People who entrust their beloved companions into our care can be reassured that their wellbeing is our foremost consideration. All of our staff are trained and qualified to the highest standards and are caring pet owners in their own right.
We believe that every patient entrusted to our care should be treated as an individual with dignity and respect and this is reflected in our practice ethos.
Please read on to find out more about each individual member of staff.
Jon Slattery BVSc CertSAM DipCABT MRCVS LVI
Jon graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1994 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and locumed extensively thoughout the UK before moving down to London in 1997.
In 2005, after a further three years study, Jon achieved RCVS board certification in small animal internal medicine and is currently the only veterinarian in the surrounding area to have this qualification. Jon also has a Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Therapy and is a government approved Local Veterinary Inspector.
Between 1997 and 2007 Jon worked in a large companion animal hospital and referral centre, seeing both first opinion and a variety referral cases from colleagues.
In 2007 Jon returned to his native Worcestershire where he grew up and currently lives with his partner Kirsty and daughter Carys in Leigh.
In his free time Jon can be found walking his three dogs through the beautiful Worcestershire countryside.
Kirsty Ryley VN CertEd DipCABT MBVNA
Kirsty qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 1994 from Myerscough College. After qualifying Kirsty worked in small animal, mixed, exotic and referral practices.
In 2001 Kirsty took on a post at Writtle College where she lectured in veterinary nursing, animal behaviour and biological science. Whilst working at Writtle College Kirsty gained her Certificate in Education.
Kirsty also has a Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Therapy and ran her own behaviour referral practice in the South East.
Kirsty’s professional interests include neonatal care, emergency and critical care nursing and clinical nutrition.
In her spare time Kirsty enjoys nothing more than curling up with a good mystery novel and one or all of her eight cats on her lap.
Philippa Clarke RVN MBVNA PHC
Philippa first started working in the veterinary profession in 1996. Whilst studying at Holme Lacy College she gained the General National Vocational Qualification in both Business Studies and Animal Care, and the National Vocational Qualification in Animal Welfare and Management.
In 2003 Philippa qualified as a Veterinary Nurse. In the following year, Philippa achieved A1 certification as an NVQ Assessor, allowing her to train and assess student veterinary nurses.
Between 1996 and 2008 Philippa has worked at a mixed practice in a neighbouring town. Philippa joined Best Friends in March 2009 and has integrated quickly and smoothly into the existing team.
Philippa’s professional interests include dentistry and all aspects of rabbit nursing and behaviour.
Philippa lives in Malvern with her partner. Between them they have an Alaskan Malamute, a Labrador, two rabbits and two guinea pigs, keeping them both very busy!
Sharon Bevan RVN MBVNA PHC
Sharon first started in veterinary practice in 1985 helping out at a local practice in the evening after school.
In 1987 she gained a distinction in Animal Care at Rodbaston College of Agriculture. In 1988, whilst working at a large veterinary hospital, Sharon returned to Rodbaston to train as a Veterinary Nurse, qualifying in 1990.
Between 1990 – 2009 Sharon worked at a multi-vet companion animal practice in Hampshire as Head Nurse.
Sharon joined the Best Friends team in January 2009 bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise.
Sharon’s professional interests are all aspects of nursing especially rehabilitation, neonatal care and behaviour.
Sharon has two Labradors and six cats and likes nothing better than taking the labradors for long walks through the Worcestershire countryside.
Amy Gibson
Amy comes from a background in customer service at a premium retail chain and joined the surgery initially part time in November 2009 and full time from June 2011. Amy is currently training as a veterinary nurse and should qualify as a fully fledged RVN in 2014.
Amy lives in rural Hereford with her Neapolitan Mastiff Holly. In her spare time Amy enjoys swimming and hand rearing orphan kittens!