Meet the Bowland Vets Team
Our Vets
Dr Sian Smith
BVetMed PGCert SAOphthal MRCVS
From the age of three I always knew I wanted to be a vet, and in 2004 I moved from my home city Liverpool to study Veterinary Medicine at The Royal Veterinary College, London. Following my graduation I relocated to The Ribble Valley in 2009 and although I may not have mastered the Lancashire accent yet, I am very proud to call this beautiful area my home. I enjoy all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery but have a special interest in ophthalmology after gaining my post graduate certificate in 2020.
At home my husband and I are kept on our toes with our three young children, our Labrador Ember; Ron,Sirius and Custard our mischevious cats and Harry our leopard gecko!
Dr Claire Batty
BVSc BSc CertAVP MRCVS
I graduated from Liverpool University in 2005. Following a three-year jaunt in Cheshire doing mixed practice I decided to return back home to the Ribble Valley to join a large mixed practice in the area. I worked through the team and eventually became director of the practice. I quickly moved over to the Small Animal side of the practice and achieved a certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Surgery. I enjoy all aspects of Veterinary Medicine and believe that client care is key to a successful practice. Aspects of the role I particularly enjoy is surgery of any description especially orthopaedics.
In my spare time I can be found running around after the family and various animals. I have two horses which keep me busy and enjoy walking in the local countryside.
Dr Claire Donaldson-Weaver
BVSc MRCVS
After graduating from Liverpool University in 2018 I have worked in a Small Animal Veterinary practice, with my particular interests being skin disease and management of osteoarthritis in elderly patients. Although I do like surgery my passion is consulting,as I love meeting new pets and their owners.
In my spare time I enjoy walking my Border Collie Tig, spending time with my young daughter and catching up with friends.
I look forward to working with Claire and Sian and maybe learning a thing or two from them along the way!
Dr Charlotte Ball
BVM BVS MRCVS
I graduated from the University of Nottingham in summer 2021. From here I moved back to my roots in Devon, where I worked in a rural mixed practice. I spent my time here treating ‘all creatures great and small.’
After 2.5 years I moved to the midlands to pursue a rotating internship at Willows Veterinary Referral Centre. During my time here I worked alongside specialists seeing the referral work they do whilst developing my emergency critical care skills in a busy out of hours service.
In January 2025 my fiancé and I moved to his native Yorkshire. I have a particular interest in diagnostic imaging and have a soft spot for all feline patients.
In my spare time I enjoy travelling all over the world, running and spending time with my cat Albert and my horse Jingo.
Dr Lucy Clarkson
BVetMed BSc(Hons) MRCVS
I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2020 after studying a BSc degree in Bio-Veterinary Sciences. I have a love for surgery but really enjoy the consulting aspect of being a vet, as I get to truly know both my clients and patients and build relationships. I particularly enjoy pain management and ensuring our golden-oldies age with grace. I’m looking forward to working with the team at Bowland Vets and learn from their experience.
Outside of work I have a naughty Lakeland-cross terrier, Connie, that keeps me on my toes! Long days hiking, gym classes, baking and trying new sports takes up a lot of my time!
Looking forward to meeting you all
Our Nurses
Nicole Harvey
Registered Veterinary Nurse
I’ve worked in the veterinary industry for 6 years and officially qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse with a BSc Honours degree in 2022. I enjoy working in all areas of practice from seeing your pets in consultations for vaccinations and nail clips, to monitoring them whilst they are having surgery under a general anaesthetic.
Outside of work I spend my spare time walking my rescue dog Stanley the pug and Labrador Betsy, plus competing with my horse. I look forward to meeting all the new faces that come through our door at Bowland vets and giving you a warm welcome to our practice!
Mandy Pilkington
Registered Veterinary Nurse
I have a grade 3 diploma in Veterinary nursing and seventeen years experience in Veterinary practice.
Previously I have worked in a large animal mixed practice as a head nurse, performing clinical and surgical nursing as well as training student nurses before taking a career break to bring up my three children.
I returned to practice in 2022 and I am thrilled to be back!
I am looking forward to meeting you and your pets, and providing them with the ✴️✴️✴️✴️✴️ service they deserve .
In my spare time I compete at British show jumping competitions with my two horses, and help my husband on our farm in Gisburn
Becky Lingard
Registered Veterinary Nurse
I have been working in veterinary practice since the age of 18 and achieved my Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2022. Since qualifying, I have gained experience in both GP and referral settings, developing a particular interest in medicine and critical care.
Outside of work, I’m kept busy by my three sausage dogs — Penny, Big Mabel and Little Mabel. Some may call me crazy, but anyone who knows dachshunds will understand how easy it is to fall in love with these stubborn little characters. I also love to play football, enjoy going to the gym, and will happily get involved in almost any sport.
I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting many lovely clients and their animals, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the practice continue to grow.
Lauren Morris
Registered Veterinary Nurse
I have always had a passion for animals, even though life led me on a few different career paths first. This included working with horses, setting up and running stack flexo-printing presses in a bag production factory, and a spell of warehousing work. I knew that my lifes goal was to work with animals, and so at the age of 23 I became a veterinary care assistant, qualifying as a veterinary nurse by 29 and finding my real purpose in life.
Since joining Bowland Vets in April 2025, I have met many lovely clients and really enjoy working with such a passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable team, who always put so much time and effort into their client and staff needs.
At home, I have a young Rottweiler, Lilly, three cats called Poppy, Simba and Ricky, two of which I rescued. I also have my horse Fanta, who is an appaloosa crossed drum horse, and I absolutely love everything outdoorsy.
Ian Shoreman
Registered Veterinary Nurse
I’ve been in the veterinary industry for over 23 years and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2007. I’ve worn many hats along the way, including spending the latter six years as a Practice Manager in Manchester.
I’m now back in a hands-on nursing role at Bowland Vets, where I am enjoying every aspect of the job — and the team here have been so welcoming.
We’re all passionate about delivering gold-standard patient care while making sure every client and patient enjoys a great customer journey too.
When I’m not in clinic, you’ll usually find me outdoors, catching up with friends and family, or with my two dogs, Bee and Nell, never far away.
Our Student Nurses
Caitlin
SVN
I’ve had a passion for animals my whole life, and I knew from the age of 4 that I wanted to become a veterinary nurse. After achieving my Animal Management Level 3, I am now a student veterinary nurse, working hard towards becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse. I’m truly grateful to be part of an amazing practice where we provide the best care and cuddles for your fur babies.
At home, I’m kept busy with my crazy Cockapoo, Amber, and my cheeky cat, Gizmo. They’re always up to something, and their antics remind me daily of the joy animals bring into our lives.
I can’t wait to welcome you and your pets to the practice, offering lots of love and care along the way!
Mairi
SVN
I have 6 years experience working as an Animal Nursing Assistant. After some time out to be a stay at home mum and then a change of career as a teaching assistant, I decided to come back to what I love.
I am currently studying through Myerscough college towards a foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing and am enjoying my placement at Bowland Vets. One of my favourite parts of the role is getting to know clients and their lovely pets.
I enjoy exploring new places and going for long walks in the countryside with my family and our dog, Lyra.
Lexi
SVN
I am a second-year student veterinary nurse (SVN), studying at Myerscough College. I have a passion for all animals, large or small. Coming from a farming background I have developed a good understanding of animal welfare, and what comes with caring for animals. I am now applying this in my day-to-day role as an SVN. I take much pride in being reliable and calm under pressure. I am proud to be a part of an amazing team at Bowland Vets and cannot wait to welcome you to our practice along with your furry friends!
Our Animal Care Assistants
Sarah
Level 2 Animal care and welfare assistant
Hi, I’m Sarah. I have a passion for animals and have worked with them for many years. I am hoping to become further qualified in the veterinary field. I look forward to meeting you and your pets!
At home, I have a newly adopted cat and a Lhasa Apso named Teddy who is co-shared with my Parents! In my spare time I enjoy yoga, walking and reading.
Practice Administrator
Isabelle
Practice Administrator
I originally started at Bowland Vets as maternity cover for our lovely Sophie back in 2024. I was over the moon when Sian and Claire asked if I would like to stay on full time and I am now the Practice Administrator. I assist our customer’s with their insurance claims and queries; and help Claire and Sian keep the practice running as smoothly as possible from behind the scenes. I am yet to find the little dog of my dreams but I do hope to soon so that my partner and I can enjoy pub walks with a glass of fizz waiting at the end!
Our Client Care Advisors
Sophie
From as young as I can remember I have loved the great outdoors and exploring with our family dogs in the beautiful Ribble Valley.
Eager to explore more of the world, I studied Travel Management. I have been lucky enough to work with Husky’s and Reindeer in Lapland, and travel to some amazing places. Then Covid hit and travel came to a standstill. I took this opportunity to start a new chapter and never looked back.
My husband and I share our home with our little cat Jess and rescue border collie Tara. Most of my time is spent with Tara exploring the gorgeous county side.
Zoe
Since graduating from university I have gained over 12 years experience providing customer service in a variety of settings which I thoroughly enjoy. I have always loved all animals, and growing up lived with a variety of pets. I also have a passion for wild hedgehogs and over the last six years I have had regular nightly visitors to my garden and try to educate and promote their welfare wherever possible. In my spare time I enjoy travelling and spending time with my husband and our little rescue cat Sabrina.
Catherine
With over 20 years customer service experience my transition in to the Veterinary industry happened when my previous employer retired. This lead to me to seeking and exciting and fulfilling opportunity in the field of Veterinary care. Beyond my professional life I have a passion for rescue cats.
I live with my husband and two cats, or should I say we live with them…. Jasmine an all black cat that nobody wanted due to her colour, and Buster who we found living feral at Castle Cement.
When I’m not assisting our customers or helping furry friends in need, you can often find me cycling through the local countryside or working up a sweat in the gym.
I am very proud to be a part of our dedicated team here at Bowland Vets and shall look forward to welcoming you through our doors.
Rachel
My background is in dog training having worked for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association for 30 years as a Guide Dog trainer and a staff and volunteer trainer.
After leaving Guide Dogs, I joined the veterinary industry in 2018 as a Client Care Advisor, predominantly working in emergency 24hr hospitals in Manchester. Having recently moved to the Ribble Valley area I wanted to reduce my commute and have been lucky enough to be successfully recruited by Sian and Claire to join the lovely team at Bowland and I couldn’t be happier.
I live at home with my husband, Brian and our two rescue cats, Kevin and Friday. I am an avid lover of Border Terriers having had two special boys Sarge and Dylan, who are both now running around, united again at Rainbow Bridge.
I’m so excited to join the amazing team at Bowland Vets and I am looking forward to meeting lots of new pets and their owners.