Russell and his wife Joanne have owned the Kohimarama Veterinary Clinic since 1984. Graduating from Massey University in 1976, Russell worked as a dairy cow veterinarian in the Waikato for 4 and a half years. He then went to Cape Town, South Africa where his interest in feline and canine medicine and surgery developed.

Returning to New Zealand he bought Kohimarama Veterinary Clinic. Russell undertook a residency in dentistry with the American Veterinary Dental College and is now a Diplomate of the College. He is registered with the American Veterinary Medical Association as a Veterinary Dental Specialist.

Russell now spends most of his time at work doing dentistry on client’s pets as well as cases referred by other practices, the NZ Police, Guide dog Services and three Zoo’s. He has treated a wide variety of Zoo animals from the smallest monkeys to Lions and Tigers.