Abi joined Derwent Valley in 2026 with a view to train to become a Qualified Veterinary Nurse having had that ambition for some time. Abi has already undertaken a foundation degree and a BSc in Animal Management at Derby University and has gained useful experience in the veterinary sector by working as a veterinary care assistant and a receptionist at other practices before coming to DVV.

Abi and her young son, Ellis, share their home with a number of pets. Abi used to foster rescue dogs and has looked after at least 20 different dogs on their way to their forever homes. This work however came with a bit of a draw back as Abi admits to struggling with self-control and she kept adding to her fur family wen she fell in love with some of her fosters and couldn’t let them go! She has currently got three dogs at home, two Cairn terriers ‘Missy’ and ‘Bonnie’ and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ‘Rosie’.

Abi really enjoys emergency and critical care work because of the fast pace and interesting nature of cases. She loves working with all species but is particularly keen on working with dogs. At least in this role all of our patients have loving and caring owners and homes, so there should be less risk of her adding to her pack! Abi is also very keen to help out with any of the wildlife that gets brought to DVV from time to time. She gets a great sense of achievement and feels she is giving back when we can return something to the wild or pass it over to a wildlife sanctuary for recuperation.

When Abi is not at work, she loves to be outside with Ellis and her dogs, going on walks and having adventures.