Get to know our team!
We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Louise’s Path to Expertise in Diagnostic Imaging and Cardiology
Perth Animal Ultrasound is owned and led by Dr Louise Barnett BVM BVS (Hons) PGCert (Small Animal Medicine and Surgery) MANZCVS (Radiology, Small Animal).
Louise graduated from the University of Nottingham (2011) and had a varied start to her career, working in busy veterinary hospitals in both the UK and Australia and engaging in various veterinary volunteer projects abroad. An aspiring veterinary cardiologist as an undergraduate and young post-graduate, Louise’s interest in wider diagnostic imaging developed further with the completion of a 12-month internship in 2015-2016, during which time she spent the majority of her time shadowing a European specialist veterinary radiologist, and completed an externship with the cardiology team at the Royal Veterinary College. Louise obtained her postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine & surgery (PGCert SAMS) during this time. She went on to lead the first-opinion imaging and cardiology service at the South West London branch of a large group of clinics for two years.
In 2018, she returned to Australia to work as the in-house ultrasonographer at a 24-hour hospital South of Perth and was awarded Membership to the ANZCVS in Small Animal Radiology following examination in July 2019. She launched her own mobile ultrasound business serving the Perth region – ImagingFirst – in October the same year, and the company re-branded in July 2024 to Perth Animal Ultrasound (PAUS).
Dr Louise is actively engaged in ANZCVS activities, acting as a mentor for candidates sitting the examination, and previously serving as a member of the AVA WA Committee for 2 years. She is passionate about working to the highest possible standard, care and compassion for her patients and their owners, and the veterinary teams of which she has become an extended part.
At home, Dr Lou shares with her partner a British Shorthair cat, Bear, and a Maltese dog, Merlot, both of whom have featured on previous Christmas cards and other merchandise!
Dr. Tarryn Higgs
BVSc PGCert Small Animal Abdominal Ultrasound
Dr. Tarryn has a background in both general practice and emergency clinics, with qualifications in veterinary sonography. She brings extensive and valuable knowledge and experience to the veterinary team.
Dr. Sarah Mason
BVSc MANZCVS Radiology, Small Animal
Dr. Sarah was part of the mobile team prior to moving into the new PAUS building. After recently welcoming her beautiful daughter, she has rejoined the mobile ultrasound team and covers various clinics South of the river.
Dr. Rich Ryan
BVetMed PGCertImg (WBIS) MRCVS
Dr. Rich has recently joined the PAUS team from the UK, moving over with his family. He holds post graduate qualifications in diagnostic imaging and is experienced in both ultrasonography and CT systems.
Ash Cross, RVN
Head Nurse
Ash graduated in veterinary nursing in 2005. After 3 years in general practice, she then spent the following 17 years in two specialist hospitals, nursing mainly in Dermatology. Ash joined the PAUS team in 2024. Ash grew up in Perth on acreage with every animal possible- from quails to horses, which is where her love for vet nursing was born!
Ash is Fear Free Certified and takes pride in making every patient’s visit with us comfortable and positive. She currently has a cheeky 3yo American Bulldog x called Bosco, and an elderly cat called Rocky.
Georgia Rickard
RVN
Georgia graduated from vet nursing in 2018. After nursing for four years in general practice, she ventured into human medicine in the field of cardiology. Her love for animals has drawn her back to vet nursing, and her cardiology experience is very valuable to us. Georgia continues expanding her nursing knowledge while currently studying Cert IV in Animal Behaviour and Training. She enjoys painting, drawing, and crafting all sorts of things and has a very cheeky, four-year-old tabby cat named Vincent and a sweet 10-year-old German Shepherd named Peppa.
Amy Maitland
RVN
Amy is one of our veterinary nurses! Prior to joining us, she had been working in various general practice veterinary clinics and brings extensive nursing experience to the team.
Anique Phillips
Reception/RVN
Anique is also one of our veterinary nurses. She brings a background in both GP and emergency and has come on as the friendly face of PAUS, as full time receptionist.
Lorelei Stewart
RVN
Lorelei is another veterinary nurse here at PAUS. She brings a range of experience and knowledge to the team, with an extensive background in dermatology, general practice and emergency clinics.
Kelly Spindler
Reception/RVN
Kelly is the lovely face of reception on Mondays at PAUS. She has a background in veterinary nursing and more recently, was a practice manager at her previous clinic. She has recently embarked on a new journey of owning and operating a clinic remotely in Victoria!
