Our Team
Our founders, Dr. Kaori Takeoka and Dr. Ana Carolina Springford, have over 20 years experience combined, working in small animal general practice and emergency hospitals throughout Adelaide. Whilst working many years as senior vets in emergency, critical care and general practice, they have seen many patients that would have benefited from palliative care. That is why they came together to build Horizon Palliative Vets to be able to provide the comfort and care every pet deserves without the stress of travelling to the clinic. Our team will sit together and we will listen to your concerns without the rush of everyday practice. This will allow us to tailor the best plan that specifically benefits you and your pet.
Our vets have both completed the training for Best Practice Euthanasia by the CAETA (Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy). Dr Ana and Dr Kaori have completed the international Certification in Animal Hospice and Palliative Care through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC). They are proud to be the first and only veterinarians in South Australia to hold this qualification.
Riley - Care Coordinator
Riley holds a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Behaviour (Honours). She has experience in senior nursing and reception coordination roles in general practice, with a strong interest in end-of-life care and client support.
She is Fear-Free certified and has completed additional training in Mental Health First Aid and Pet Loss and Grief Counselling. Riley is passionate about providing compassionate and respectful care to both pets and their people during one of life's most difficult times.
She feels very honoured to be part of a team that helps families navigate the end-of-life journey with empathy, understanding, and dignity. At home, Riley shares her life with two much-loved rescue cats and feels a deep connection to the human-animal bond that shapes every farewell.
