Jessica grew up on a livestock and arable farm in Herefordshire and wanted to be a vet from a very young age. As a former hop farm, the business was diversified into cider, laying hens and equestrian facilities.
She qualified as a vet from the Royal Veterinary College in 2012 after studying Veterinary Science and graduate Veterinary Medicine. Jessica has worked in mixed and equine practices, both in the United Kingdom and in Hong Kong. Having worked in a variety of clinics, she has experience in first opinion, referral hospital and charity settings.
Between 2019 and 2022, Jessica worked with the independent Swedish telehealth company, FirstVet, to launch their pioneering service in the UK before joining PetsApp in 2023. Jessica has a strong interest in innovation, and how digital health tools can benefit patients, veterinary professionals and businesses. She is also the co-founder of Flexee, with fellow vet Silvia Janska, a business which helps vet practices improve their flexible workability.
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Exotics or NTCAs: What should you call the ‘weird’ pets?
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?