Jessica Joubert

Jessica qualified from Equine-Librium College in 2022 & joined APR in 2023. She treats dogs, cats & horses. Before becoming a fully qualified therapist, she did some volunteer work at a wildlife rehabilitation centre where she worked with several exotic species including rhino, various buck, buffalo & primates. She is particularly interested in patients with eurological conditions & she also loves working with post-op pets in the initial stages of their recovery. She enjoys working with all animals but is definitely drawn to the dogs & is absolutely besotted with Belgian Malinios, their behaviour, confirmation & the wonderful working dogs that they are.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to work with animals and in nature. My dad is a conservationist and has many years of experience working in SAN Parks.

We had the opportunity to move to one of the national parks in the Northern Cape when he became the park manager, a time of my life which I will never forget. As I look back on the ten years we lived there, I am reminded of how blessed I am to have experienced nature and animals in a way that few people have. The incredible encounters I had witnessed with some of our country’s most magnificent animals are memories I will cherish forever. This also created the opportunity for me to work up close and personal in the field with conservation teams on darting and tagging expeditions, as well as shadowing wildlife veterinarians, and volunteering at a wildlife rehab center in the Northern Cape, which rescued and rehabilitated many animals, including rhino calves, baboons, buffalo, lions, and a variety of antelope.

When it became time to decide what I wanted to study, I had peace in knowing that Veterinary Physiotherapy was what I wanted to pursue. I had the incredible opportunity to study a 4 Year BSc degree in Veterinary physiotherapy in Plettenberg Bay. Never once do I doubt whether this is what I want to do with my life, because my passion for animals and their rehabilitation gives me so much happiness and fulfillment. I enjoy a challenge and love how each animal is its own mystery to be solved, and how none are identical.

There are so many reasons why I love what I do. The fact that I get to work with animals every day is a prayer answered and a dream come true. To have the opportunity to apply what I’ve been taught and to see the difference it makes in the lives of my patients, as well as their owners, is so rewarding. I learn something new each day, and I’m constantly challenged to approach every case from a new perspective and to be creative and adaptable. It is a blessing to be a blessing to these precious animals we’ve been given to look after.

Animals have always been a part of my life as I was growing up. It’s difficult to find the right words to describe what animals mean to me. The joy that they bring can’t be compared to anything else. I love how animals don’t judge us, and are able to accept and love us for who we are, no matter what we’ve done. Their loyalty knows no boundaries, and they always seem to be able to shed some light onto the dark days. They truly are the greatest companions anyone could ever ask for.

I will never take what I do for granted and am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such an incredible team, all dedicated to making a difference in the lives of animals.