![](https://portlandvets.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30-Valerie-Pollard.png)
Valerie Steel
Dip.AVN (surg) RVN
Valerie is a dairy farmer’s daughter who has always had a passion for animals and their welfare. She qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 1995 completing the surgical diploma in 2003 whilst Head Nurse in a referral practice. She joined the Portland Vets team in October 2006 as a part time receptionist after having her first child, but given her qualifications and experience we soon convinced her to come back to nursing. In 2015 with her youngest son starting school, Portland Vets had another role for her – utilising her excellent skills and high standards, she was offered the unenviable job of Practice Manager.
Valerie lives in East Grinstead with her husband Grant and her two gorgeous boys, Stanley, and Arthur, and a rather lovely large tabby cat called Mr Finch. Arthur has to have a special mention, as he was the first baby boy born after 12 girls from staff over the years at Portland Vets. Valerie is always up for a challenge, having completed 10k runs and shaved her head all in the name of charity!