Clare
Hello, my name is Clare.
Although VIP Animals is a relatively new venture for me, I have over 15 year’s experience training, working and living with a wide variety of animal species.
Dogs are however my first love (just don’t tell the cats!). I have worked with a wide range of breeds and behaviours.
I have owned and worked with many rescue dogs with specific and specialised behavioural problems, as well as owning Boxers, Bull Breed crosses and Springer Spaniels from puppies, breeds with large personalities!!!
I, and some of my dogs, have been included in dog training books.
Prior to starting VIP Animals I have worked as:
- the Senior Behaviourist for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
- the Animal Collections Manager for a large Agricultural College
- and taught in Higher Education, to Degree Level, in animal related subjects
I am fully insured, DBS security checked (formerly CRB) and qualified in Animal Behaviour, along with people and animal first aid.
I continue to attend a wide diversity of courses provided by a variety of recognised industry professionals. But never stop learning from my true teachers, the animals themselves.
I strongly believe ‘Species and breeds may share behaviour traits but each animal is an individual’.
I am a full time member of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Read on if you would like a more in-depth look at Clare’s professional, and personal, animal life….
From an early age Clare has always wanted to be close to animals, be they domesticated or wild.
As a child, she grew up with family dogs and guinea pigs. Since owning her first home Clare has shared her home, and life, with pet birds, pet sheep, stray and rescue cats of all ages, reptiles, stray and rescue dogs of all ages (from guarding breeds to sight and scent hounds; each with their own unique personality and requirements. Currently she lives with a Tortoise, a Bull Mastiff cross Staffie dog (an ex-Battersea behaviour ‘problem’ pup), two rescue cats and her long suffering boyfriend!
In 2005; Clare returned to full time education, starting her journey to fulfil her life long dream of working full time with animals and being qualified to do so. At University she passed an HND in Animal Behaviour, with Distinction (now known as a Foundation Degree).
From this she was offered a place onto the 3rd year Degree Course but chose instead to take a full time position offered to her by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home (BDCH) as their first ever Senior Behaviourist. Here Clare had the opportunity to work with a wide range of dog and cat breeds and behavioural ‘problems’. She worked closely with externally recognised trainers and behaviourists, staff with years of experience and breed specialists’, whilst completing a wide range of courses.
During this time Clare watched a demonstration by Sarah Fisher using Tellington TTouch Training. Inspired, she attended more training days and finally went on to begin her training to become a TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner.
After a number of years working with BDCH Clare changed roles and became The Animal Collections Manager at the Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA). Here she introduced and worked closely with a number of organisations to ensure the health and welfare for the animal collection at the college; including the RSPCA, the Animal Health and Bio Security Officer for local government and The Donkey Sanctuary.
As well as teaching full time courses, from Level 1 to Degree Level, Clare also organised and ran additional courses. These included courses in Animal, Canine & Feline Behaviour, Animal Management, Animal Training and Dog First Aid, along with courses provided for members of the Fire and Rescue Service – Specialist Response Animal Rescue Team.
At BCA Clare had a unique opportunity to manage and work with a wide cross species collection of animals; including livestock, exotic species, fish, birds, amphibians and retiles (and students!). All adding to her behavioural knowledge and passion for animals.
Upon leaving BCA Clare set up ‘VIP Animals’, fulfilling a life time ambition to be qualified and able to work with animals, whilst running her own business.
