Animal allies with Larkmead vet Ellen 

Round & About

We chat to Larkmead’s senior veterinary surgeon Ellen Similon about life & loves 

For many of us, our pets are part of the family. At Larkmead Vets, that understanding runs deep – and few embody it more than Senior Veterinary Surgeon Ellen Similon. Based locally, Ellen has been part of the local community for nearly a decade, offering her expertise and compassion to animals and their owners alike. 

“I was born and raised in Belgium,” Ellen explains. “I moved to the UK in 2002 straight after completing my veterinary degree at the University of Ghent.” Since then, she has built an impressive career, completing a post-graduate certificate in feline medicine and surgery – something her own two cats, Twist (8) and Nancy (1), undoubtedly benefit from. 

Ellen lives in Drayton and says the Oxfordshire countryside has quickly become home. “I’ve been in the Abingdon area for about eight years, and I love being able to explore the Ridgeway – the Segsbury Fort area is a particular favourite.” She also enjoys walks that end with a stop at the Plum Pudding in Milton, one of her favourite pubs, alongside The Greyhound in Letcombe Regis and Abingdon’s Loose Cannon Brewery. 

Like many of us, Ellen is a keen supporter of local businesses. “I have my hair done at Philip Day in Wantage, always stop for a browse in the Wantage Book Shop, and never say no to a coffee at Marmalades,” she says. This appreciation for community spirit carries over into her work at Larkmead, where the team are gearing up for something big. 

“The new Larkmead practice in Wantage has been so long in the planning,” Ellen tells us. “Now we just want to get started in supporting local pet owners.” Located in Hans Avenue, the state-of-the-art, purpose-built site will deliver the independent veterinary care that Larkmead has built its reputation on. Behind the Wantage branch stands the strength of the wider Larkmead team, who offer expertise in areas ranging from oncology and ophthalmology to general and orthopaedic surgery.  

The practice is also proud to provide its own 24-hour out of hours emergency service from Didcot, ensuring pets receive consistent, high-quality care whenever they need it. 

Ellen’s passion for pets is matched only by her care for people. “If I could make one wish for the world,” she reflects, “it would be more tolerance, curiosity, and respect for people who have different views and ideology.” 

For now, she is looking forward to a busy year – welcoming new clients to the Wantage practice, taking part in Wantage’s Dickensian Evening, and enjoying the best of Oxfordshire life. “What I love most about where I live is the countryside walks waiting to be discovered.”