Meet the Team

Dr Vanessa Escott DVM

Principal Veterinarian

Dr Vanessa has dreamt of being a vet for as far back as she can remember! After she realized this dream in 1999 she developed a new dream – to own her own veterinary practice – a dream which became a reality with the opening of Happy Paws in October 2017!

She loves all aspects of general practice, so much so that even after 20 years in small animal practice she still loves talking about fleas! Her special interests include dentistry, soft tissue surgery and fostering the human-animal bond.

She lives in heaven (on the Gold Coast!) with her husband Dave her three non-furry children (Sebastian, Oscar and Darcy) and her furry children (Chicken and Noodle, the cats).

In her free time (ha, what’s that?!) she enjoys reading, watching The Block, pub lunches, and family time. She is looking forward to welcoming you and your fur babies to Happy Paws and getting to know you!

Dr Jessica Norman BVSc(Hons)

Veterinarian

Dr Jessica has dreamed of being a vet since the age of four. It was in 2014 when this dream became a reality, graduating with an honours degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Queensland. Since then, Dr Jessica has gone on to hone her skills in small animal vet care on the Gold Coast, before joining the team here at Happy Paws Veterinary Clinic.

The New-Zealand-born vet shares her home with an absolutely spoilt rotten mini house panther called Toothless, a recently adopted senior feline resident, Misty, her partner’s family dog, Meeka, a Maltese Shih Tzu, and her newest addition, Homer Stimson, the Stimpson Python!

When Dr Jessica is not caring for fur babies, she is out at the gym, participating in pilates classes, or is out on a long run. She enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery, and can’t wait to get to know you and your loved pets.

Claire Taylor

Veterinary Nurse 

 Ever since Nurse Claire was old enough to walk, she has always been a crazy animal lover. Her
mum on their English street was known as the cat lady, due to Claire adopting all the skinny street
cats in need. After moving to Australia, Claire decided to take her love for fur babies to the next
level and become a Veterinary Nurse, and also spent a few years working at Animal Emergency
Services and Pet Intensive Care Unit based in Brisbane.
Claire has a special interest and love for geriatric patient’s, as they need that extra tender love
and care, and she also has a keen interest in anaesthesia and medicine.
When Claire is not nursing your loved one post anaesthesia, she is on the BOM weather radar and
Storm prediction Centre looking at forming storms, out fishing with her husband Jax, or hanging
out at the beach with her Jug ‘Terror’ and Chihuahua ‘Penny’.

Tori Harris 

Veterinary Nurse 

 My name is Victoria but I go by Tori, I moved from Sydney in July 2019.

I first got into the animal industry at the age of 15 and then worked my way up and have now been a fully qualified veterinary nurse for 10 years and absolutely love what I do! 

I have two cats and two dogs so I’m not l biased, I also have a interest in our feathered friends too. 

I look forward to meeting your and your fur kids xxx

Jessica Edwards 

Veterinary Nurse 

 Jess has been a Veterinary Nurse on the Gold Coast for 12 years and worked in a number of family owned clinics. She particularly enjoys looking after your babies while in surgery and has a special interest in helping you keep their teeth pearly white for fresh, furry kisses! She is kept busy by her Mini Bulldog “Olive”, Devon Rex cat “Hamish” and three human children. When not at work she likes to be out bike riding with her family or exploring new camping spots.

Renee Barba

Trainee Veterinary Nurse 

I have grown up around Vet Clinics because my Mum is also a Veterinary Nurse.

I started my Career when I was 14 helping at the practice my Mother worked. I later completed my Certificate 2 in Veterinary Nursing at school during year 11 and 12. I am completing my certificate 4 here at Happy Paws Veterinary Clinic. 

I have 3 cats and one very special Golden Retriever called Drift at home. In My spare time I love to go to the beach and love to attend music festivals!

I look forward to meeting your fur babies 🙂