After I graduated from Bristol university in 1996 I was in clinical practice for 12 years. I have been a technical advisor for Hill’s veterinary consultation service on and off since 2011 and really love that work. I’ve also been writing for Hill’s for many years, too.
I was a trustee of the Animal Welfare Foundation for six-years and sat as their representative on the BVA Ethics and Welfare group for two years. I’ve written nine books on pet animal welfare and pedigree health problems and spoken at numerous conferences on subjects such as the welfare impact of extreme conformation, the ethics of showing and the welfare of elite horses. I love speaking on these topics and hearing the experiences of other vets and nurses from around the world.
I’m a patron of the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) and Dogs Trust and have worked with many other animal welfare charities over the years.
In 2021 I was awarded a Fellowship by the RCVS for meritorious contributions to the profession in the field of animal welfare and I sit on the Fellowship board as Projects and Engagement officer.
I was honoured to be awarded the IFAW Vet of the Year in 2008 and was overwhelmed to receive the 2023 WSAVA Companion Animal Welfare Award.
I now live in France with my two daughters and a beautiful moggie called Stella. I continue welfare work, Hill’s VCS, and writing. I also play the drums in a rock band, and belong to a batucada group, both of which I absolutely love.
Professional Memberships:
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
British Veterinary Association (BVA)
British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA)
