South East Vet Referrals
Our Team
Dr Rodolfo Cappello
– Specialist in Neurology
– RCVS and EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
– DVM PhD DipECVN MRCVS
– Degree in Veterinary Medicine, The University of Milan
– Doctor of Philosophy, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London
Our neurology service is led by Dr Rodolfo Cappello, who has dedicated his career to advancing the field of veterinary neurology, developing advanced techniques in imaging, surgery and treatments while working and studying around the world.
His experience includes a degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Milan, a professional doctorate from The Royal Veterinary College where he also spent time as a lecturer in neurology, the veterinary diploma in neurology as well as becoming a certified European specialist, and lead roles in veterinary hospitals including at the Royal Veterinary College, where he established a renowned neurology service, and the City University of Hong Kong.
Upon joining the SEVR team, Dr Cappello said: ” I am excited to bring my extensive knowledge and skills to South East Veterinary Referrals.
“My commitment to honesty and integrity has been the cornerstone of my practice and my goal is to offer fair-priced services that pet owners can trust.”
Katie Tanner
Referrals Nurse and Administrator
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Katie Tanner brings over 12 years of experience in veterinary nursing to South East Veterinary Referrals. She began her career in a primary care practice in Surrey, where she developed a strong foundation in veterinary care. A year after qualifying, Katie took a significant step in her career, spending six years at a large orthopaedic and neurology hospital. During this time, she gained extensive knowledge and discovered a particular passion for anaesthesia and neurology nursing.
Katie is dedicated to every aspect of her role, especially the opportunity to meet and care for the many patients that come through the doors. Her compassion and expertise make her an integral part of the team, ensuring pets receive the highest standard of care.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her two dogs, a lively Chihuahua and a playful Cockapoo, who always keep her on her toes.
Dr Francesca Taylor
Referrals Director
BVetMed MRCVS ILM Diploma in Leadership and Management
Fran is a veterinary surgeon with over 20 years of experience working in first opinion and referral clinics for both small and equine patients. Over the last ten years her focus has switched to management, completing a Leadership and Management Diploma in 2020 whilst Clinical Director of a large Equine Referral Hospital. Fran started at Pennard Vets in Tonbridge in the Spring of 2023, initially as a clinician and soon moved into a Project and Business Development role at the new hospital in Sevenoaks.
Following this move, Fran looked into the availability of independent referral services in the south east and the idea of South East Vet Referrals was formed. Fran says “this referral service has been established to increase independent referral options to benefit the specialist clinicians wanting clinical freedom, the referring vets wanting local accessible services and owners needing fairly priced, available expertise.” Fran is passionate about making the referral process as smooth as possible for everyone involved, and providing the best possible outcome for pets whilst keeping owners fully informed.