ABOUT US
Our hospital started in August 1996 as a Veterinary Hospital catering for complicated medical cases, as well as a competent general small animal practice. We have expanded into a busy dermatology and pain management hospital, meeting the needs of many pets with skin problems and pets with pain. Dr Heidi Schroeder is a specialist small animal physician and has a keen interest in dermatology. Dr Martin Neitz is a highly experienced general practitioner with a special interest in pain management. He recently obtained his diploma in veterinary acupuncture from the Chi University in the USA.
OUR MEDICINE SPECIALIST TEAM
Our Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist Hospital consist of Dr Heidi Schroeder (Small Animal Specialist Physician), Dr Martin Neitz (Experienced generalist Veterinary Surgeon), Sr Lientjie Schmitz (Veterinary Nurse), Renee Fourie (Practice manager) and Elrina Roberts (Receptionist and general assistant). We work closely with other Veterinary specialists, such as Veterinary Specialists in Surgery, Ophthalmology and Diagnostic Imaging.
We see first time consultation cases, second opinion cases as well as referred cases. In the case of referred cases, we work closely with the referring Veterinarian and give feedback as soon as possible. Preferably and where possible, the referring Veterinarian continues the long-term management of the patient, and we work as a team to offer the best service to both the referring Veterinarian and the pet owner.
MEET THE TEAM
Small Animal Specialist Physician
Dr Heidi has many years of experience and has attended to many medical and skin cases over the years. She especially loves attending to any dog or cat with a skin problem. Dr Heidi has written many dermatological articles, has delivered many talks and webinars and most recently lectured dermatology to the 4th year veterinary students at Onderstepoort as a part time lecturer.
Veterinary Surgeon
Dr Martin qualified as a veterinary surgeon at the University of Pretoria in 1994. He worked in the U.K. for nearly 5 years, managing a small animal practice in Stockport, Manchester. After gaining valuable experience he returned to South Africa at the end of 1998 where he joined his sister Dr Heidi Schroeder as partner at Willow Park Small Animal Medicine Specialist Hospital. They have been partners for over 20 years now, complementing one another with their individual skills.
He is married to Minette Neitz and has two children and two Miniature Schnauzers. He enjoys spending time in the bush, doing cross fit, gardening and playing tennis.
Dr Martin is a qualified veterinary acupuncturist, having completed his certificate at the Chi Veterinary University, Florida, USA in 2025. Dry needling, aqua acupuncture and electro acupuncture are tools in his toolbox. Pain management and help in a variety of geriatric conditions are some goals in this alternative therapy.
Dr Neitz loves soft tissue surgery and cryotherapy but also enjoys routine and complicated medicine cases, having been exposed to an array of referred internal medicine cases.
Veterinary Nurse
Sr Lientjie Schmitz DVN qualified in 2005 from Onderstepoort and has been with Willow Park since 2007. She is passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care for every patient-whether it` is routine check-up or a complex medical case. Caring for animals is her passion and she enjoys assisting the vets with all the different interesting cases.
She loves helping both pets and their owners feel comfortable and confident during their visits. Sr Lientjie has two daughters, together with 2 cats and 4 dogs. Outside of work she loves spending time with her family and friends, spending time outdoors and faces challenges with enthusiasm.
Practice Manager
Renee is the Practice Manager at Willow Park as well as a Veterinary assistant. Renee was born into an animal caring family, and her love and care for animals has a history of being involved in training, handling and showing Pomeranians which later evolved into judging of All Breeds Dog Shows at International level.
She was also involved with Xantah Kennels and Cattery from its establishment and is the new owner since November 2024. She started working full-time at Willow Park in 2004.
Veterinary Assistant
Elrina is the veterinary assistant here at Willow Park. She has always had a deep love and compassion for animals and working in this field gives her the chance to support both pets and their owners daily. Her aim is to make a difference every day.
In her roll, she assists the vets, nurse and practice manager with patient care, helps keep the clinic running smoothly and does her best to make sure every animal feels safe and cared for. Whether it’s comforting a nervous pet or helping during procedures. Elrina has two grown children and lives with her two rescued animals, a cat and a dog. Outside of work Elrina enjoys outdoor exercising, gardening and spending time with her rescues and friends.