Claire Ford Vet Physio- Veterinary Physiotherapist and Canine Hydrotherapist

April 2024 – Current

Dog Hydrotherapy- Veterinary Physiotherapist and Canine Hydrotherapist

October 2023- Current

This is a business I have helped to grow from day one. I am responsible for the marketing, interior and exterior design, stock ordering and day-to-day running of the clinic. In my current role, I am treating a variety of patients in the pool, treadmill, with class IV K-laser as well as physiotherapy.

Top Shape Veterinary Physiotherapy- Self- Employed Veterinary Physiotherapist

March 2023- December 2023

Alongside my part-time role at Maison, I was treating a mixture of horses and dogs as an independent practitioner. I was also practising outside of my full time role at Chine House vets. I left this job to allow more time for physiotherapy.

Maison des Animaux- Doggy daycare assistant (part-time)

June 2023- October 2023

In this role I was solely responsible for a group of ten dogs who I watched closely to monitor their behaviour and interactions and intervene when appropriate. I was responsible for the safety and welfare of these dogs.

Chine House Veterinary Hospital, Sileby- SA Auxiliary nurse

March 2023- May 2023

Assisting the vet nurses, restraining animals, monitoring animals during recovery, restocking medical items, dispensing medication, preparing surgical equipment, preparing theatre rooms.

Rescue P.A.W.S, Thailand- Veterinary volunteer

Jan 2023- Feb 2023

I spent two months in Thailand working at a clinic who carry out sterilisations and surgeries on dogs and cats who are dumped at the clinic or injured street dogs. I assisted the vet team with surgeries and medical cases as well as performing physio with amputees, inbred, deformed and paralysed patients implementing my degree where possible. For example, I made a wheelchair for a dog who had both hind limbs amputated. As a result, she was able to go on walks every day with the rest of the packs!

McCashwey Stud, Kilsby- Yard assistant

Sept 2022- Dec 2022

In this role I was responsible for the day to day handling of youngstock and stallions as well as showjumpers competing to an international level.

Raining cats and dogs boarding kennels, Rugby- Kennel assistant

June 2022- Dec 2022

My favourite thing about working at RCD was gradually gaining the trust and friendship of nervous dogs! I handled a large variety of breeds, working dogs, dogs who are aggressive, nervous or boisterous. I was involved in walking, bathing, grooming, general first aid and kennel cleaning. There were plenty of valuable learning opportunities from my manager who was a highly qualified protection dog trainer with years of canine experience. These took place during incidents such as dog fights, when dogs turned aggressive during their stay, when dogs became overstimulated during play and when mixing new groups of dogs.

Witham Villa Riding Centre, Broughton Astley- Teaching/ Yard Assistant/ Receptionist

Dec 2015 – Dec 2021

This position was offered to me as a progression from the trainee program once I was of age. Witham villa is a well-established riding school/ livery yard accommodating approximately 40 horses. I am now teaching BHS stage 1 and 2 courses to children and adults, teaching pony camps and managing all the tasks I was carrying out whilst I was a junior trainee (later mentioned). I am: supervising trainees, working on reception, assisting clients, locking up, practising basic equine first aid and many more.

Pool House Equine Clinic, Litchfield – Veterinary nurse assistant                                                                                                          Feb 2018 – Feb 2018
This experience was extremely valuable to me because it was my first introduction to working in a clinical setting. I carried out 66 hours work experience at this equine hospital where I observed several fascinating operations, tests, check-ups and procedures that gave me an insight into the work of a veterinarian and a much greater understanding of anatomy and common surgical procedures. I loved working in this environment and seeing each stage of care from diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation inspired me to pursue a career in caring for and rehabilitating animals.
                                                                                                                   
Lodge Farm Centre, Corby- Kennel and Cattery Assistant

Feb 2017 – Feb 2017
To gain work experience, I undertook a placement at Lodge Farm Centre. I carried out 40 hours of work at this establishment which involved: walking dogs, cleaning dog and cat chalets, feeding cats and dogs, washing and grooming dogs ready for departure. I enjoyed this experience and it improved my handling skills. The manager taught me how to deal with the dogs who had a boisterous or mildly aggressive nature or who were strong on the lead.

Moulton College Equine Yard and Hydrotherapy Centre, Northampton- Yard Assistant/Groom

Jan 2016-May 2018

I carried out 80 hours of work experience here as a part of the L3 horse management course I completed. I was doing general stable duties similar to my work at the riding centre however this yard had a very high standard and required myself and the horses to be immaculately turned out at all times. I was able to assist in the hydrotherapy centre which included handling horses whilst swimming, using the water treadmill and spa as well as the weighbridge.

Witham Villa Riding Centre, Broughton Astley- Junior trainee

Dec 2011 – Nov 2015
 In this role, I was responsible for: mucking out, tacking up, turning out and bringing in horses, cleaning tack, sweeping the yard, grassland management, filling hay nets and general yard maintenance. A significant part of this role was assisting beginner riders with the horses. This included: teaching basic equine skills, ensuring their safety and leading when mounted. I gained a lot of confidence with both horses and people in this role as it was my first job.

Education:

Degrees

2019-2022

Moreton Morrell College (WCG)

Warwickshire

BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy 2:2

2018-2019

De Montfort University

Leicestershire

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science- 1st year

Secondary Education Exam                                                                                                                             2016-2018

Moulton College                                                                                                                          Northampton
Distinction, distinction, merit (DDM) – Level 3 extended diploma in Horse Management- Dressage Academy (90 Credits)

GCSE:                                                                                                                                                                2014-2016
Lutterworth College                                                                                                    Lutterworth, Leicestershire
AAA in Biology, Physics and Chemistry
BBBBBB in English, Maths, History, Business, Textiles, Religious Education

Certifications
Level 3 Small Animal Hydrotherapy (top up for veterinary physiotherapists) – Animal Courses Direct

Level 4 advanced treadmill- Animal courses Direct

Canine First Aid level 2 (VTQ)

British Horse Society (BHS) Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3

Full UK driving licence (clean)

CPD

10.02.22 Equine Kinesiology taping 7.5 Hours (practical)

16.03.24 Canine assessment palpation and treatment 7.5 hours (practical)