“To be recognised by the Blue Cross in this way is an absolute honour” – Kirsty Cavill RVN.
A veterinary nurse from Leatherhead has won a prestigious award for her work to improve the welfare of senior patients.
Head veterinary nurse Kirsty Cavill from The Vet Connection was named Blue Cross ‘Vet Nurse of the Year 2022’ in recognition of the support she gives to pets in chronic pain from arthritis, and for going above and beyond in her volunteering roles.
Paul Manktelow, director of veterinary clinical services at Blue Cross said: “Kirsty has fully embraced the opportunity, potential and diversity that's possible within a veterinary nurse career. She continually demonstrates passion for animal welfare, for giving back to society and inspiring others in the profession. she truly deserves this award and is an inspiration to us all.”
Kirsty is is a volunteer veterinary nurse advisor with Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) and also a volunteer Veterinary Street Nurse team lead and committee member, providing free veterinary care and support for homeless pet owners. By participating in frequent outreach sessions with her StreetVet colleagues in Plymouth, she supports senior dogs and those with mobility-related challenges living on the streets with their owners.
Kirsty received her award at the British Veterinary Nurse Association (BVNA) Congress in Telford on Saturday (8 October).
She said: “I was extremely surprised and truly humbled to have been given this prestigious award. Being entrusted to care for an owner's beloved pet and helping to facilitate the human-animal bond is a privilege, which I never take for granted. To be recognised by the Blue Cross in this way is an absolute honour.”
Image (C) Blue Cross.
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. 
