Helen started working in mixed practice in 1990 and has 32 years of experience in the veterinary industry. Her roles range from Head Nurse to teaching, locuming, and assessing Student Nurses and Practice Managers at a Veterinary Hospital.
Helen left clinical practice in 2010 to work in the commercial sector in sales and practice support. During this time, she completed the BSAVA Vet Nursing Merit Award in Dermatology Nursing.
Her fascination for alpacas led to her buying her first 3 breeding females in 2002. 20 years later, she now has a quality breeding herd of over 80 coloured alpacas.
Her focus is on the health and welfare of alpacas with an emphasis on best practice, biosecurity, education and evidence-based science. 2022 sees Helen taking a career break from the Veterinary Industry as she spends most of her time on the family farm in South Gloucestershire.
Following the horrific events surrounding Geronimo spanning 5 years, she is now a reluctant campaigner for evidence-based science and transparent justifiable policies for disease eradication.
Exotics or NTCAs: What should you call the ‘weird’ pets?
February 8, 2023
You may have heard us mention these types of animals on Veterinary Ramblings before: they include hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and many other small furry friends – often called ‘exotic’.
But why do we call them exotic? Is this term really accurate? And what does it mean for owners of these animals?
English (United States) 
English (UK)