The Team
All our permanent team have completed Animal Management courses, while also having a wealth of practical experience. We have also all completed animal first aid courses.
Hannah(owner)
Hello, my family and I arrived at west Burton in march 2019. It has been an amazing process developing this already wonderful place into the a boarding facility for dogs, that incorporates my believes in positive animal management. I wanted to build a boarding facility where the animals could be fulfilled, by offering them activities and enrichment. And a free roaming approach for the dogs with hours outside mixing and playing with friends. Human contact is also very import for our guests, so staff provide one on one time as much as possible with the animals. I have always loved animals and as a young girl I had a job at a kennel and a children’s farm. My passion grew, I knew that I wanted to work with animals. I subsequently studied and gained a HND in Animal management back in 1998. This landed me my dream job at a primate recuser centre. I was there for 15 years, working as part of the keeper team and also holding a team leader and management role. It was an amazing time, and it was where I learnt a lot of my skills and positive reinforcement training. I also have always had a dog by my side and a cat on my sofa, so I completely understand that pets are our family and should be treated as such.
Charlotte(Kennel Manager)
From an early age I knew I’d work with animals, being surrounded by so many it was clear to see the love I developed for all breeds. I am extremely passionate about promoting animal welfare. Therefore as soon as I could leave school, I studied for a diploma in animal welfare at Kingston maurward college. This was an agricultural pathway, covering all domestic animals farm animals and equines. Loving this I went on to do an apprenticeship at the animal park. Taking students for practicals as well as being lucky enough to work with a huge variety of animals. Including Harris hawks, barn owls and eagle owls. Along side building a career in animals, my other passion is my horses!! Having this hobby from an early age it was natural progression to end up working with them! I enjoyed a lovely 3 years at my local saddle club. Here I competed BHS qualifications including a teaching exam as well as the day to day tasks of a groom. While working here at the yard, there was a huge canine presence, all being clients, staff and livery’s dogs, this is where my passion for our smaller four legged friends developed. When I saw an availability to work at WBK I knew this is where I could bring my passion to life and pride myself on the one to one care of the animals and make them feel comfortable and loved during their stay! For the past few years I have worked here, at the wonderful West Burton kennels & cattery. Where I thoroughly enjoy every moment. To see all the animals enjoying a relaxing and comfortable stay, including the more nervous dogs/cats come out of their shell, bond with us, trust us, it is so rewarding. I look forward to seeing returning furry friends as well as meeting new!
Ruth
I studied at college for a national diploma in equine management, but decided I would like to work with slightly smaller animals when it came to finding work after receiving her qualifications. I have a background in canine rescue and spent years successfully aiding in the rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs at a local charity to new forever homes, including my own! I then went on to become senior coach with a nationwide dog charity, doing classes around the Dorset, Hampshire and Surrey areas using positive, force free methods, because she knows how much everyone prefers to work for a reward! I came to work at West Burton Kennels and Cattery in June 2019 and have enjoyed contributing to the positive enriching manner in which west Burton is run. I have qualifications in dog grooming and has studied canine psychology and first aid for pets. I enjoy researching enrichment and sensory gardens in my spare time, and enjoy spending time with my 3 dogs.
Rusty & Skipper
Finally the most important members of our team Rusty and Skipper, Both of them sharing an almost uncanny insight into animal behaviour, Skipper is the newest member of the team and looks to big bro for guidance only hoping he too can reach the level of excellence Rusty has demonstrated over many years. Rusty is always on hand to guide new and nervous dogs into the group, ensuring a happy and harmonious playtime. They are also both sticklers when it comes to hygiene and happily cleaning up any food spills.
Click map
West Burton farmhouse
Winfrith Newburgh
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 8DD