About the author

Zara Knowles

Veterinary nurse and animal welfare graduate

Zara Knowles is a Sydney-based veterinary nurse and University of Sydney student majoring in Biology and Animal Health, Disease, and Welfare. She combines clinical experience with a part-time role in pet retail, having notably utilized Petsy Pet Insurance for feline health emergencies.

  • Veterinary Nurse at AMS Kingsford Veterinary Hospital since 2020
  • Hands on experience with dogs, cats, and wildlife including birds, reptiles, and possums
  • Special interest in feline medicine, shaped by clinical work and life with three cats

Get to know Zara Knowles

A veterinary nurse turned soon to be veterinarian, passionate about compassionate care for pets and wildlife alike

After completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney, majoring in Animal Health, Disease and Welfare with a minor in Biology, I am now studying the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney (Class of 2027).

My passion for animal health began through experience in multiple veterinary clinics before university, where I developed an appreciation for compassionate patient care, teamwork, and client communication. During my undergraduate degree, I worked in the pet care retail industry, providing tailored product advice to pet owners while developing strong customer service, communication, organisation, and inventory management skills.
I am passionate about animal welfare and continuously expanding my clinical knowledge and practical skills as I work towards becoming a veterinarian. I enjoy connecting with others in the profession and welcome opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow.

Areas of expertise
  • Anaesthetic monitoring and surgical patient care
  • Feline and canine desexing, dental, and ex lap procedures
  • IV catheter placement, blood smears, and urinalysis
  • Dental radiography
  • Fluid therapy and nutrition management
  • Wildlife and exotic animal handling (birds, reptiles, possums)
  • Client communication and support
  • Veterinary clinic software (Covetrus Ascend, RxWorks, Cornerstone)

Articles written by Zara Knowles

Pet insurance articles with practical advice and expert insights written by Annie to help you be the best pet parent possible.

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Articles verified by Zara Knowles

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Specified Conditions includes:

  • Cruciate ligament damage
  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patella luxation
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Cherry eye
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion,
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (‘OCD’)
  • Lumps

Lumps means the protuberance or localised area of swelling or unusual growth that can occur anywhere on or in the body including tumours, warts, cysts, growths, mucoceles, haematomas and abscesses.

You can apply to reduce the 6-month exclusion period for Specified Conditions by using our request for Waiver Form. Simply take this form to your next vet visit and submit the completed form back to [email protected] within 14 days of the visit.

Optional Extra Benefits

During the application process You will be provided with the option to include Optional Extra Benefits that cover certain conditions and Treatments which are not otherwise covered under the Policy.

The Optional Extra Benefits are:

Alternative Therapies, Behavioural Problems, and Dental Illness.

Examples of Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy.

Examples of Behavioural Problems: Excessive licking, fur pulling, pacing and destructive chewing.

Examples of Dental Illnesses: Dental diseases, gingivitis, periodontal disease.