Petplan reveals winners of Veterinary Awards 2025
Hannah Reid and Fiona Leathers of Westport Veterinary Clinic with Rachel Hewson (R) from Belle Vue Veterinary Practice.
The winners of the 2025 Petplan Veterinary Awards have been revealed, in a ceremony at this year’s London Vet Show.
The event saw Westport Veterinary Clinic score two major awards, with two other independent practices also presented with accolades.
The Veterinary Awards, which is in its 26th year, received over 41,000 nominations of veterinary professionals from clients and colleagues. Three finalists were selected in each category, with the overall winners announced on Thursday, 20 November.
Petplan’s Practice Manager of the Year was named as Fiona Leathers, who manages Westport Veterinary Clinic at South Queensferry.
Mrs Leathers, who qualified as a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) in 2002, joined Westport Veterinary Clinic in 2018. Alongside her role as director of operations, she is also a clinical coach, meaning she is involved with training all student veterinary nurses.
She has previously been recognised as The Blue Cross Veterinary Nurse of the Year, and is also the first RVN to hold the position of chair at Scottish charity Vet Trust Ltd.
Westport Veterinary Clinic has also been recognised in the Practice Support Staff of the Year category. Hannah Reid, who is part of the reception and admin team, was announced as the winner.
Ms Reid recently completed her British Veterinary Receptionist Award (BVRA) Bronze Award, and is currently working through her BVRA Silver Award.
This year’s Vet of the Year has been revealed as Claire Phillips, from IVC Evidensia-owned Wright & Moreton Vets.
Dr Phillips joined the practice in 2002, before moving to their equine practice in 2004. In 2014, Dr Phillips became a partner in the practice and now shares responsibility for running the equine side of practice.
Rachel Hewson, from independently-owned Belle Vue Veterinary Practice, was awarded Petplan Vet Nurse of the Year. In a Facebook post, the practice celebrated her ‘rare mix of skill, kindness and calm capability’.
The post reads: “She lifts the team, she supports our clients and their pets with real professionalism, and she makes a difference in ways that are felt through the practice.”
Meanwhile, this year’s Practice of the Year award was presented to Coastal Veterinary Group in Norfolk. The award was accepted practice directors Chris Tansley and Clare Tansley and receptionists Serena Garner and Maddie Wadsworth.
In a Facebook post, the practice wrote: “We are still absolutely overwhelmed and deeply honoured to share that Coastal Vets was awarded Veterinary Practice of the Year at last night’s Pet Plan Awards! “Care, compassion, and going above and beyond for pets (and their owners)” were just some of the words used—and we couldn’t be more proud.”
Image © Petplan Veterinary Awards
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
