‘Exceptional’ winners of vet awards revealed

WINNERS of the Burgess Excel Vet Awards 2025 have been announced.

Now in their sixth year, the awards celebrate outstanding achievement, dedication and innovation across the UK’s small animal veterinary community. 

They were established in 2020 to recognise individuals and practices demonstrating exceptional commitment to the treatment and welfare of small animals.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director at Burgess Pet Care, said: “The quality of nominations we received this year was remarkable. 

"It was lovely to read all the customer testimonials. They show that for veterinary professionals, this isn’t just part of the job. Every animal is treated as if they were their own. 

"We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements through the Burgess Excel Vet Awards. Not only of the winners, but all the nominees.” 

The Rabbit Vet of the Year has been named as Sonya Miles from Highcroft Exotic Vets. One of her customers described Sonya as having ‘exceptional’ compassion and dedication to rabbits, and praised her kindness and empathy. 

Brand new for 2025 is the Guinea Pig Vet of the Year category, won by Marende De Gier of Dick Vet Rabbit and Exotic Animal Practice. 

Marende’s colleague commended her commitment to the species, noting that she even returns to practice on her days off for emergency surgeries. 

Highcroft Exotic Vets took home Guinea Pig Friendly Practice of the Year for the second year in a row. 

The winners were selected following a judging process by a panel of respected veterinary and animal welfare professionals, including returning judges Dr Suzanne Moyes, Dr John Chitty, Mary Coles and Rae Walters, alongside new judges Dr Sean Wensley, Samantha Ryan and Lucy Edwards.  

Dr John Chitty, advanced practitioner in zoological medicine, and judge of the awards, said: “The Burgess Excel Vet Awards continue to highlight how much expertise, innovation and dedication exists within our profession.

"This year’s winners exemplify best practice and demonstrate how evidence-based care can make a real difference to small animal welfare. It was hard to pick the winners among a highly competitive field.” 

The winners of each category are: 

*Rabbit Vet of the Year: Sonya Miles from Highcroft Exotic Vets. 

*Guinea Pig Vet of the Year (new for 2025): Marende De Gier from Dick Vet Rabbit and Exotic Animal Practice. 

*Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year: Courtney Marshall from The Pet Vet Nottingham. 

*Small Animal Support Staff of the Year: Ally Stevens from Highcroft Exotic Vets. 

*Rabbit Practice of the Year: Evolution Exotic Referrals. 

*Small Animal Student of the Year: Emily Buckley, a Royal Veterinary College 2025 Graduate. 

*Small Animal Campaign of the Year: Plymouth Vet Group. 

*Guinea Pig Friendly Practice of the Year: Highcroft Exotic Vets.