In today’s episode we learn about an amazing scheme that takes volunteer pets into prisons to help rehabilitate inmates.  A scheme which has been so successful that it now operates in 28 correctional facilities across the UK.

We know that pets can offer companionship and can help people suffering from loneliness and social isolation.

And where could be lonelier than a prison?

In today's episode I am joined by Matt Robinson from the Pets as Therapy charity to explore how this scheme works and the reasons behind its huge success.

Topics in this episode:

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people.

Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at [email protected]

It’s time to unpack the issues currently facing the veterinary profession and who better to talk to than Dr Justine Shotton, President of the British Veterinary Association.

Dr Shotton has come into her role at a time of workforce shortages and increased work loads which are having huge impacts on UK vets and raise critical questions about the future of the profession.

We also explore the issues around diversity,  gender equality and the hot topic of her presidential theme….sustainability.

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people. Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at [email protected]

In the third and final episode of this mini-series, Pets in Lockdown,  I wanted to pause and reflect on the relationship we had with our pets during the pandemic, brought to life with real conversations with real people.

Today I talked to Nicky who escaped London to the Cotswolds with her beloved dog Lola  just before the first UK lockdown.  Listen to hear how these city girls adapted to their new life in the country for what would sadly turn out to be their last year together. 

Just a heads up, Nicky’s story is really beautiful, but it contains conversations around bereavement and grief that some listeners may find upsetting. 

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people.

Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk

 or reach out at [email protected]

In the second episode of the mini series, ‘Pets in Lockdown’,  I wanted to pause and reflect on the relationship we had with our pets during the pandemic, brought to life with real conversations with real people. 

Today I am talking to Phil, a civil servant who was working in the chaos of Westminster during the covid-19 crisis.  I wanted to find out just how he and his cat Grayson felt about the “work from home” order and the trials they encountered together during lockdown. 

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people. 

Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at [email protected]

In this mini series, Pets in Lockdown, I wanted to pause and reflect on the relationship we had with our pets during the pandemic, brought to life with real conversations with real people.

Today I am talking to Rachel who found herself being made redundant from a job that she loved, and living in an isolated rural location with her elderly dog Theo as her primary companion.

Just a heads up, Rachel’s story is an emotional one and  this episode contains conversations around bereavement and grief that some listeners may find upsetting. 

The veterinary profession is currently experiencing a perfect storm of workforce shortages post Brexit and high levels of burnout post pandemic. With the profession at a low ebb it has never been more important to protect mental health and find that all important work-life balance.

Today I am joined by fellow vet Jo Trow, one of the veterinary professions' happiest ambassadors. Jo will be talking about some of her fantastic stories as a vet and I will be getting some all important insights into her success at finding work-life balance and staying positive in such a tough industry.

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people.

Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk

or reach out at [email protected]

Throughout the pandemic, reports from leading UK animal charities have suggested that lockdowns have resulted in severe behavioural issues in the nation's dogs. 

Latest findings now suggest that over 2.1 million dogs are now affected. 

Today I'm talking to dog behavioural expert Nigel Reed, author of the best selling book 'The Dog Guardian', and I will be asking Nigel... Is the UK heading for a dog behaviour crisis?

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people.

Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk

or reach out at [email protected]