About Us

So who are we?

At Kowie Vet, we are a passionate team of veterinary professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of your animals. Building on a foundation of experience since 2009, our skilled veterinarians and caring staff offer expert medical services with genuine compassion, fostering the vital human-animal bond within the Port Alfred community and beyond.

Our History

Kowie Veterinary Clinic was founded by Dr LeRey Fourie in 2009 when she took over a one-man Small Animal practice in Park Road, Port Alfred.

Her husband Gunther Kandolf constructed the Clinic building in Atherstone Road, and the practice moved to the new premises in 2011.

Over the years Kowie Vet Clinic grew into a multi-Vet practice, with Dr Helena Brink and Dr Jolindè Krüger becoming partners. The clinic expanded from a small animal clinic to a successful mixed practice dealing with a wide variety of animals. We are a dedicated team of veterinary professionals committed to animal health, the human-animal bond and quality of life. Our mission is to provide high quality ethical care to both our clients and patients.

Dr LeRey retired in 2021, leaving the practice in the capable hands of the Vets and their wonderful support staff to continue and expand their service of excellence to the public of Port Alfred and surrounding areas.

Meet Our Team

Our Mascots

Harry

I’m Harry. I don’t mind you stroking me but I kinda like doing my own thing!

Miss Molly

I know I’m beautiful, but be carfull if you play with me, I may just scratch you!

Veterinarians

Dr. Helena Brink

Veterinary Surgeon

Dr Helena grew up on a farm in the Karoo. It was here where the passion and love for animals and nature were born. She qualified from Onderstepoort in 2007 and spend 2 years at Valley Farm Animal hospital in Pretoria. She moved to Port Alfred with her husband in 2009 where she joined Kowie Veterinary clinic. Helena loves companion animal medicine and surgery. Treating, healing and handling animals with compassion, integrity and respect is what makes this more than just a job. Not only does she have a love for veterinary science, but also for her family, cats, dogs, vegetable garden and the beach.

Dr. Jolindè Krüger

Veterinary Surgeon

Dr Jolindè Krüger graduated from Onderstepoort in 2014. She started her career as a small animal veterinarian in Middelburg, MP where she gained invaluable experience, but decided to move back to the Eastern Cape in 2018. She has a keen interest in small animal soft tissue surgery and loves a new challenge in theatre. Making a difference in people’s and animal lives is very important to this dynamic and enthusiastic vet. In her off time, she loves traveling and seeing the world.

Dr. Marelize Clasen

Veterinary Surgeon

Growing up, spending holidays on a farm or in the Kruger National Park, I always knew I wanted to work with animals. That was always the dream, and in 2021 that dream became a reality when I became a qualified Veterinarian. I joined the Kowie Vet team in 2023.

I enjoy spending time outdoors or being cosy inside with a good book. Spending time with my husband and my 2 Jack Russells’ is how I recharge after a long day.

Dr. Leon de Bruyn

Veterinary Surgeon

Dr Leon de Bruyn qualified with a BVSc from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Onderstepoort in 1995. Leon has love and compassion for the animals and people of our Lord`s Creation. He has enjoyed the diversity of mixed animal practice in Port Alfred for almost thirty years. Leon appreciates the challenge of companion animal diagnostics and medicine as well as the emotional relationship with the pets and owners. He has a passion for nature so also enjoys getting onto the farms to attend to horses, production animals and wildlife.

In his spare time he enjoys cycling and walking in the Dune Forest and on the beach with his beloved dogs.

Leon has recently also been called to Christian Ministry where he encourages and prays for bereaved clients and other people who require healing, restoration and a special touch from our Lord. Leon evangelizes in the Ndlambe area and beyond and is actively involved in the local Christian Men`s Association and the Mighty Men Movement in the Eastern Cape and Border Areas.

Leon serves on provincial and national veterinary leadership to guide the profession in assisting Animal Health and One Health in our country.

Practice Manager and Nurse

Mr. Gerhard Brink

Practice Manager

Gerhard grew up in Gauteng. After school he joined the Airforce, where he qualified as an Aircraft maintenance engineer. Enjoyed working in aviation for 25 years. In 2007 got married to his beautiful wife Helena and in 2009 he made the decision to move to Port Alfred with his wife to appreciate and enjoy a more balanced lifestyle. In 2021 he joined the Kowie vet team as Practice manager.
Outside of the Kowie vet he enjoys time with his family, loves the sea, nature, and fishing.

Sr. Elsa Barnard

Veterinary nurse

Meet Sr Elsa, our dedicated veterinary nurse who qualified from Onderstepoort in 2015. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of clinics, gaining valuable skills and insights that have shaped her professional journey. In 2022, Sr Elsa joined the team at Kowie vet Clinic, where she has found her home among a passionate group of professionals committed to delivering the highest standard of care. She is deeply passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient and takes great pride in supporting both animals and their owners throughout every stage of treatment. Outside of the clinic, Sr Elsa enjoys beach walks with her husband and their beloved doggos, exploring the outdoors, and embracing new adventures whenever she can.

Reception Staff

Sue Horn

Receptionist

I have worked at the Kowie Vet for 17 years, started with Dr Dries Meyer in Park road, who then sold it to Dr Lerey Fourie and Dr Helena Brink joined her, from there it grew in leaps and bounds. I love working at the veterinary clinic, each day is different and you are continuously meeting new people and animals. The team that we have are dedicated, hard workers and it’s a fantastic atmosphere to work in. In my personal capacity I horse ride, take self defense classes, enjoy hiking and am game to try anything new. If you don’t try you will never know.

Charmaine Everton

Receptionist

Hi. My name is Charmaine. I am part of the Kowie Vet reception team. I have been with Kowie Vet for three years. My 32 years of working has been in the supermarket set up and later moved to agriculture. Most of my years spent in Stutterheim. Wonderful years spent with different people some becoming best of friends. Through the years life taught us respect, humility, appreciation and endurance. And now many years later at Kowie Vet it is not people but little animal souls that teaches and touch one in a complete different way. The amazing love, loyalty, happiness and that little tail wag that they give unconditionally. Humans can truly learn from them, a life lesson worth millions. And then at the end of the day, in the silence of the evening one realize that it all comes through grace and mercy, all big and small created by the hand of God.

Chantel Nel

Receptionist

My name is Chantel and I’m a cofeeholic.What is life without a bit of laughter 😀?! I try and bring a smile to work everyday…after all you never know who might need it. I’ve been in customer service all my life,so I strive to give the best service to each client and solve problems to the best of my ability.I am always willing to help wherever I am needed. I’ve been in the Vet industry since 2014 and enjoy it immensely. I’ve not only made human friends but I get to make furry friends too who leaves deep footprints in my heart. When I am not at work I enjoy music, nature walks, being creative, restoring old things and spending time with my animals,Shrek and Abby. I love being a mother to my teenage son Damian, who makes me so proud!

Jackie Lisher

Receptionist

Hi, my name is Jackie,

I am part of the Kowie vet reception team. I have worked here for the past 7 years and I am very passionate about animals, sometimes too much so, hence my vast variety of pets at home, all rescues!