about us

Specialist Dermatology Care for Pets Across New Zealand

At the Referral Animal Skin Hospital (RASH), we’re dedicated to providing advanced dermatological care for pets, ensuring they receive expert treatment for all types of skin and ear diseases. Our team combines extensive experience, cutting-edge technology, and a compassionate approach to help pets live happier, healthier lives.

Find Care for Your Pet

Meet the Team

Dr. Helen Orbell

Board Certified Veterinary Dermatologist
Dr. Orbell brings unmatched expertise to RASH, being one of only three board-certified veterinary dermatologists in New Zealand. With a wealth of experience and a passion for improving pets’ lives, Helen leads the team with dedication and compassion.
Kirsty Colley

Allergen & Clinic Administrator
Originally from Scotland, Kirsty is a UK-qualified veterinary nurse with over 20 years of experience across small animal, mixed, and specialty clinics in Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand. Based in Auckland, Kirsty focuses on allergen importation and immunotherapy formulation, supporting the team remotely with her extensive knowledge and administrative expertise. At home, she’s the proud owner of a 7-year-old ginger cat named Haggis.
Danielle McCabe

Head Veterinary Nurse
Danielle’s passion for dermatology began while working alongside Dr. Orbell at Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Since 2016, she has exclusively worked in referral dermatology, developing a special interest in food allergies and complex immune-mediated diseases. At home, Danielle cares for Kip, her allergic Huntaway from Retired Working Dogs, who inspires her daily.
Dannielle Laws

Veterinary Nurse
Dannielle discovered her love for referral medicine while working at Massey Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Since joining RASH, she has specialised in managing ear infections and helping pets with "ear phobia" regain comfort and confidence. At home, she cares for two cats, Mayo and Simon, who both have skin diseases.

FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

About Dr. Helen Orbell

Dr Helen Orbell is the founder and director of the Referral Animal Skin Hospital. She is a boarded registered specialist in veterinary dermatology and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD).

Helen graduated as a veterinarian from The University of Queensland in 2001 and has worked as a small and large animal veterinarian in New Zealand, Australia, the US and the UK. She moved to New Zealand after graduation for her first job as a dairy vet where she fell in love with the lifestyle and her soon to be husband Geoff, also a veterinarian. Together they worked and travelled the world before coming back to Palmerston North in 2011 to work at the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and to start a family.

Helen worked in general practice at Massey and became a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Surgeons (ANZCS) by examination in Small Animal Medicine. She thoroughly enjoyed her role in the clinic and teaching veterinary students, but she had developed a keen interest in dermatology so when the opportunity arose, she accepted a Residency with Animal Dermatology Clinic (ADC) in 2017.

ADC has the largest group of specialist veterinary dermatologists in the world, and they run a highly successful residency training program, so Helen was extremely privileged to be offered the residency position. This was the start of an intense 3 1/2 year program involving in depth study of all aspects of dermatology (including anatomy, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, endocrinology, nutrition, oncology and parasitology) in dogs, cats, small mammals, horses, farm animals, birds, fish and reptiles.

She completed a research project as part of her residency which was published in Veterinary Quarterly in 2022 titled “An explorative study comparing skin surface lipids in the West Highland white terrier dog with and without atopic dermatitis”. Helen successfully completed her residency and passed the Board examination to become a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology and a Registered Specialist with the New Zealand Veterinary Council in 2021.

Helen worked for ADC at Massey University until May 2023, when she opened the Referral Animal Skin Hospital. She is active in providing continuing education in dermatology for vets in New Zealand, in teaching veterinary students and is passionate about continuing to improve the standard of care that veterinarians provide for their patients and clients.

Helen is interested in all aspects of her chosen career, but particularly enjoys the challenge presented by chronic skin and ear disease involving the diagnosis of the underlying cause and implementing invidualised treatment and management plans.

Helen is a member of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology, a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and the New Zealand Veterinary Association.

Professional Affiliations

Helen’s dedication to her profession, her patients, and the veterinary community drives her mission to improve the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD)
Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS)
Member of the New Zealand Veterinary Association

Why choose RASH Vets?

Board-certified dermatology care backed by years of experience.
Tailored diagnostic and treatment plans for every pet.
Strong partnerships with general veterinary practices and other specialists.
A dedicated group of professionals passionate about improving pets’ quality of life.