 20 years in Hospitality and then followed my passion for animals. As I have an affinity for horses, I worked for several years in the Horse Racing Industry before qualifying as a Rural Animal Technician.
Three and a half years ago, I started to work for Peaceful Pets as Kennel Hand for their Blood Bank Dogs and work now as vet nurse at the clinic in Tokomaru. I love what I do and you can usually find me assisting with surgeries, either surrounded or followed by one or more Greyhounds!!!
Relaxing means for me hitting the trails with my young Huntaway Twister. We are currently competing in Canicross and plan to compete in Bikejoring next year.
Alison Potter
Office Manager
Alison joined Peaceful Pets after years in medical administration — private, public, and hospital settings — with a stint in the Police in between. What she brings to the front of house is simple: she cares as much about how clients are feeling as she does about their pets.
Outside the office, she’s usually in the paddock with her five sheep (Joan, Orea, Timtan, Latta and Nugget — yes, they all have names and opinions), walking the beach with her dogs Shadow and Chewy, or on the sideline cheering for her son’s football team while her husband referees. At home, Nixon the cat has claimed the best sleeping spots and Chewy rarely leaves her side.
“We care as much for their feelings as we do care for their pets.”
Sarah McArthur
Clinic Assistant
I’ve been passionate about animals for as long as I can remember, so being able to work with pets and the people who love them is something I genuinely enjoy. I believe every animal deserves kindness, patience, and the best possible care, and I love being part of a team that helps keep pets happy and healthy throughout their lives.
One of the things I enjoy most is getting to know the unique personalities of each animal that comes through the clinic. Whether it’s helping a nervous puppy feel more comfortable, giving extra cuddles to a senior pet, or chatting with owners about their beloved companions, I find it incredibly rewarding to support both pets and their families.
I understand the special bond people share with their animals and how important they are as members of the family. That’s why I’m committed to making every visit a positive experience and helping owners feel supported and informed when it comes to their pet’s wellbeing.
Outside of the clinic, I have a special interest in retired racing greyhounds and the incredible transition they make from racing life to family pets. I love sharing their stories, helping people learn more about the breed, and seeing first-hand how well these gentle, affectionate dogs adapt to life in a loving home.
Fun fact: If there’s an animal nearby, chances are you’ll find me saying hello to it before anyone else!