About Us
The first TRUST-BASED veterinary clinic in the Lowveld.
We are a small personalized day clinic. Focusing on a TRUST-BASED (fear free) approach to make visits a more pleasant experience for both the pet and owner.
Our Story
The whole idea of owning a fear free focused clinic started in March 2018 when Dr Erika attended a surgery congress. At the end of the congress the surgeon mentioned the Fear-Free concept and this really resonated with her. At the time she was busy taking over ownership of a big busy practice in Pretoria, where she had worked at five years prior. However, that is when her dream and plans to open up a small, personalized clinic focusing on low stress pet care and owner empowerment, started. She loves educating clients to enable and empower them to be even better pet owners. After moving to the Lowveld in January 2024, Dr Erika met Dr Molly, who has been working at a small animal hospital in the area for six years already. She shares the same passion and love for the profession, with a special interest in preventative care. She had the dream of owning her own clinic "some day", focussed on primary and preventative health. She always fantasized about calling her practice Prime Pet, but it was not until Dr Erika appeared on the scene, that this fantasy suddenly became a possibility. Therefor, they decided to start their certified TRUST-BASED day clinic journey together in April 2025.
"We are very excited about the future of the practice and the alternative approach in pet care that we are offering. The aim is not only to keep each pet in the "Prime" of their lives, for longer. We also hope to really make a difference and rewrite each pet's vet-visit-story into a happy, calm and pleasant one."
Meet The Team
Dr Molly Lubbinge
Veterinarian (BVSc)
"Hi, my name is Molly. I am a smalltown girl from Vrede in the the Free State, who had the big dream of becoming a veterinarian since I was four. There are barely any childhood photos of me where I am not clutching a kitten under my arm or dangling from the lead rope of a show bull. Growing up on a farm definitely grew my passion for animals even more, but it was only in the fifth year of my veterinary studies at Onderstepoort, that I discovered my love for small animal medicine. My husband and I moved to Nelspruit end of 2018 to complete my community service year in 2019. The Lowveld’s warmth and beauty quickly captured our hearts.
"I am a mother of two beautiful girls and love spending time with my family, especially in nature. I enjoy photography, birding and board games. I also got entangled in the strange hobby of ice cream making!
"I am a firm believer in quality of life, and strive to spend my time living as if it is already my second chance."
Dr Erika Pienaar
Veterinarian (BSc, BVSc)
"Hi, I am Erika. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a vet. And I am very fortunate to still be able to do what I love most, every day.
I grew up in Oudtshoorn and raised every baby animal in need, in my bedroom. Including an ostrich with a broken leg, who in the end lived for 12 happy years. I have been in private practice, focusing on small animals since 2013. I have a passion for surgery and really enjoy medical work-ups. Although through the years my biggest joy became having good client relationships, empowering owners with knowledge and focusing on preventative health care, with a FearFree approach. This allows me to improve a lot of pets' quality of life. I relocated to the lowveld in 2024, when we traded the city lights of Pretoria for a quieter farm life. I have three children, who keeps me occupied when I am not at work. I love the outdoors. I also enjoy baking and have attended a couple of baking classes in my free time."
Amanda Kinghorn
Receptionist
I grew up in Johannesburg and as far back as I can remember our family was always surrounded by animals, we fostered many dogs for the "Guide Dog Association" and I truly believe a happy family consists of four legged furballs too!
After graduating from Wits Hotel School, my love for animals led me to the Veterinary Industry, where in between raising two beautiful daughters, I have worked in various practices since 1993.
My love for the outdoors, bush, birding and for a more sedentary lifestyle has brought me to Nelspruit and after living in four different cities, in four different provinces, I can certainly say that the folks here have been very warm and welcoming.
Something that nobody knows about me is that I am passionate about swimming. I try to swim everyday. I am a retired Fina/World Aquatics judge on pool-deck which allowed me to travel to Japan, China and Hungary and locally to Malawi, Namibia and Lesotho.
I am looking forward to sharing fear free pet memories, the adventures and the journeys with all the pet parents who come through the practice doors.
Nessen Tine
Kennel Assistant
"Hello! My name is Nessen, and I’m the kennel man at Prime Pet Veterinary Day Clinic . I was born in Mozambique, and when I was still young my family moved to South Africa. My passion and love for animals truly come from my parents. We lived on land with dogs, goats, and cattle — animals I helped care for, play with, and learn to respect. Growing up surrounded by them really strengthened that bond and shaped who I am today.
"I first started working as a gardener, and that’s where God blessed me with an opportunity: the lady I worked for offered me a chance to work with animals. That opened the door to the experience that brought me to where I am now — working alongside vets, caring for animals every day, and even giving my own two dogs a better life with the knowledge and support I’ve gained from my colleagues. I have been a veterinary kennel assistant for 10 years now.
"Nature is my heart, and that’s why I choose this work. I’ve had many wonderful experiences that guided me to this point, and I’m grateful to keep learning. With God’s blessing, I hope to continue growing in my understanding of animals — their joy, their pain, and how to read them better so I can handle and care for them in the best possible way."