AWF speaks to Rebecca Schofield, who is delighted to join the AWF Board as its first veterinary nurse trustee.

Rebecca was destined for a career in animal welfare.  She was brought up surrounded by animals, which she loved taking care of.  This, coupled with an interest in biological sciences, led her to choose a veterinary nursing career. Now as a practising nurse, she still gets great satisfaction from caring for animals, particularly the direct contact with clients and patients. But Rebecca's main focus is education. "I believe the most effective tool to achieve long-term change is education" says Rebecca states. "Educating clients on preventative health care and animal wellbeing is so important to help owners provide the best life for their pets". Owner and veterinary professional education is one of AWF's key activities and something Rebecca is keen to get involved with and help develop.  "Veterinary practices know how important it is to engage pet owners in understanding why veterinary care and advice is so important", Rebecca explains, "but in a busy and unpredictable working environment it can often be a resource intensive process". AWF's range of animal welfare advice leaflets, available to download and order in hard copy for free, are designed to address this need for high quality advice in an easily accessible format. "That's my goal" Rebecca says, "all pet owners having a good level of knowledge and understanding about animal health, welfare and husbandry". Rebecca explains why it is vital for veterinary nurses to be represented in organisations such as AWF. "Veterinary nurses play a key role in improving animal welfare. By getting their perspective on animal welfare issues and using their insights to guide AWF's work not only can we improve our activities but we can also engage a wider audience". Rebecca currently works as a veterinary nurse for PDSA. She will be officially appointed to the AWF Board of Trustees on 6th June.