30 Years as a Veterinary Nurse

This year marks 30 years since I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse — a milestone recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, with a certificate signed by Veterinary Nurse Council Chair Belinda Andrews-Jones congratulating me on reaching this nursing anniversary.

Thirty years feels significant. Not just because of the time that has passed, but because of how much the profession — and our pets — have changed during that time.

30 years as a Registered Veterinary Nurse

When I first started nursing, pet care looked very different. Today, pets are truly part of the family. We see specialist nutrition, enrichment toys, dedicated furniture, insurance plans and increasingly advanced medical care. The UK pet industry has grown enormously, but alongside that growth has come a deeper understanding of welfare and emotional well-being.

One thing that hasn’t changed for me is the belief that prevention and education matter just as much as treatment.

Pet Campaigner

That’s why I am so passionate about campaigns like Respect the Lead and Think Outside the Bowl. Responsible dog handling, understanding canine body language, creating enriching indoor environments for cats, these small, preventative steps can avoid stress, behavioural problems and even illness. Supporting owners before difficulties escalate is always my aim.

Pet Care in your Home

Home visits have also remained central to my work. While veterinary practices are essential, I know many pets feel safer in their own environment. Offering nail clips, medication support and feline behaviour consultations at home can dramatically reduce stress — especially for cats. Seeing pets relaxed in their own space allows me to guide owners in a much more practical, tailored way.

Advocating for the Veterinary Nurse Role

Veterinary nursing is an incredibly rewarding career, but it is also demanding. The hours are long, the emotional investment is high, and the financial recognition doesn’t always reflect the responsibility we carry. As we approach International Women’s Day, it feels important to acknowledge that veterinary nursing has traditionally been a female-led profession built on resilience, skill and compassion, even if that work sometimes goes unseen.

Proud and Passionate Vet Nurse

I’m proud of the profession I joined 33 years ago, and I’m still passionate about encouraging others to consider it. Speaking at careers fairs and advocating for veterinary nurses is something I care deeply about. It’s not an easy path, but it is meaningful beyond measure.

Thirty years on, I’m still learning. Still advocating. Still championing pets and the people who love them.

And I wouldn’t change that for the world.