The practice manager of a Weymouth vets was ‘shocked’ to find out she had been shortlisted for a prestigious veterinary award.

Johanna Moore, 46, of Dave Cumber Vets in Weymouth, has been named as a finalist for Practice Manager of the Year in the prestigious 2024 Petplan Veterinary Awards.

The practice manager has spent her career working in the veterinary world and is delighted to have made the final three this year.

She said: “I was pretty shocked initially – I asked the people at Petplan if they had counted the nominations properly.

“I am really pleased and honoured but it’s not possible without the great team around me and their support and the good job they do.”

Now in its 25th year, these awards recognise the nation’s most outstanding veterinary professionals and practices for their hard work and dedication.

Over 38,000 nominations were submitted by pet owners and veterinary professionals in recognition of nominees’ commitment and dedication to going above and beyond when it comes to the health of the nation’s pets.

Johanna added: “I know that this year it was the most nominations they have ever had – it was pretty impressive.

“I am quite luckily to be in the position that I am in to make changes, and it has increased morale and inspired the staff to make further positive changes.

“It has been hard at times, we’ve gone from a management team of four, to just myself, but it’s been really good.

“I’ve worked in other areas of the veterinary world and it has helped me understand how other staff do their roles.

“I love the role and the practice and the team and have lots of goals – who knows what the future will bring.”

The independent judging panel included representatives from across the industry who had a tough job selecting just three finalists.

Bella Von Mesterhazy, trading director at Petplan added: “Our judges had their work cut out this year as the calibre of nominations was outstanding.

“We’re delighted that as we celebrate the 25th year of these awards, the number of nominations received has been the highest ever with a huge number of pet owners keen to share their fantastic experiences in vet practices across the UK.

"We’re incredibly excited to come together with the finalists in Manchester this year to thank them for their fantastic efforts and applaud the winners.“

For further information on the awards and to follow the finalists’ progress visit https://www.petplan.co.uk/about-petplan/vets/