ABOUT US
Meet the fine folks behind
Kings Road Veterinary Surgery
Discover why we’re the go-to veterinary practice in Townsville

For the love of animals
Founder Dr Chris Pretorius created Kings Road Veterinary Surgery in 2016 to deliver the very best care to pets in the Townsville region and beyond. We have a strong focus on preventive medicine so that our pet patients can live long, healthy lives. However, should your pet become unwell or injured, we have state-of-the-art facilities to diagnose and treat them in-house so they can get back to their happy, healthy selves as quickly as possible.
From routine checkups and vaccinations to complex surgeries, or in times of emergencies or critically ill pets, we are here to help. Our friendly vets, nurses and support team are dedicated to bettering the lives of animals and the humans that love them.
OUR TEAM
Meet your expert team

Dr Chris Pretorius
Dr. Chris previously owned and operated 2 clinics in South Africa, where he treated all creatures great and small. In 2005, Chris and his family made the move to Australia, where they first lived and worked in Ballarat. In 2006, they made the move to beautiful sunny Townsville. Chris worked and co-owned a clinic for 9 years, before he decided in 2016 to open his very own clinic, Kings Road Vet Surgery.
Chris has an interest in all procedures but has a real passion for all orthopaedic surgeries, especially cruciate and hip surgeries. Chris is very proud of Kings Road Vet Surgery and the care and dedication his team put in for the animals within Townsville and surrounding areas.
Chris is a very down-to-earth, practical vet who truly cares about his patients and their families. Chris has 1 dog; Bobby the Pomeranian, and 2 horses; Power and Milo. When Chris isn’t at work, he is usually spending his free time riding his horses or camping with his family.

Dr Elanie Nel
Dr. Elanie graduated as a veterinarian in South Africa in 2020 from the University of Pretoria. After working in South Africa for two years, Elanie and her husband immigrated to Australia in 2023, where she joined Kings Road Veterinary Surgery.
Elanie is passionate about both medicine and surgery, with a particular interest in surgery as she looks to grow her skills in that area. Elanie thinks the best part of the job is seeing tough cases make a full recovery and go home to their families.
When she’s not in the clinic, you’ll often find Elanie outdoors—fishing, snorkelling, diving, or camping.

Dr Melina Ryan
After going back to university as a mature-age student, Dr. Melina graduated from JCU in 2022. She enjoys all aspects of Veterinary Science but has a soft spot for feline medicine. Outside of work, Melina enjoys spending time with her 3 children & 2 cats, as well as live music, dancing and walks down the river or Strand.

Chantelle
PRACTICE MANAGER

Maria
Head Nurse

Kerrie
VETERINARY NURSE

Loren
VETERINARY NURSE

Tam
VETERINARY NURSE

Jenna
VETERINARY NURSE

Candice
VETERINARY NURSE

Paige
Junior Nurse

Chey
Trainee Nurse

Jessy
Kennel Hand
