Burgess Excel Vet Awards finalists revealed
"The standard of entries we've received has been absolutely outstanding" - Dr Suzanne Moyes.
The shortlist of finalists for the 2021 Burgess Excel Vet Awards has been revealed.
Run in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, the awards celebrate the hard work of veterinary practices and individuals working to improve the lives of the UK’s pet rabbits and guinea pigs.
One winner from each category will be presented with a trophy and cash prize of £250 at the London Vet Show in November. There will also be a digital announcement on Burgess’s social media pages.
A panel of judges, including industry experts, veterinary professionals, and rabbit and guinea pig specialists, selected the finalists from hundreds of nominations and self-nominations from UK veterinary professionals, practices and their clients.
Judge Dr Suzanne Moyes, veterinary director at Burgess Pet Care, said: “We have been delighted with the fantastic response to this year’s Excel Vet Awards. It’s hugely rewarding to hear about so many veterinary professionals and practices who are going that extra mile to take care of the UK’s rabbits and guinea pigs, despite the additional challenges created by the pandemic in providing high levels of care.
“Once again, the standard of entries we’ve received has been absolutely outstanding, which has made the judging panel’s job very difficult! Congratulations to everyone who has made the shortlist, which in itself is an achievement to be proud of.”
The finalists in each category are as follows:
Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year
Heidi Barringer, Wood Green, The Animals Charity, Godmanchester
Katie Richmond-Jones, Downland Veterinary Group, Bognor Regis
Rachel Sibbald, Abercorn Veterinary Centre, Edinburgh
Victoria Stearman, Origin Vets Clinic, South Wales area
Adina Valentine, Origin Vets Clinic, South Wales area
Rabbit-friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year
Highcroft Exotic Vets, Bristol
Origin Vets Clinic, Vale of Glamorgan
Quantock Veterinary Hospital, Bridgwater
Royal Veterinary College, Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, London
Suffolk Exotic Vets, Suffolk
Rabbit Support Staff of the Year
Ellie Wright, Riversmeet Vets, Atherstone
Rachel Sanderson, Robert Jones Vet Surgery Blackpool
Corinne Voigt-Hill, Vets4Pets, Bangor
Donna Robson, Pennard Vets, Sevenoaks
Chrystabel Burt, Medivet, Ashford
Rabbit Student of the Year
Megan Bailey, Duchy College Rosewarne, Camborne
Amy Loverance, Nottingham Veterinary School
Sarah McMahon, University of Glasgow
Grace Mee, University of Liverpool
Tanya Peters, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire
Guinea Pig-friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year
CJ Hall Vets, East Sheen, London
Derwent Valley Vets, Matlock
Highcroft Exotic Vets, Bristol
Origin Vets, Cardiff
Twickenham Vets, London
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
