MEET OUR TEAM
We think it’s important for pet owners to know a little bit about the people
caring for their pets.
Here you can learn about our vets, nurses and support staff, including some of their professional and personal interests.
We value a culture of team-work at Avenue Vet Centre, something which shines through in the positivity, motivation and commitment of our team.
Veterinary Surgeons
Mark Picton
BVSc MRCVS
Director & Veterinary Surgeon
Mark C Picton
I qualified from Bristol in 1994 and joined the practice in January 1995, and thoroughly enjoyed what mixed practice offered, encompassing all creatures great and small, and have treated some unusual creatures ranging from a leopard gecko to a reindeer.
I joined the partnership in 2000, and have been the sole director since 2013. My current menagerie includes a labrador, Islay, who makes up with enthusiasm what she lacks in training, and 3 cats Kitty, Tank and Luna. I believe it is important to think as a pet owner, and to try to provide a practice where we do the right thing at the right time. I enjoy spending time with my family and keeping fit.
Jenny Rawling
BVM&S MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Jenny Rawling
I have been working at AVC since 2005, after moving to Bristol from the North of England. I have a GP medicine certificate and an interest in epilepsy and in pain management including acupuncture. Outside work I am a founder trustee of an epilepsy charity and my three children and dog keep me busy.
Heidi Richards
BVSc MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Heidi Richards
Heidi graduated from the University of Bristol in 1992. Before joining us, she worked as Head Vet at Bath Cats & Dogs Home and was proudly part of the charity for 12 years. Her work in the charity sector has given Heidi lots of experience working with anxious and fearful animals and she is a big advocate for the gentle handling of pets.
Heidi is an ‘all-rounder’ and enjoys all aspects of first opinion practice – although she does have a keen interest in medicine. Heidi is passionate about pain management, and focuses on ensuring pets are comfortable and pain-free – especially as they age!
Outside of work, Heidi is a keen competitive rower.
Veterinary Nurses
Jade Fincher
SVN
Student Veterinary Nurse
Jade Fincher
I joined the AVC team as a receptionist in 2019, before moving into the clinical team in 2022 to begin my VN training. I’m due to qualify as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in Spring 2025. Before moving into the veterinary world, I worked in a range of business and marketing roles.
I have a strong interest in anaesthesia and analgesia, and enjoy keeping up to date with the latest research & evidence to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of care.
I’m a cat lover through and through – I’m incredibly passionate about feline behaviour and low-stress handling, and I’m currently leading the practice’s application for ISFM Cat Friendly Clinic status.
Outside of work, I’m an avid baker, and enjoy exploring new places. I’m usually kept busy by my very spoilt (and overweight) cat, Max
Jayden Boulton
VCA
Veterinary Care Assistant
Jayden Boulton
I joined the Avenue team in October 2021. As a Veterinary Care Assistant, I am constantly on the go – ensuring everything behind the scenes is running smoothly. I love the variety of my role and particularly enjoy spending quality time with our lovely patients.
At home – I have a Guinea Pig called Wilbur, and a Brazilian Black Tarantula named Nimbus.
