Claire in running for top vet award
VETERINARY nurse Claire Shepherd is in the running for a top industry award. Claire, who works at Parker & Crowther Vets in Birkdale, Formby, and Maghull, has been shortlisted for Veterinary Nurse of the Year in the Petplan Awards – the Oscars of the veterinary profession.
Claire was among nearly 19,000 veterinary professionals to be nominated by clients or colleagues in the awards that recognise the hard work and dedication of team members.
She is one of three veterinary nurses shortlisted and winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony in Birmingham on April 2 when they will also reveal the winners across four other categories, Vet of the Year, Practice of the Year, Practice
Manager of the Year and Practice Support Staff of the Year.
After two years of working at the practice, Claire is a familiar face to clients who bring their pets to Parker and Crowther, and she received 10 nominations for the award.
She recently completed a Diploma in Feline Nursing through the International Society of Feline Medicine to help make visiting the veterinary practice a less stressful experience for cats.
Claire also advises owners on how to create a home environment so cats are happy and content.
Outside of work she volunteers for Warrington Animal Welfare, where she was part of the team that recently neutered more than 70 cats to reduce the amount of unwanted litters.
The charity joined forces with Cats Protection St Helens to run a four-day community event assisting pet owners on benefits of low incomes.
Claire has also volunteered four times with Skiathos Cat Welfare Association, where she is part of a team working on a neutering programme to reduce the Greek island’s stray cat population, as well as providing flea and worm treatment.
Claire said: “I always wanted to work with animals and that was my focus from a very young age.
“I love my job as a veterinary nurse and the best bit is helping animals and their owners.
“The best thing about working at Parker & Crowther is my colleagues. We have a group of nurses and vets who all work really well together and it’s like a family atmosphere.
“I was shocked when I heard I’d been shortlisted for the award.
“I’m really grateful to everyone who nominated me.”
After studying for a zoology degree at Liverpool John Moores University, Blackpool-born Claire worked at Freshfields Animal Rescue in Ince Blundell, before becoming a veterinary care assistant at the PDSA.
She then moved into veterinary nursing when she joined Parker & Crowther and recently celebrated two years of working at the practice.
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