Who We Are & What We Are About

All Natural Vet Care is one of the world’s leading Integrative Veterinary Hospitals. We have been recognised internationally and awarded Holistic Practitioner of the Year in 2011 (AHVMA), Holistic Educator of the Year (2010) (AHVMA) and together we have over 80 years experience taking care of animals! We take care of your animals with the same love, care and compassion as we do our own.

We understand the passion and commitment you have for your family members health. That's why our team of expert veterinarians work hard to ensure that your beloved family member receives the best care possible. We expertise in Integrative Veterinary Medicine, combining conventional medical treatments with natural remedies, to provide a holistic approach to animal healthcare. Our international experts bring unique perspectives from various countries, so your pet can benefit from the best of both worlds.

We are committed to providing only the highest quality standards for animal care. Our vast experience and comprehensive understanding of Integrative Veterinary Medicine allows us to provide tailored solutions that meet all your pet’s needs. We are passionate about providing our clients with excellent service and always strive to stay ahead of the curve. With our cutting-edge technology and modern approaches, we can deliver the best care to your family member.

At All Natural Vet Care, we are dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare for your beloved companion. Our team works hard to ensure that your pet receives comprehensive treatment and support in a safe and comfortable environment.

Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your furry family member! We are honoured to be part of your pet’s healthcare team and will do our best to ensure that they receive the best possible care. We are here for you and your beloved family member every step of the way!

See below for team bios

Your team

  • Dr David Ward

    Integrative Veterinarian / Director / Veterinary Acupuncturist / Animal Rehab

    Registered Veterinary Surgeon of NSW , Member of Association of Australian Veterinary Acupuncturists, Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Acupuncture from the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapy

    Dr Ward is an experienced veterinary professional with a unique blend of knowledge, honed over many years in a variety of roles. His broad scope of experience, from zoo medicine to large animals and small animals - where he has practised for the past two decades - and his additional Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Acupuncture from the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapy has garnered him a place among a select pool of veterinarians worldwide. His educational credentials include a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Sydney, and Masters of Science in Veterinary Science Research degree from the University of Sydney, followed by his veterinary degree from Murdoch University in Western Australia in 1998. Highly qualified and dedicated, Dr Ward continues to demonstrate his commitment to healing animals through balanced care.

    Dr Ward is a highly experienced veterinary surgeon, specialising in integrative care and animal rehabilitation. Drawing from his holistic approach to pet health, he delivers individualised care plans that promote wellness, vitality, and a comfortable lifestyle. Responsible for leading our pain clinic at All Natural Vet Care, Dr Ward is committed to helping animals of all species and has a passion for addressing mobility issues, skin disease, kidney disease and hormonal imbalance to provide preventative treatments and therapeutic solutions. With his diploma in animal rehab, Dr Ward provides the highest level of care so that your pet gets the attention they need.

  • Dr Karen Goldrick

    Integrative Veterinarian / Director / Hospital Superintendent

    BVSc, CVA (IVAS)

    CIVT Certified Herbalist

    Karen Graduated from the University Of Sydney in 1987, and has worked in small animal practice in Sydney and the UK with an interest in holistic veterinary medicine. She has studied acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupunctre Society (IVAS). She has also studied Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine via the Sydney College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western Herbal Medicine via the Sydney College of Natural therapies, and the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), and animal rehabilitation.

    Dr Karen is available most weekdays except Tuesdays for Integrative Consultations including Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy. Dr Karen is great at demonstrating at-home massage and stretching exercises.

    Click here to listen to this interview with Dr Karen

  • Dr Matthew J Muir

    Integrative Veterinarian / Clinical Director

    BVSc/BVetBiol (Hons) MRCVS

    CIVT Certified Herbalist

    Matthew obtained a double degree in Veterinary Science and Veterinary Biology in 2010 with first-class Honours from Charles Sturt University. Matthew has worked as a mixed animal general practitioner where he developed strong skills in orthopaedic & soft tissue surgery, dermatology and nutritional counselling. He also worked in London for several years consulting in wellness & internal medicine, out-of-hours emergency and critical care. Matthew has now completed his Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Chinese Food Therapies. He is available for Integrative Medicine Consultation encompassing conventional, complementary & alternative therapies. His Veterinary interests are wellness & preventative health care, integrative dentistry, cancer care, nutrition, the gut-brain-skin axis, immunology, dermatology and behaviour. Matthew is now also volunteering at Taronga Wildlife Hospital.

    Matthew recently won a 2021 game changer award from Animal Wellness Advocate Dr Karen Becker, click here to watch their conversation

  • Dr Barbara Fougere

    Integrative Veterinarian / Founder All Natural Vet Care

    BSc BVMS (Hons), BHSc (Comp Med), MODT, MHSc (Herb Med), CVA (IVAS), CVBM, CVCP, CMAVA

    Barbara started her studies in complementary medicine at university in 1986. Since then she has studied human and veterinary complementary medicine and is certified in veterinary and human herbal medicine, veterinary acupuncture and veterinary chiropractic, veterinary Chinese herbal medicine and veterinary and human homeopathy. She has also explored energy medicine with Reiki and several other lesser known therapies such as prolotherapy, tui na and Chinese food therapy

    Barbara is currently not available for consultation but still actively contributes to our clinical protocol development. Dr Barbara has recommended her existing clients see our other Integrative Veterinarian's at All Natural Vet Care until further notice. Please discuss with our friendly reception team who might be the best team member to take on your pet's healthcare. 

  • Dr Jana Gale

    Integrative Veterinarian

    Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

    Jana is our newest Integrative Vet, Jana has been practicing at a busy practice since graduating in 2020. Some of you may recognise Jana from when she was undertaking her externship with us as a veterinary student. Jana has been undertaking further training under our advanced Integrative Practitioners and now taking on cases. Jana will be employing practice level protocols which take both your pet’s individual needs into account as well as the therapeutic options that are both evidence based and have a long standing track record in our clinic over the last 20 years. Jana will be offering holistic second opinion consultations for preventative medicine, skin issues, digestive issues, behaviour issues and pain management. She is especially interested in the gut-brain-skin axis, as well as pain-anxiety looping.

    Jana has attended additional conferences in Integrative Medicine and is currently undertaking further studies in wholefood nutrition, acupuncture and herbal medicine. Jana does not practice chiropractic care (best to see Dr Karen), homeopathy or Chinese herbal medicine (best to see Dr David or Dr Karen for these conditions). Dr Jana is practicing under the clinical supervision of our clinical director, Dr Matthew J Muir with input from the other practitioners. We are very confident that Jana will be able to deliver strong clinical outcomes for your family member.

    Jana is motivated daily by her rescue dog Yogi Bear who she has loved since adopting him 8 years ago, and who has always been a comfort during difficult times.

  • Beatrice Hecherat

    Veterinary Technician/Acupuncturist

    Beatrice has been working in the veterinary industry for over 20 years. She started working as a vet nurse in Australia in 2020. She graduated from Londrina University in Brazil, one of the top 5 in Brazil, with a veterinary degree in 2003 and is a registered vet in Brazil. In 2017 she completed a Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. She always had a passion for Holistic Medicine.

    Beatrice has completed her Essentials of Veterinary Acupuncture with CIVT. Beatrice performs acupuncture in the clinic with patients and in surgery settings.

    Beatrice has a love of animals and joined the industry as she has a genuine desire to look after animals and help them to have a quality of life.

    When not at work she enjoys to exercise, travelling, going to the beach, and spending time with her son. Her element is any place where she can get in contact with animals and nature.

  • Dorien Mergan

    Animal Rehab Therapist

    Certified Hydro Therapist

    Certified Canine Remedial Massage

    Coming from the Professional Services sector, Dorien is excited to start her new career as an animal rehab therapist. Dorien has been training dogs for over 8 years and is a Wildlife rescuer and carer in her free time.

    Dorien is available every Friday for rehab therapy and is very excited to join the ANVC team.

    Dorien lives with her family on the North Shore together with her chickens and 3 Beagles.

  • Amy Miller

    USA Certified Veterinary Technician/Acupuncturists

    Nurse Manager

    Amy has over eight years of experience in small animal general practice working in the United States as a Certified Veterinary Technician.

    She also worked for four years at an Emergency and Critical Care Facility with Board Certified Surgeons and Internal Medicine Specialists.

    Amy's energy and experience is invaluable to making All Natural Vet Care what it is today

    Amy is excited to expand her career in Australia by learning more about integrative veterinary care since coming to work at All Natural Vet Care as Nurse Manager in 2017. When not at work, she enjoys travelling, reading, and hanging out with her cats, Caprica and Fiyero.

    Amy continues to work in Emergency Specialist Medicine in Sydney.