Welcome to the heart of the British Veterinary Receptionist Association! Our dedicated team and council are passionate professionals committed to supporting veterinary receptionists across the UK. With a diverse blend of knowledge and experience, our team work tirelessly to enhance the professional development, recognition, and well-being of veterinary receptionists.
After beginning her career in veterinary nursing, Kay moved into veterinary education, supporting veterinary professionals across the UK and Europe achieve postgraduate qualifications. She has significant expertise in education, accreditation, awards and certification within the veterinary sector. Kay founded the BVRA in October 2017 and is passionate about supporting and raising the status of veterinary receptionists through training and education.
Danni studied Animal Science at Nottingham University with a year abroad in Spain, gaining her BSc in Animal Science with European Studies. Danni went on to work in sales for an equine start-up before moving into the veterinary industry a few years later. Danni has many years of experience in sales, customer relationship management and strategic account management. She has always championed the development of veterinary reception teams. Danni joined BVRA in 2024 as Chief Commercial Officer, focusing on building strategic partnerships and championing the development and recognition of veterinary reception teams in the UK and internationally.
John has a wealth of experience in the veterinary and education sector and is keen to support the ongoing development of BVRA. Previously, as a Director of Improve International, he helped it grow into a renowned multinational organisation. Before joining Improve International, he worked in the creative industries before moving into training and education where he now has over twenty years’ experience.
I began my career in animal care education in 2001, building on a diverse range of roles within the animal care sector. Over the years, I have worked as a lecturer, programme manager, assessor and quality assurer, collaborating with numerous organisations across the industry. Alongside my practical animal care and teaching experiences, I have continued to advance my knowledge, specialising in areas including canine hydrotherapy and earning a master’s degree in education. With a keen eye for detail, I am passionate about working with industry partners to develop innovative qualifications that make a tangible difference to animal care and welfare, as well as working directly with learners from a range of backgrounds to help them to achieve their animal care career and education goals.
My career in the veterinary industry started in 2019, working as a receptionist in a small animal practice in Basildon. It entailed so much more than I imagined, and I have enjoyed every minute and continue to learn more each day. I started to regularly carry out training for new and existing team members and was the practice IT champion and go-to person for any technical problems. Then in August 2021 I became a lead receptionist with my focus area being administration. I completed my BVRA’s training and became an Associate Veterinary Receptionist in March 2022 and became the first AVR at my practice. This has enabled me to offer support, guidance, and motivation to my team, as well as help them complete their awards. I take real pride in helping achieve those goals. I enjoy expanding my skills and knowledge to allow me to provide as much care and support as possible to my colleagues and our clients. I have enrolled and completed as many courses as I can, including IFSM Cat Friendly Receptionist, Pet Bereavement and Pharmacy Dispensing. I joined the BVRA council in August 2022 and I am very excited for the opportunity to be another voice for all Veterinary Receptionists and spread the word about what a lifeline they are to a practice – whilst also still learning more each day. I have a little black cat and she loves all other creatures big or small, so I am usually the first call when someone needs a pet sitter.
I am the Senior Receptionist at Southfields Vets where I have worked for the past 4 years. Less than 10 months after starting my role as receptionist I was promoted to Senior receptionist, a role that was created just for me, and am responsible for the training of the reception team and ensuring the smooth running of the practice diary. I also process the insurance claims for the practice which is something I particularly enjoy. I have been an AVR since 2022 and have recently passed my iPET Level 3 qualification which I enjoyed immensely and am very proud to have achieved. From a young age I knew I wanted to work with animals and after having worked in veterinary practices for around 10 years, I decided to train to become an RVN. I worked a mixture of days and nights during my nursing career and it was during the pandemic that nursing took a back seat and I began to focus more on a reception role. I applied for and gained my current role and have never looked back since. I love my job! No day really is the same and I get such satisfaction from being able to help clients and staff alike with any issues or queries they have. Outside of work, I live with my husband and our 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 rabbits and 4 goldfish. I enjoy walking our dogs and take regular horse riding lessons at a local riding school.
I began my veterinary career in 2017 at Rosemullion Veterinary Hospital in Falmouth, Cornwall, quickly falling in love with the profession. The role brought together my passion for both people and animals, while offering the variety, insight and experience that makes every day different.
Alongside my reception work, I drew on my design background to help modernise the practices internal marketing and social media after only 6 months in the role. During the COVID pandemic, I was the main full time receptionist whilst others were furloughed, stepping into additional responsibilities such as insurance processing, administration and pharmacy. During this time, I took on the role of joint Interim Head Receptionist (maternity cover) before becoming Deputy Head Receptionist.
I played a key role in our transition to a large, purpose-built veterinary hospital in August 2021, supporting the growth of our reception team from 6 to nearly 20 across our 3 sites. In 2022, I was promoted to Head Receptionist. It has been an absolute pleasure and joy to learn how to support and lead this incredible team of people in an ever-changing industry with endless challenges, and I am lucky to have had a fantastic mentor along the way. We have worked tirelessly to create a practice that focuses on offering a psychologically safe space for our staff to thrive, built on a culture of continuous improvement that encourages learning from our mistakes.
Since then, I have completed a Level 4 Certificate in Client Care, discovered the BVRA, and was recently awarded Associate Veterinary Receptionist status. I am honoured to be invited to join the BVRA council and be a part of their journey.
Outside of work, I’m a part-time swimming instructor and enjoy life in the Cornish countryside with my husband and our two lovely dogs.
Council members, whether elected or appointed, are expected to attend between 3 and 4 Council meetings every year where they will be responsible for making a variety of decisions. Including;