Championing Dog Wellbeing at United Partners

Hello! I’m Katrina Ayling, United Partners Dog Wellbeing Consultant, I’m so pleased to be joining the team and am looking forward to an exciting new way of working with schools around the world. With over 21 years in the animal health and welfare field, I’m passionate about supporting the physical and emotional wellbeing of dogs. My career has taken me through a range of roles, from hands-on animal care to management and welfare advocacy, and I’m excited to bring my skills to the team here at United Partners.

My Journey in Animal Welfare

My career in animal health and welfare began with a BSc (Hons) in Animal Sciences from Portsmouth University, where I built the foundation for what has been a truly rewarding journey. Since then, I’ve had the privilege to work in some inspiring roles:

• Blue Cross: I began my career at Blue Cross, where I cared for the dogs, cats, and rabbits at the rehoming centre, managed the veterinary clinic, and delivered training to new rehomers. I also recruited and managed an incredible team of 120 volunteers. I loved supporting their development and working alongside them to help animals find loving homes.

• Hampshire Trading Standards: I later joined Hampshire Trading Standards as an Animal Health and Welfare Officer. My role involved inspecting farms, equine facilities, and performing animal premises to ensure health and welfare standards were met. I specialized in prosecuting illegal puppy trade cases, collaborating with government veterinarians, RSPCA officers, and police to tackle welfare issues. This role taught me a great deal about working with legislation, biosecurity measures, and health investigations—all critical aspects of protecting animal wellbeing.

• Guide Dogs: For the last decade, I served as Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist at Guide Dogs UK, where I helped develop internal welfare standards and assessment criteria. I set up a veterinary service, created enrichment plans for dogs in training, and managed the health and wellbeing of dogs across the South region. One of my favourite aspects was working on a two-year trial to develop a quantitative welfare assessment tool. It was an incredible opportunity to bring science and compassion together to further enhance dog wellbeing. More of that to come!

  
  

  

  
  

  My Approach to Wellbeing

• Empowering Teams: I’m a big believer in supporting staff and volunteers to grow their skills and feel confident in their roles. I strive to develop people’s knowledge and skills, creating a team that’s as passionate about animal welfare as I am.

• Working with Veterinary Teams: I’ve worked closely with veterinary professionals to establish service agreements, conduct health assessments, and manage complex cases. This experience helps me ensure that the care provided to dogs is of the highest quality.

• Animal Welfare Assessment: From rehoming centers to assistance dog training facilities, I’ve assessed animal welfare in diverse settings. Each dog has unique needs, and I’m committed to understanding and meeting those needs wherever they are.

• Clear Communication: I love the challenge of breaking down complex health information so it’s clear and accessible to anyone who needs it, from dog owners to team members and partners. I find joy in making sure everyone has the information they need to support animal welfare.

  
  

Excited to Be Part of United Partners Ltd

I’m delighted to be part of United Partners and look forward to bringing my experience to support the wellbeing of dogs and their human companions. It’s inspiring to work alongside such a dedicated team, and I’m excited to help make a positive impact on the lives of assistance dogs, guide dogs, and the organizations that care for them.

Thank you for the warm welcome. I can’t wait to get started!