Our team

Our team is committed to providing caring, high-quality services to our private clients and their pets, as well as caring for the many homeless dogs the charity rescues and rehomes every year. Our team consists of veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, veterinary care assistants, receptionists and non-clinical staff.

Alexandra Hughes - Receptionist

Alexandra Hughes

Receptionist

My passion for animals came when I rescued my Jack Russell/Chihuahua cross, Jake ten years ago. Jake is my best friend and has helped me in so many ways. Jake is lovely but has always had certain behavioral issues. I have given him over ten years of time, patience, and training, which has given him the chance to improve, and live a fruitful, happy, healthy life. This in turn drove me into wanting to work for an animal charity, which gives stray dogs a chance at a better life.

All dogs deserve to be loved, and cared for, and I am passionate about the work that I do.

I have many years’ experiences within the administrative/customer service style fields. I thrive in roles I am passionate about, and love being able to provide the best service for the clients, and their furry friends!

In my spare time, I love Hot Yoga, nature walks, reading, and painting!

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Christina Staniforth

Registered Vet Nurse

I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2024 after completing my training at a small animal private practice before starting at The Vet Clinic in March 2025. If find my job incredibly rewarding and I feel very lucky to get to nurse and care for animals every day. I have a keen interest in anaesthesia and enjoy spending my mornings in theatre, but also love meeting new pets and their families who are coming in for nurse clinics and health checks.

When I’m not at the clinic I enjoy going for walks by the canals with my other half and visiting my family and friends overseas.

Emily Keegan

Emily Keegan

Registered Vet Nurse

I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2022, having decided on a career change in order to pursue my love of animals. I am excited to join the veterinary team at Birmingham Dogs Home helping care for all the rescue dogs. I have an interest in dentistry and look forward to being more involved in dental care.

Outside of work, I have a lovely little daughter who keeps me very busy. If I get spare time, I enjoy gardening, bird-watching and music.

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Rachael Fox

Deputy Head Nurse
I'm a registered RVN and also a college lecturer for around 20 years, teaching Veterinary Care Assistants. I love all aspects of nursing; I have a particular interest in pet behaviour and training. 
I'm the proud mum to two rescue dogs – and when I'm not working, you’ll find me doing hoopers and scent work with my girls
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Sophia Bellion

Registered Vet Nurse
Hi, I'm Sophia. I have been a qualified veterinary nurse for 6 years now and am passionate about animal welfare. I started out in a small animal practice where I trained and worked for 6 years, I then went on to work as a surgical wards nurse in a referral hospital where I gained experience in more intensive care nursing, before taking time out to gain knowledge in the wildlife conservation sector and gaining a certificate in nature conservation. I love all animals and want to be able to help them all! I believe care isn't just for companion animals, so I volunteer with a wildlife hospital in my free time which has strengthened my knowledge on UK wildlife and the challenges wild animals face.  I like to be active and enjoy crossfit and spending time outdoors, I try to get out on a hike and skiing when I can and love being in the mountains!
I have a pampered cat called Bella who I rescued from my first practice who enjoys bullying my partner for treats and rules the roost in our house!
Ursula Bisla

Ursula Bisla

Registered Vet Nurse

I have been working as a veterinary nurse for over 20 years. After qualifying, I went on to complete the RCVS Advanced Diploma in Surgical Nursing. I have spent the majority of my nursing career working for animal charities, but have also spent some time in private practice.

In my spare time I enjoy travelling and spending time with my friends and family.

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Linsey Yeomans

Practice Manager / Head Nurse

I’ve been a qualified veterinary nurse for 15 years and love the variety the role brings every day. From hands on patient care to supporting clients, no two days are ever the same at BDH!

I’m currently in the final stages of completing my certificate in veterinary nurse consulting, with a special interest in weight clinics, helping pets achieve a healthier, happier lifestyle is something I’m really passionate about.

After around 9 years as a Head Nurse, I stepped into a Practice Manager role last year and have started working towards my Level 5 ILM VMG qualification.

Veterinary nursing is all about continuous growth and learning, and I enjoy challenging myself to keep developing.

When I’m not at work, I love being outdoors and staying active with my rescue dog Suzie. I took up paddleboarding last year, and I enjoy visiting friends in the Lake District  where I am slowly working my way through the Wainwrights.

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Laura Challoner

Student Veterinary Nurse

My journey into animal care began at Solihull College, where I studied Animal Care and Management and developed a strong foundation in animal welfare. In 2018, I was fortunate to join Birmingham Dogs Home as a Canine Carer, gaining hands-on experience and building a deep passion for working with rescue dogs.

As the centre expanded and a new veterinary clinic was established, I successfully applied for the role of Veterinary Care Assistant in 2022. Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed working within the clinic environment, particularly assisting with surgeries and supporting the preparation and recovery of dogs in our care. Being part of their treatment and rehabilitation is incredibly rewarding.

In September 2025, I took the next step in my career by beginning my training as a Student Veterinary Nurse. I am working towards qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse, with the goal of continuing to provide compassionate, high-quality care to the dogs at the centre.

Outside of work, I share my home with three rescue dogs from Birmingham Dogs Home: Indie (Chihuahua); Darcy (Chihuahua X Italian Greyhound); and Carrot (Chihuahua). They are a constant reminder of why I am so passionate about the work I do.

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Claire Snell 

Veterinary Receptionist

I've worked for the Birmingham Dogs Home for 29 years and find it to be a very rewarding job.

I started my job back in New Bartholomew Street in Digbeth working in the kennels as a canine carer then progressed to working in reception as a canine rehomer. The centre then moved to a new facility back in October 2015 to Catherine De Barnes where I carried on my role as a canine rehomer but have since progressed to become a veterinary receptionist. I have been in my new role for just over 12 months and enjoy every moment of the job.

At home I have an elderly cat called Pebbie who was an ex-resident from Birmingham Dogs Home when we used to have cats at New Bartholomew Street.

Register your pet

To see your pet we need to register them first. This ensures we have all the information we need to ensure a smooth transition to them being under our care.

Unfortunately, due to lack of staff cover, we are unable to open on the morning of Saturday 11th May.

If you have any concerns about your pet please contact our Out of Hours Provider Willows Veterinary Centre

Willows Veterinary Centre 0121 712 7071

Highlands Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 4NH

We will be open as normal from Monday morning to book appointments.

Monday 27th May Bank Holiday
The Vet Clinic is closed on all English Bank Holidays – including Monday 27th May

If you have any concerns about your pet please contact our Out of Hours Provider Willows Veterinary Centre

Willows Veterinary Centre 0121 712 7071

Highlands Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 4NH

We will be open as normal from Tuesday morning to book appointments.

Monday 6th May Bank Holiday
The Vet Clinic is closed on all English Bank Holidays – including Monday 6th May

If you have any concerns about your pet please contact our Out of Hours Provider Willows Veterinary Centre

Willows Veterinary Centre 0121 712 7071

Highlands Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 4NH

We will be open as normal from Tuesday morning to book appointments.

Unfortunately, due to lack of staff cover, we are unable to open on the morning of Saturday 11th May.

If you have any concerns about your pet please contact our Out of Hours Provider Willows Veterinary Centre

Willows Veterinary Centre 0121 712 7071

Highlands Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 4NH

We will be open as normal from Monday morning to book appointments.

Unfortunately, due to lack of staff cover, we are unable to open on the morning of Saturday 27th April.

If you have any concerns about your pet please contact our Out of Hours Provider Willows Veterinary Centre

Willows Veterinary Centre 0121 712 7071

Highlands Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 4NH

We will be open as normal from Monday morning to book appointments.

Unfortunately, due to lack of staff cover, we are unable to open on the morning of Saturday 20th April.

If you have any concerns about your pet please contact our Out of Hours Provider Willows Veterinary Centre

Willows Veterinary Centre 0121 712 7071

Highlands Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 4NH

We will be open as normal from Monday morning to book appointments.