The winners have been announced for the Burgess Excel Vet Awards, celebrating veterinary practices and professionals who improve the lives of the UK's pet rabbits and guinea pigs.
Comprised of veterinary professionals, industry experts and rabbit specialists, the judging panel selected one winner from each of the categories to receive a cash prize of £250 and a Burgess Excel Vet Awards trophy.
The winners are as follows:
Rabbit Vet of the Year
Winner - Dr Madonna Livingstone, Ark Veterinary Clinic, Coatbridge
Shortlisted
- Dr Amy Reynolds, Highcroft Vet Group, Bristol
- Dr Jenna Richardson, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh
- Dr Molly Varga Smith, Rutland House Exotics, St Helens
- Dr Heather Westron, Alma Veterinary Surgery, Scarborough
Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year
Winner - Abi Nell, Mill House Vets, Kings Lynn
Shortlisted
- Heidi Barringer, Woodgreen Pets Charity, Godmanchester
- Laura Chivers, Plymouth Veterinary Group, Plymouth Sophie Enticknap, Vets4Pets, Hayling Island
- Emma Jeffrey, Galedin Vets, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Rabbit-friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year
Winner - Origin Vets Clinic, Cardiff
Shortlisted
- Ashleigh Vets, Manchester
- Suffolk Exotic Vets, Wangford, Suffolk
- Valley Exotics, Cardiff
- Westfield Vets, Wells
Rabbit Support Staff of the Year
Winner - Paiton Barker, Woodgreen Pets Charity, Godmanchester
Shortlisted
- Jo Hambling, Suffolk Exotic Vets, Wangford, Suffolk
- Khloe McNeill, Braid Vets, Edinburgh
- Carly Sedgemore, Bridges Vets, Cardiff
- Sophie Staniland, Valley Vet Hospital, Cardiff
Rabbit Student of the Year
Winner - Maria Jackson, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire
Shortlisted
- Joshua Sancho, Blue Cross Animal Hospital, London
Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) Campaign of the Year
Winner - Plymouth Vet Group, Plymouth
Shortlisted
- Mill House Vets, Kings Lynn
- Medivet, Burton-on-Trent
- Suffolk Exotic Vets, Wangford, Suffolk
Guinea Pig-friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year
Winner - Holly House Vets, Leeds
Shortlisted
- Arun Vet Group, Chichester
- Derwent Valley Vets, Matlock
- Westfield Vets, Wells
- Woodlands Veterinary Group, Ivybridge.
Winner of Rabbit Vet of the Year, Dr Madonna Livingstone, celebrated the achievement: “To have reached the finals again was fantastic, but to have actually won the award is completely overwhelming, especially considering how brilliant the other finalists are.
“I am a firm believer that rabbits - and all other species - deserve the same high level of care as dogs and cats and knowing how many other veterinary professionals feel the same makes rabbits the ultimate winners every time!”
Abi Nell, Rabbit Nurse of the Year 2022, said: “I am really thrilled to have been chosen for this award. I love meeting and connecting with clients; being able to offer tips and advice for the best care for their rabbits is my favourite part of my job.
“When a client calls the practice to ask for my advice instead of relying on an internet search, that is when I know I have really made an impact and developed a relationship with the pet owners.”
Image (C) Burgess Excel Vet Awards
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
