Welcome to Edinburgh’s new veterinary practice, owned and run by Karen Lantrip
Based in Corstorphine, West Edinburgh Vets is pleased to provide your pets with comprehensive, high quality veterinary care including advanced diagnostics and surgery, all under the same roof. With thoughtfully designed facilities including dedicated cat and dog waiting areas, consult rooms and in-patient wards, and extended 20 minute consultations as standard, we aim to ensure that every visit is as calm and stress-free as possible for both our clients and patients alike.
Our team of experienced professionals care for every animal as though they are their own, and with us you’ll see the same smiling faces each time you visit.
Please contact us for more information or to register. We hope to meet you and your pets soon!
Meet the team
Karen Lantrip BVM&S GPCert(SAS) MRCVS
Practice Owner
Opening West Edinburgh Vets is a life-long dream for me, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to welcome you! I was born and raised in sunny California, where I entered the veterinary world age 15. I started out cleaning kennels at my local clinic, before working my way up to Veterinary Nurse and then Practice Manager. Eleven years later I moved to bonny Scotland to pursue my veterinary science degree. After qualifying from the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, I moved back the US to complete an internship in small animal emergency medicine and surgery. I then worked in both first opinion and emergency and urgent care in Maryland, California, and Washington state for 5 years, before following my heart back to Edinburgh to settle with my family. I have a great interest in soft tissue surgery and am very proud to have recently been awarded a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice for Small Animal Surgery. I am also trained in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which is a service that I am thrilled to provide at West Edinburgh Vets. In my spare time I enjoy crafting with my 6-year-old daughter Ivy, listening to true crime pod casts, quilting, and hill walking. I have two dogs, Sid and Olive, and a very handsome cat named King Harold of Orange.
I am SO EXCITED to have my own family clinic like the one I grew up in – a clinic in which I can provide the compassionate and high-quality veterinary care that I expect for my own pets. I hope to meet you soon!
Olivia Halloran BSc(Hons) MSc BVM&S MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
I’m so excited to be working with Karen and the team at West Edinburgh Vets, and I can’t wait to start meeting local pets and their humans! I’ve been working as a vet in Edinburgh for the past few years, and gained my Veterinary Degree here at Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) University, but I actually grew up in Switzerland… Edinburgh has my heart now though (Corstorphine more specifically!)
Animals of all types, shapes and sizes have always been my passion, so prior to studying veterinary medicine I completed a Masters Degree in Zoology, and also spent time working at Dogs Trust in Glasgow, which I absolutely loved. Since qualifying I’ve completed an internship in exotic animal medicine and surgery, so I’m always excited when I see scaled or feathered visitors booked to see me! My passion for ensuring animal welfare of all species, and getting to know new people, means that I feel lucky to be doing what I’m doing every day.
In my free time you’ll find me hanging out with my own dog Roo, rock climbing with my partner Mischa, or doing arts and crafts. I’m looking forward to meeting you all soon!
Sophie Paxton BVMS MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
I graduated from Glasgow Vet School in 2019 and have since worked in both hospital and general practice settings. Along the way, I’ve developed a real interest in advanced imaging—especially CT—and I’ve definitely got a soft spot for cats!
I’m particularly passionate about caring for older patients and managing chronic pain, and I always do my best to keep my patients feeling as comfortable, happy, and well cared for as possible.
For me, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is getting to know clients and their pets over time—those relationships really are at the heart of what I do.
Outside of the clinic, you’ll usually find me out and about—whether that’s hiking, travelling, or just enjoying time with friends and family.
Leanda Hutchison
Consulting Nurse
I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse 25 years ago at Edinburgh’s Telford college, and I’m proud to have been training and supporting our nurses of the future as a Clinical Coach and assessor for more than 20 years.
With a passion for consulting, naturally I love meeting people and their pets, so you’ll find I’m always pleased to help with advice and guidance when it comes to keeping your pets’ happy and healthy. When I’m not in the consult room, you’ll find me in theatre, where I love supporting the vets when carrying out complex surgical procedures, having had extensive experience in the field of veterinary orthopaedics.
I live locally with my two beautiful kids, and our cats and gerbils, and when I’m not working I’m likely to be either playing or coaching Tenpin bowling!
Joanna Kelly
Veterinary Care Assistant
I’ve been working as a Veterinary Care Assistant for the past three years and have loved every minute of it. I absolutely adore animals and feel really lucky to spend my days helping care for them.
I also love meeting the owners…any excuse for a chat really! Getting to know both pets and their people is one of my favourite parts of the job.
When I’m not at work, I’m usually cuddling my rabbit, Peanut, spending time with family and friends, or enjoying a cosy night in with a cuppa!
Shirley Fraser
Practice Coordinator
I’d like to think that I’ve dedicated my life to animals and their care, both inside and outside of work! My career started in veterinary practice as soon as I left school, initially within nursing, and then moving into Practice Management some years later.
Outside of work I spend most of my time with my horses and dogs, so can generally be found in the middle of a field when not at the practice! I’m looking forward to meeting you and your pets, and welcoming to you our practice.
Angela Allwinkle
Client Care Team
I love working with animals and their humans, and am excited to to be part of such a caring and professional team. Some of you may remember me from my years working alongside Mr Brown at his practice in Corstorphine before he retired. Every day is different in veterinary practice and I find it so rewarding. I have 3 rescue cats at home – Rae, Dennis the Menace and Bertie. Rae is the only female, and is definitely the boss! They make me smile every day. Outside of work I love nature and the outdoors, and enjoy walking with my brother’s Labrador, Polly, as well as bird watching, painting and reading.
I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know you and your pets, and I hope to provide a warm and welcoming service in a relaxed atmosphere, where you can be assured of seeing the same friendly faces at each visit.
Rebecca Hastie
Client Care Team
Hi, I’m Rebecca and have worked in the veterinary industry for 8 years as a receptionist and I’ve loved every minute of it – I just love being there for all of our clients and their pets.
I have 2 dogs called Max and Fudge who are bonkers but I love them nonetheless! When I’m not at work you will find me enjoying time with my partner and 2 boys. I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!
Claire Smail
Client Care Team
Working with animals is my happy place, and after many years working in veterinary in Edinburgh, I am excited to join the team West Edinburgh vets.
I have 2 cats at home – Diego my big boy tabby who loves to eat everything in site! And my lovely rescue Savannah, who is my quiet gentle girl. My house is also home to a large tank of tropical fish.
Outside of work I love spending time with my family, catching up with friends for coffee, going for a swim or a walk, and trips to the cinema. I am looking forward to meeting you all and getting to know you and your pets!
Natalie McIntosh (RVN)
Insurance Claims Coordinator
Hi, I’m an RVN with over 25 years of experience, having qualified in 1998. I’ve worked in small animal hospitals, feline-only practices, referrals, and more recently as a district nurse, caring for pets at home. I’m especially passionate about senior pet care and making vet visits as stress-free as possible.
At West Edinburgh Vets, you’ll often find me at reception or in a nurse consult — always happy to help with advice and support. Being a Corstorphine local, it’s a joy to care for the pets in my own community. Outside of work, I love countryside walks, keeping active, and spending time with my rescue cat, Ziggy.
