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Royal Canin's ANZ Veterinarians and Vet Nurses

Royal Canin is proud of our focus on science-backed nutrition. Our nutritional content gets reviewed and verified by qualified veterinarians and nurses. Below we celebrate some of our local veterinary content contributors.

Dr Annabel Robertson

Health & Scientific Services Veterinarian Manager

Dr. Annabel Robertson is the Health and Scientific Affairs Manager for Royal Canin in Australia and New Zealand. Leveraging over a decade of expertise in science-based nutrition, she leads her team in scientific communication, professional education, and industry advocacy. A veterinarian with postgraduate qualifications in Small Animal Medicine (MANZCVSc) and an MBA, Dr. Robertson is a dedicated advocate for evidence-based principles to advance both pet health and the veterinary profession.Dr.AnnabelRobertson is the Health and Scientific Affairs Manager for Royal Canin in Australia and New Zealand. Leveraging over a decade of expertise in science-based nutrition, she leads her team in scientific communication, professional education, and industry advocacy. A veterinarian with postgraduate qualifications in Small Animal Medicine (MANZCVSc) and an MBA, Dr. Robertson is a dedicated advocate for evidence-based principles to advance both pet health and the veterinary profession.

Dr Justine Schellekens

Health & Scientific Services Veterinarian

As a Scientific Services Veterinarian at Royal Canin, Justine is dedicated to enriching the lives of pets, and strengthening the human-animal bond. Justine has over 17 years' experience in veterinary medicine, with her focus on delivering top-tier scientific support and education to veterinarians, breeders, and pet owners.

Jessica Joosse

Health & Scientific Affairs Nurse Specialist

Jessica leads the development of Royal Canin's veterinary nurse and vet nurse student educational strategy, creating engaging nutrition training programs. Her focus includes driving external engagement and championing veterinary nurses through dedicated outreach, advocacy, and educational initiatives. Jessica leads the development of Royal Canin's veterinary nurse and vet nurse student educational strategy, creating engaging nutrition training programs. Her focus includes driving external engagement and championing veterinary nurses through dedicated outreach, advocacy, and educational initiatives. 

Dr Katelyn O'Connor

Health & Scientific Affairs Veterinarian

Dr Katelyn O'Connor BSc(VB) DVM is our Health and Scientific Affairs Veterinarian for WA/SA. For the past 6 years, she has worked in the pet and veterinary clinical nutrition field, following her experience in busy small animal practices caring for a wide range of dogs, cats, exotic pets and wildlife. She is passionate about collaborating with veterinary teams to optimise evidence-based nutrition protocols for pets.

Sophie Fuchsen

Scientific Communications Associate

Sophie Fuchsen, MAgrSc, graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2016 with a Master of Agricultural Sciences. She spent 8.5 years at Hill’s, gaining broad experience across field roles, key account management, and brand marketing. Passionate about animal health and communication, Sophie brings both scientific insight and real‑world industry expertise to her work. Outside of work, she’s a devoted pet parent to 5yo Ripley, a Basset Fauve de Bretagne, and 9yo cat, Pirate Anne.

 

Dr Leoti Morkel

Health & Scientific Affairs Veterinarian

Dr. Leoti Morkel is a veterinarian with more than 25 years of experience and a Master’s in Veterinary Medicine — but what really motivates her is improving animal health through better nutrition, meaningful research, and education. After running her own practice in South Africa for 17 years, she packed up in 2017 and traded the savannah for the stunning landscapes of New Zealand.

Outside of work, she's been happily married for 31 years, is a proud mum to two wonderful young adults, and devoted servant to a 13-year-old Yorkshire terrier with an attitude far bigger than his size.

She is thrilled to be part of the Royal Canin team and love contributing to work that helps pets live healthier, happier lives.