About Us
Learn more about the history of our practice & meet our caring, dedicated team.
Kelperland Vets Has Proudly Cared For Berkshire's Pets For Over 50 Years
“Traditional Values, Exceptional Care”
We have stayed true to our traditional values and continue to maintain the feel of a friendly, family owned, community practice, situated at the lovely location of Ledger Farm.
A family-run practice, owned by the same four families since 1958.
In 2014, Simon and Camilla Ratcliffe took over the running of Kelperland — continuing a tradition of independent, family ownership that stretches back to when the practice first opened in Maidenhead in 1958.
Being truly independent means we can always put your pet first. No corporate targets, no distant board of directors — just a team who genuinely care about the local community and the animals they look after.
Finlay, their border terrier, comes in to check on the inpatients each evening. Some things are just better with a dog around.
Our highly qualified team will provide exceptional care for your pets. We all have pets ourselves and will look after yours as though our own.
“Traditional values, exceptional care”
- The health of the animal is always the priority
- Non-rushed consultations
- State-of-the-art facilities
- A knowledgeable & passionate team
- Affordable & fair pricing
Veterinary Surgeons
Our caring, passionate team of veterinarians have years of experience — ensuring your pet is always in great hands.
Dr. Simon Ratcliffe
Practice Principal & Veterinary SurgeonBVSc certAVP(GSAS) MRCVS
RCVS Advanced Practitioner in General Small Animal Surgery
Hi, I'm Simon (we're all on first name terms here!). In 2014 my wife Camilla and I took over the running of Kelperland. It has been owned principally by 4 families in succession since the practice was first opened in Maidenhead in 1958 and we are extremely proud to continue this tradition. It's really important to us that we are truly independent, as opposed to being owned by huge corporations, like many small practices are these days. Why does this matter? If you're used to going to a corporate-owned practice, and then you come to us, you'll find out!
I'm a dairy farmer's son from Cheshire, and have wanted to be a vet as long as I can remember. Camilla is a secondary school biology teacher by trade, but she has put that to one side for the ten years since we took over Kelperland to run the business side. We moved to Windsor and bought the practice when we had been married for less than a year! It's been a roller-coaster for sure (!) but we are proud to run a business that is important to the local community and employs local people.
I went to University in Liverpool and graduated in 2005. I genuinely love being a general practitioner vet – getting to know clients and your pets, working together to keep our furry friends happy and healthy! The job is full of variety, fun and challenge and I wouldn't do anything else.
My main clinical interest is surgery, especially orthopaedics (bones and joints). I am recognised by the RCVS (the veterinary governing body in the UK) as an “Advanced Practitioner in General Small Animal Surgery,” which reflects the level of my post graduate training and experience. This means we can offer a wide variety of procedures for your pet here at Kelperland, as opposed to needing to be referred to another practice.
We also now welcome referrals from other practices – we are here to help with procedures that your normal vet may not offer but at a price point below specialist referral centres. We have an ‘Affordable Fracture Fixation Scheme’ too. In some practices if a pet breaks their leg the only option available to clients is to be sent to a specialist. The care received would be amazing but the price is high. We are offering a middle ground where I, as an advanced surgeon but not a specialist, perform the surgery for a more affordable fixed price. We’ve already started seeing cases on this scheme – including a classic broken leg in a puppy on Christmas Eve!
Camilla and I live locally with our daughter Elana and son Theo. The practice is truly a family affair – we use the kennels to control the children if they become unruly! Our family dog is Finlay, a border terrier. He is ridiculously friendly and comes with us into the practice office each day and to check on inpatients in the evenings.
Outside of work and family I’m a keen sportsman and enjoy all sports. I play cricket for the MCC and love paddle boarding on the Bray lake in the mornings before work.
If you’d like to come to our practice Camilla and I will do everything we can to look after you and your pets. We look forward to meeting you!
Dr. Nikki Benawra
Veterinary SurgeonBVSc MRCVS
Hello, I'm Nikki and I joined Kelperland in November 2022. I graduated from the University of Surrey in 2020 and have been working as a small animal vet in Berkshire since then. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine but have a particular interest in imaging and surgery.
I have a 9-year-old Dachshund called Rolo who was my inspiration to become a vet and in my spare time you can find us both enjoying walks in Windsor Great Park.
Dr. Fiona Dickinson
Veterinary SurgeonBVSc MRCVS
Hello, I'm Fiona and I joined the Kelperland team in September 2018. Since graduating from Liverpool University in 2000 I have worked in Morocco, Devon, and Herefordshire but I've been treating the pets of Berkshire in various clinics since 2003.
I thoroughly enjoy all the many aspects that make up our role as veterinary surgeons. I also practise acupuncture on our patients as a complement to our other services.
Dr. Scarlett Dowdeswell
Veterinary SurgeonHello, I’m Scarlett and I joined the Kelperland team in September 2026. I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in July and decided to move back down South to begin my career as a vet.
I am interested in lots of aspects of general practice, including surgery and medicine, and am excited to continue learning from the talented team here! I am looking forward to meeting lots of you and your pets.
Outside of work, I have a 6-year-old wire-haired Dachshund called Ralph, who keeps me very busy at the weekend. When I am not out with him, I enjoy going to the gym, doing yoga, reading and catching up with friends.
Dr. Alex Ogley
Veterinary SurgeonBVSc MRCVS
Hi, I'm Alex and I joined the veterinary team at Kelperland in April 2021. I graduated from the University of Bristol and have since focused on treating small animals. I have my own furry family member 'Slinky' who gets into endless mischief but is soon forgiven.
Dr. Rosie Skinner
Veterinary Surgeon & Dermatology SpecialistBVSc CertAVP(VD) MRCVS
I rejoined the Kelperland team in 2024, coming from a sole charge role in a branch practice of a larger hospital group. Prior to that I had worked at Kelperland as maternity cover for a year. It is lovely to be back and I’m extremely impressed by the positive changes that have happened in the last few years.
I qualified in 2004 from the University of Bristol with distinction. I am an experienced general practitioner and an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Dermatology. Alongside dermatology, I enjoy all aspects of general practice, in particular medical cases and caring for our feline patients. I have also travelled widely and worked all over the world.
I live in Wokingham with my family and two cats Captain Morgan and Bagheera. I have a four-year-old son, Teddy, who has just started school. My hobbies have fallen by the wayside for now, but I am trying to learn Portuguese and enjoy pushing myself lifting weights in the gym.
Management, Nursing & Reception
Camilla Ratcliffe
Business ManagerHi, I’m Camilla and I’ve been managing Kelperland since 2014. It has been quite the journey transforming a one-man vets to be the bustling, community-centred business it is today. We take pride in our independent ethos, family-based principles, and compassionate team.
I have two wondrous children (already completely animal-obsessed) and a Border terrier, Finlay. We enjoy going for walks or bike rides and I also love yoga and putting the world to rights over a coffee or drink or two!
Tessa
Practice ManagerHello, I'm Tessa and I joined the Kelperland team in Autumn 2024. I have worked in veterinary practice for nearly forty years, initially as a sixteen year old Student Veterinary Nurse. I have always enjoyed the variety of general practice.
Faye
RVN / Head NurseHi, I'm Faye and I've been working at Kelperland since 2006. I'm Kelperland's resident cat lady!! Outside of work my hobbies include boxing training and highland dancing.
Becky
Registered Veterinary NurseHello, I am Becky and I joined the Kelperland team in October 2024. I have been a Registered Veterinary Nurse since 2008. When I am not working, my spare time is taken up with being Mum to two boys and being a local Cub Scout Leader.
Daisy
Registered Veterinary NurseHi, I'm Daisy. I started at Kelperland in late 2021 and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse at the end of 2025. I have my own little dog named Cookie who is now thoroughly enjoying her golden years.
Katie
Registered Veterinary NurseHi, I'm Katie and I started working at Kelperland in 2022 as a Veterinary Care Assistant. I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse at the start of 2026. I have my own dog called Milo — a lively Sprocker Spaniel!
Kate
Student Veterinary NurseHi, I’m Kate and I joined Kelperland in January 2025. I have a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and am now in my second year of training to be a Veterinary Nurse. I’m really enjoying meeting everyone’s pets and learning something new every day. I have my own adorable but feisty cat called Mabel who is around 17 years old! Outside of work I enjoy seeing friends, travelling, running and playing padel.
Amelia
Veterinary Care AssistantHi, I’m Amelia and I joined the Kelperland team as a Saturday Receptionist in September 2022 and have recently taken the next step in my career by joining the team as a Veterinary Care Assistant. My goal is to continue developing my skills and ultimately train to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse.
Early in 2026 I had the opportunity to volunteer at a veterinary practice in Costa Rica, where I gained valuable experience assisting with the treatment and care of a variety of exotic animals. This experience really confirmed my passion for veterinary nursing and inspired me to pursue this career. At home, I have two dogs, Rigsby and Delilah, and in my spare time I enjoy agility training with Delilah, with hopes of competing together one day!
Kat
Reception ManagerHi, I’m Kat and I love spending time with my gorgeous rescue dog, Daisy, as well as with my other child with just two legs! My spare time is spent walking one and watching the other play football.
I have been an enthusiastic member of the Kelperland team since September 2015 and love snapping pictures of all your cute pets for our Facebook page… you have been warned!
Kim
ReceptionistHi, my name is Kim. I'm local to Holyport and have really enjoyed getting to know you all and your lovely pets since joining the Kelperland team in February 2021. I have one dog — Oscar, the most gorgeous Staffordshire bull terrier!
Karen
ReceptionistHello, my name is Karen, and I live very locally to Kelperland. I joined the team in February 2025. I have 2 dogs of my own, Teddy and Sparky, both rescued from Battersea — I haven't been without a dog in my life for over 25 years!
Anamika
ReceptionistHi, I am Anamika and I joined Kelperland in summer of 2026 as a Saturday receptionist. I love meeting all your adorable pets especially as I have none of my own; only a little brother who equally requires plenty of love and attention. I am a full-time student so in my spare time you might spot me around Windsor with my friends or family.
History Of Our Practice
Kelperland Veterinary Centre first opened in 1958 and has grown from strength to strength ever since.
Opened 1958
The practice was based in Bray & opened by a vet called Bob Townsend
New premises
In the early 1970s the practice moved to Touchen End and was owned by David Trowbridge
Ledger Farm
The practice moved to its current site of Ledger Farm, owned by Stephen Cooke
Team Grows
Simon and Camilla took over the running of the practice in 2014. Our team of vets and nurses grows over the next few years so outstanding pet care can be offered to the wider community.
Modern Times
We have carried out a complete renovation of the practice and expanded our space, enabling us to offer surgical and dermatology referrals from other practices as well as provide the best possible care for the community's pets.