My name is Leonique van Toorn, better known as Leo. From a young age, I knew what I wanted to do: working with and helping animals. I graduated from the veterinary university in Utrecht in the Netherlands in 1997. Since then I have worked mostly in mixed rural practices in several countries (Isle of Man, Ireland, the Netherlands and England) which I loved. I took a break from vetting to have my 2 kids, who were born in France, where we lived for several years.  Since moving to Devon, alongside my locum work, I've joined the team of Streetvet volunteers in Plymouth. A wonderful charity helping people experiencing homelessness with their pets. 

I always had an interest in alternative medicine growing up with a dad who was a very progressive physiotherapist at the time using acupuncture, laser, magnetic therapies, ultrasound etc in his practice (complementary to conventional physiotherapy treatments) and seen the successes he had with it. 

From personal and professional experience I know how difficult it is to say goodbye to your beloved pet. All the pictures on this website are from my own animals, some of whom are no longer with us.

Koko, the border collie, came from a neighbouring farm on the Isle of Man 11 years ago and is now going with me when I visit a friend in a local care home where she is adored by many. She also likes rounding up sheep on our smallholding ( and in fact everything else that moves!). The 2 ginger kittens, on the homepage, I rescued while working on the Isle of Man. When found, one of them had a paralysed leg (later amputated) and the other one a hole in his lip so they are officially known as Foot and Mouth! 

The 2 ponies, Freddy and Linda, travelled with me to the various countries I lived, for more than 20 years. I decided to put them to sleep together as they were both struggling with their health and they were so bonded for so long. A very tough decision but one I feel at peace with. 

Knowing someone can help you make the decision and talk you through the whole process in peace at home, can be of great comfort. You don't have to make the decision straight away. I can come to your home to meet you and your pet, do a quality of life assessment and go from there.

• Member of Royal College of Veterinary surgeons (RCVS).
• Member of Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (ABVA).
• Practice RCVS registered.

• Practice compliant with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013. (Inspection carried out on 21/05/2026).

• fully insured.