Meet Our Team

Respect for our patients and their families is fundamental to everything we do. We adore the art and science of veterinary medicine, and our entire team is Fear-Free certified. Get to know us below, or drop in and say hi!

Taylor Smith with her dog

Dr. Ella Merema, Veterinarian

Ella is the owner of Pack & Clowder Vets and a Fremantle local. She attended Coogee Primary back when it was a single classroom! She loves the kind and vibrant Freo community, the dog beach and the sunshine. She is raising two wild South Freo kids and a greyhound-cross called Rabbit.

Ella graduated from Murdoch University in 2005 and has since worked in Australia, the UK and the USA. She loves family practice, but has also worked in charity hospitals, is a published researcher, has managed emergency clinics and taught surgery and communication at the University of Illinois Vet School.

Ella is the recipient of Dr Gordon and Mrs Helen Kruger Teaching Excellence Award; the Dr Beryl D. and Renee Mell Faculty Award for the faculty member who best demonstrates compassion in dealing with small animal companions & their owners; the Dr and Mrs Lloyd Helper Veterinary Faculty Collegiality Award; the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teaching Award; and is featured on the List of Teachers Ranked as Outstanding by Their Students for the University of Illinois.

Ella is a certified Fear-Free vet. Her passion is providing low-stress, down-to-earth health care to our beautiful pet community. She adores building close, lifelong relationships with both her patients and the humans who love them.

Taylor Vagg- Veterinary Practice Manager

Taylor Jones, Practice Manager & Registered Veterinary Nurse

Taylor is a passionate and dedicated mum who wears many hats with equal enthusiasm. She is a seasoned veterinary nurse, a committed netball player and the heart of a young family.

Taylor has been a core member of the Perth veterinary community for over a decade. She brings a wealth of technical knowledge and incredible energy to our team. As our beloved practice manager, she’s our cheerleader and the captain of our ship. As a Fear-Free accredited nurse, she approaches every patient with kindness and holds an unwavering commitment to a low-stress experience.

At home, Taylor is surrounded by the love of her husband, along with her kiddos and their furry companions, Pia and Ashy. She cherishes her role as a mum and together they create a home filled with laughter, love and plenty of four-legged antics. When she’s not busy at the clinic, Taylor trades her scrubs for sports gear, hitting the netball court with her usual dedication.

Tay can’t help but help. She is ultra-organised and boundlessly optimistic. She keeps us motivated even on the hard days. Her love of her job shines through in every interaction.

Donna MacDonald- Certified Veterinary Nurse

Donna MacDonald, Certified Veterinary Nurse

Donna hails from the picturesque Isle of Lewis in Scotland. She has over 20 years of experience as a certified veterinary nurse in both general and referral practice. Donna has a wealth of knowledge that led us to specifically recruit her from Scotland to join Pack & Clowder.

Donna is a highly experienced anaesthetic nurse, having performed this role at a referral level, so your loved ones are in safe hands. She has also worked in the ER and ICU department for the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital. As a Fear-Free accredited nurse, she is passionate about creating a low-stress experience for patients. Donna misses her very handsome 17-year-old cat Rupert, who is at home with her parents, so you will often find her stealing hugs from the animals under our care.

Outside of work, Donna loves fitness, particularly weight training. She is also an avid sports fan — be sure to ask her about the latest with the Glasgow Rangers!