A Little Bit About Us

FRITZ (Executive Attention-Seeker)

My name is Fritz and my duties at Dukesmead include meeting clients, their humans and other visitors, interrupting business meetings and carrying out regular pawtrols to clear up any dropped biscuits - I take this particular part of my job very seriously! I enjoy making furiends and staring at people eating (in the hope that they might share with me). On my days off I practice the art of cuteness in the presence of food.

TIGGER (Chief Layabout)

My name is Tigger and I was rescued from death row after being found as a stray twice. I am a registered Therapy Dog and since joining the Dukesmead team I have taken responsibility for Pawsitivity Management and making visiting pets feel welcome and comfortable. Outside of opening hours I can be found lazing about and tanning or helping children to read in local schools.

TOTO (Part-timer / Boss wannabe)

My name is Toto and I look after one of the off-site members of the human team. I have a condition known as "small-dog-syndrome" but I have turned my disability into my super-ability. When I come to Dukesmead for supervisory visits I make sure everyone knows I'm actually The Boss around here!

FELICITY

My name is Felicity and I have owned, fostered and rescued dogs of varying shape, size, breed and ability most of my life. I grew up with dogs, rabbits, chickens, numerous hamsters and the occasional rescued wood pigeon.

After graduating from Royal Holloway, University of London, I worked for several years in the construction industry but I could not shake my desire to work with animals.

I changed career and headed to Twickenham Veterinary Surgery where my passion for animals grew even more and I studied Canine Psychology and other animal and pet related qualifications.

During my time at the veterinary surgery I also volunteered with several animal rescue centres which made me realise how much I wanted to work with Man's Best Friend, so I decided to take over Dukesmead in 2017 and create a home away from home for people's pets and make lots of furry friends along the way...and here I am today, living my dream in the Wiltshire countryside with amazing animals and people at Dukesmead Boarding Kennels & Cattery.

KAYLEIGH

I started working at Dukesmead in 2018 and found my true calling working with animals. My job involves meeting and greeting clients and their lovely pets as well as maintaining the welfare of each animal in our care (which involves lots of cleaning!), my favourite part of the job has to be getting to know the animals by going on fun walks and playing with them.

I completed my level 3 Animal Care apprenticeship in June 2020 and am looking forward to developing my practical skills further working alongside my passionate and supportive colleagues.

At home I have an adorable rabbit called Jasper, he was originally put up for adoption because of his aggressive behaviour towards other rabbits, this meant he needed extra love and attention which I was more than happy to give.

In the future I hope to have a house full of rescue animals (if my partner will let me!).

IMOGEN

My name is Imogen and I joined Dukesmead in 2018 as an apprentice and completed the training in 2020. qualifying me in Level 3 Animal Care and Welfare. I also have other qualifications in Canine First Aid, Animal Behaviour, Pet Nutrition and also The Needs and Care of Cats.

My roles consist of exercising the dogs daily, including play and cuddles for both cats and dogs, maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for the animals during their stay, interacting with clients and bookings and providing feed (and treats!).

I very much enjoy working with my colleagues who also care greatly for each client and their pet to promote an enjoyable experience for everyone! I am particularly fond of meeting pets, getting to know their individual personalities and looking after them.