Royal Canin’s ‘Pet Health Counsellor of the Year 2014’ is announced

Jill Moody-Smith, a Pet Health Counsellor from Eagle Vets in Birchington, has been crowned the winner of Royal Canin’s annual ‘Pet Health Counsellor of the Year’ Awards 2014.

The ceremony, which took place on October 17 at the Forest of Arden Marriot Hotel in Coventry, saw Jill beat 30 other finalists to claim the Gold Award. Royal Canin presented Jill with £1,500 worth of high-street vouchers at the annual ceremony, which celebrates veterinary professionals for promoting preventative health care and running pet health clinics in practice.

The winners with RC's Sarah Collins and Clare Hemmings

The Kent-based PHC, was chosen by world-renowned animal behaviour expert Sarah Heath for her work in a wide range of clinics - including the ‘Chunky Monkey Club’, an ‘Allergy Clinic’ and a ‘Joint to Joint Mobility Clinic’ - as well as her commitment to veterinary nursing, caring for wildlife and bereavement counselling.

Royal Canin’s Veterinary Marketing Executive, Sarah Collins RVN, commented: “It’s a privilege to be able to present Jill with the award. She has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to her veterinary practice, by running a variety of specialist sessions for owners which have proven very popular and beneficial. The Royal Canin Pet Health Counsellor scheme was set up to encourage Veterinary Nurses to advance their professional development, so it was great to see such a high level of entries this year.”

Jill added: “I’m delighted to be Royal Canin’s Pet Health Counsellor of the Year. Their scheme has given me the confidence and skills to develop specialist clinics at Eagle Vets, which have proved to be hugely beneficial in giving our clients the specific advice and training for their pets’ needs.”

Sophie Graham from Rowe Vets in Bristol won the Silver Award and £1,000 of high street vouchers and the Bronze Award was claimed by Katie Field of Vets4Pets in Stafford, who also walked away with £500 in vouchers. All 30 finalists were treated to a three course meal, disco and overnight accommodation as part of the annual award ceremony. Since the ceremony, Sophie has now moved to Vale Vets in Dursley.