Saturday 8th March 2025 marks International Women’s Day - a day to recognise the incredible contributions of women worldwide and to continue pushing for gender equality.
While the foundations were laid in 1908 and the first official International Women’s Day was recognised as early as 1913, it wasn’t until 1975 when the United Nations marked the day for the first time.
In the 100+ years that have passed since the first International Women’s Day, a lot of progress has been made in the fight for gender equality - but we still have a long way to go. In fact, according to research by pensions and reward company, Isio, it will take another 40 years to close the Gender Pay Gap in the UK at the current rate of improvement.
So, this International Women’s Day, I wanted to mark the occasion by highlighting 6 women who have inspired me on my Diary of a Dog Mum journey - each with their own specialism in the vet, pet, and animal health industry.
From veterinary professionals to content creators, educators, and business leaders, these women are paving the way for a better, more informed, and more compassionate industry for pet parents and professionals alike.
So, without further ado, let’s meet four women to watch in 2025!
Dr. Annika Bremhorst - Canine Research Scientist & Founder at Dogs and Science
An award-winning canine scientist and postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Annika Bremhorst has gained recognition for her specialised research in canine science. Her groundbreaking work focuses on the intricate relationships between animal behaviour, emotion, and welfare - offering invaluable insights into how our dogs think, feel, and communicate.
One of Annika’s most notable contributions is her innovative approach to studying dogs’ facial and body expressions as quantifiable markers of emotions and pain, contributing methodological innovations in the field.
Alongside her research, she plays a key role as a guest editor for the research topic article collection Artificial Intelligence in Animal Behaviour, Veterinary Behaviour and Neurology for Frontiers in Veterinary Science, as well as reviewing for several esteemed academic journals.
Beyond academia, Annika co-founded Dogs and Science in January 2022 - a company dedicated to bridging the gap between research, science communication, and practical consultation. Through this initiative, she continues to champion dog welfare and education, ensuring that cutting-edge research translates into real-world impact.
I first discovered Annika’s work through National Geographic’s The Genius of Dogs edition and was instantly captivated by the world of canine psychology and behaviour. As a true academic and leading force in decoding dog behaviour and body language, her work is shaping the way we understand and care for our dogs - and it’a a real honour to have her join me for this International Women’s Day special.
Can you tell me a little bit about your work?
“I am a canine scientist and postdoc working at the University of Bern, science communicator, and professional dog behaviour consultant, dedicated to bridging the gap between research and practical applications in the dog world.
My work focuses on making high-quality, science-backed knowledge accessible to dog guardians, trainers and behaviour consultants, and veterinarians.
Through Dogs and Science, I aim to connect scientific discoveries with real-life training and welfare practices, ensuring that research benefits both dogs and the people who care for them.”
What inspired you to start Dogs and Science?
“As both a scientist and a professional dog behaviour consultant, I’ve always been passionate about connecting these two worlds.
Too often, scientific findings remain trapped in academic circles, while dog trainers and owners rely on information that may not always be evidence-based. Dogs and Science was born from my mission to change that - to make research accessible, practical, and directly applicable to improve the lives of dogs and their humans.
I dreamed of this for years, and now I am realising it.”
What achievement are you most proud of in your career?
“I am incredibly proud of the career I have built - bringing together research and practice to make a real impact on dog welfare. Supervising many talented students, seeing the growing interest in my research, and having people genuinely eager to learn about dog science is deeply rewarding. I’ve always dreamed of making a small contribution to improving the world, and every step in this journey brings me closer to that goal.
I am also honoured to have received research awards, such as the Early Career Scientist Award at the Canine Science Forum and a Recognition Award from the Albert Heim Foundation in Switzerland, which supports dog research. These acknowledgments reinforce my belief that bridging science and practice is valuable.
And beyond all professional achievements, I am proud of being a mother of two wonderful boys and my wonderful dog Rosi while pursuing this passion - juggling all these roles is one of my greatest accomplishments.”
Have you faced any challenges as a woman in this industry? If so, how did you overcome them?
“Yes, I have faced challenges, from being underestimated in scientific settings to balancing a demanding career with motherhood. The pet and veterinary industry has many women, but leadership positions and scientific fields can still be male-dominated. I overcame these challenges by staying persistent, proving my expertise through my work, and building a strong network of supportive colleagues and mentors. I also remind myself that I don’t have to choose between being a scientist, an entrepreneur, or a mother - I can be all three.
That said, I don’t believe that women need to “keep up” with men - unless they want to. Women should have the choice to pursue a high-level career, prioritise their family, or find a balance that works for them. There is no single definition of success. I deeply value my time with my family and would never give it up. My family is the most important part of my life, and I am incredibly grateful that I can also have the career I dreamed of. This has been possible because of my amazing network, my mentors, and the flexibility I’ve built into my work through Dogs and Science. It has allowed me to shape a career that aligns with both my professional goals and my personal life.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with many incredible men and women. I have been fortunate to have strong female role models, such as Prof. Julia Fischer, my first professor, who was both a brilliant scientist and a wonderful person. I also work closely with Prof. Anna Zamansky and Prof. Claudia Spadavecchia, two exceptional women who have not only shaped my scientific path but also share the experience of balancing a career and family life. We understand how challenging it can be, and while we value the freedom to work in a way that fits our lives, we are also deeply passionate about our work. That passion drives us to work hard, push boundaries, and make a difference in our field.”
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter the pet/vet/animal health industry?
“Follow your passion, trust in your knowledge, and never let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong. Build a strong network of mentors and allies, stay curious, and always seek opportunities to grow. Most importantly, remember that you don’t have to fit into a predefined path. Whether you want to pursue a high-powered career, focus on your family, or find a balance between the two - it should be your choice.”
What changes would you like to see in the industry (or workplaces in general) to better support women?
“I’d love to see more support for work-life balance, especially for parents. The expectation to choose between career advancement and family life is outdated. More flexible career paths, better parental leave policies, and true equality in leadership opportunities would make a huge difference. Women should not have to work harder to prove themselves - we should be recognised for our skills, expertise, and contributions just as we are.”
Find out more about Annika’s work and keep up-to-date with her latest news using the links below:
Website: www.dogsandscience.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogs.and.science
Dr. Joanna Woodnutt BVM BVS MRCVS - Founder at Petlearnia
After beginning her career as a vet, Dr. Joanna Woodnutt quickly discovered her love for writing and launched The Veterinary Content Company in 2020. Within four years, she successfully built a global network of over 20 freelance vet writers and now she’s on a new mission - educating pet owners through accessible, expert-led e-learning.
In 2024, she founded Petlearnia, an innovative platform offering affordable online courses to help pet parents make informed decisions about their pets’ health. From advice on neutering and spaying to information on common illnesses in cats and dogs, Petlearnia aims to bridge the knowledge gap between vets and pet owners - with courses starting from as little as £10.
It was Joanna’s passion for educating pet owners that first inspired me to reach out on LinkedIn, and I’m thrilled to have her join me for this International Women’s Day special, sharing more about Petlearnia’s mission and future plans.
Can you tell me a little bit about your work?
“I’m a vet, but I don’t help people from a consult room anymore - I now help people through my writing. Sometimes, this is writing blogs about pet health for food companies, or training vets with pharmaceutical companies. But mostly, I create e-learning courses for pet owners who are passionate about pet health.”
What inspired you to start Petlearnia?
“I realised that vets aren’t very good at explaining diseases to pet owners, and even when they are there isn’t time, the cat is trying to escape, a dog’s barking - it’s a very distracting environment. Then pet owners go home and they search the internet - they’re at the mercy of how accurate and up-to-date Google’s results are, and it’s just pot luck. Vets then find it frustrating when well-meaning owners come in with a load of incorrect information that they have to re-explain, and as a system it can be really damaging to pet health.
Petlearnia is designed as a way to remove this risk and let vets direct owners to safer information. I believe that all pet owners should have access to information to make themselves partners in their pet’s care. An informed owner can help to choose what’s right for their pet, not just the ‘gold standard’ care.”
What achievement are you most proud of in your career?
“That’s a really tough one. Obviously graduating from veterinary school has got to be high on the list.
Having my daughter isn’t really part of my career, but I have to say I’m also very proud of having her, and of building my business and freelance career, managing to keep it going while breastfeeding and caring for her, and then building Petlearnia while sleep-deprived and managing everything else.
It feels like a perpetual juggling act, but when I look back I feel proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Have you faced any challenges as a woman in this industry? If so, how did you overcome them?
“As a vet, definitely. In my first year at vet school, a farmer told me he wouldn’t let me do his placement with him unless I could prove my physical strength first - by lifting a concrete block above my head.
Luckily, when it came to it his farming friends told him to give me a chance, girl vets ‘aren’t too bad’. That still prickles to this day, and I do think it was part of the reason I didn’t go for mixed vet work - I didn’t want to have to prove myself capable on a daily basis.”
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter the pet/vet/animal health industry?
“Firstly, don’t be put off by my experiences with farmers. Women now make up over 60% of the vet workforce, and that’s increasing rapidly as the older generation retire. Farmers these days are well used to women vets. That said, you’ll still meet obstacles - find a role model who can help you fight them.
And another thing - just because you graduate as a vet doesn’t mean you have to stay in practice. There are loads of us vets building ‘squiggly careers’ that suit us - if the job you want isn’t out there, you could build it!”
What changes would you like to see in the industry (or workplaces in general) to better support women?
“One of my major issues with support for women in the veterinary industry is with our regulator - the RCVS.
RCVS fees are huge, and they don’t get reduced for maternity leave. But there’s a fee to temporarily come off the register and re-apply. So women are forced to pay to stay on the register even when they aren’t working, or forced to drop their MRCVS status and pay again, which can be a barrier to starting work again. I’d really like to see that change, so that women can more easily pause their careers to have families.
And, as an avid supporter of breastfeeding, I’d love conferences, courses, and events to support working mothers by allowing very young children to attend and providing breakout rooms for breastfeeding mothers. We may not be able to do an operation with a baby at the breast, but there’s no reason we can’t use the time to become better at our careers.”
Find out more about Joanna’s work and keep up-to-date with her latest news using the links below:
Website: www.petlearnia.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/petlearnia
Dr. Katie Ford MRCVS - Founder at Vet Empowered
An experienced small animal veterinary surgeon, Dr. Katie Ford has dedicated her career to improving the wellbeing of veterinary professionals.
After graduating from Liverpool University in 2012, she earned her RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Internal Medicine in 2017. But it was her personal experiences with imposter syndrome and self-doubt that led her to pivot into coaching and personal development within the veterinary industry.
Now a qualified coach trained in multiple modalities, including Somatic Trauma-Informed Coaching and a Masters Degree in Emotional Wellbeing, Katie has become a leading voice in mental wellbeing, resilience, and mindset coaching for vets.
In 2020, she co-founded Vet Empowered, offering group coaching and personal development resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by veterinary professionals.
It was through Vet Empowered and Katie’s authentic, personal content on LinkedIn that I first discovered her work, and I’m honoured to feature her in this special International Women’s Day edition.
Can you tell me a little bit about your work?
“I help people to remember who they really are; valuable, unique, one off human beings. I help others to create an authentic life that ditches societal ‘shoulds’ and aligns with what they want, whilst remembering they are human along the way. I do that through speaking, coaching and via Vet Empowered.”
What inspired you to start Vet Empowered?
“Vet Empowered grew from a realisation that there was something powerful waiting to happen beyond my one-on-one coaching work in the veterinary field.
I saw how many vets were experiencing similar doubts and uncertainties as they navigated their careers, and I knew there was immense value in bringing these individuals together. But something was missing from the vision - until Claire Grigson entered the picture. When she reached out in 2020 as a fellow small animal vet and newly qualified coach seeking mentorship, our initial Zoom call turned into hours of energised conversation. The alignment in our values and approach was immediate and striking.
What started as my agreeing to mentor Claire quickly evolved into something bigger - within hours of that first call, I found myself asking if she'd be interested in co-creating a group program. That moment of connection was the catalyst that brought Vet Empowered to life.”
What achievement are you most proud of in your career?
“I’m most proud that I live a life aligned with my values, and how I strive to treat everyone (including myself) with compassion. The RCVS Inspiration Award was of course a proud moment too.”
Have you faced any challenges as a woman in this industry? If so, how did you overcome them?
“Early in my veterinary career, I encountered the subtle yet persistent challenges of gender bias. Being called a "clever little girl" or facing skepticism about my capabilities with questions like "are you old enough to be a vet?" were common occurrences. As a new graduate, I chose to let these comments slide, focusing instead on what I could control - my expertise and the quality of care I provided. While I might handle such situations more directly today, that early experience taught me valuable lessons about owning my professional worth and standing firm in my capabilities.
Beyond the professional challenges, I've also navigated the personal impact of women's health issues, particularly endometriosis. This experience has highlighted a different kind of challenge in our industry - managing a career while dealing with chronic health conditions that disproportionately affect women. It's brought into sharp focus the importance of workplaces that understand and accommodate these realities of women's lives.”
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter the pet/vet/animal health industry?
“Don't let the 'icky' reputation of networking hold you back - at its heart, it's simply about making genuine connections through curiosity and conversation.
The animal health industry is full of passionate people who are often delighted to share their journey and insights. My advice is to be brave and reach out, but do so with intention. Ask thoughtful questions about people's stories and experiences. You'll find that many professionals are genuinely happy to gift you their time and knowledge if you approach them with authentic interest.
Remember, every meaningful connection started with someone daring to start a conversation.”
What changes would you like to see in the industry (or workplaces in general) to better support women?
“There’s a lot of talk about equality, but really I think we need equity. It’s not about treating everyone the same way, it’s about embracing our differences and providing support to ensure we all have an equal chance at success. Take menstruation, for example - some women experience debilitating pain or fatigue during certain times of their cycle, but they're expected to power through with the same 9-5 schedule as everyone else.
True equity isn't about giving everyone identical treatment; it's about creating workplaces that recognise our natural differences while ensuring everyone has the same opportunities to succeed. For women, this means acknowledging that we're cyclical beings with distinct needs and rhythms, and adapting workplace policies to work with our biology, not against it.
When we embrace these differences instead of trying to fit everyone into the same box, that's when we'll see real equality take shape.”
Find out more about Katie’s work and keep up-to-date with her latest news using the links below:
Website: www.katiefordvet.com / www.vetempowered.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vetempowered
Marie Carter-Robb - Publisher & Editor at Pets Magazine
An award-winning freelance writer with over 20 years of experience, Marie Carter-Robb has contributed to some of the UK’s most prestigious publications, including The Independent and The Guardian.
Her expertise spans pets, lifestyle, travel, fitness, and technology, but in 2015, she decided to carve out a niche of her own - launching Pets Magazine, now the world’s leading digital lifestyle magazine for pet owners, with a readership of over 24,000.
Marie and I first connected on LinkedIn in October 2024, and just two months later, she featured my article, How to Do the Puppy Blues, in the December 2024 edition of Pets Magazine - laying foundations for Diary of a Dog Mum as it exists today.
Getting to know Marie over the last few months has been an absolute pleasure, and I’m delighted to have her join me for this International Women’s Day special.
Can you tell me a little bit about your work?
“I’m a journalist, editor, and PR professional with over 20 years of experience, specialising in national media coverage. I run Pets Magazine, a leading digital publication that bridges the gap between pet lovers and the latest industry insights, from animal health to responsible ownership.
Alongside editorial work, I provide strategic PR services to help brands gain meaningful exposure. My work is a balance of storytelling, advocacy, and business strategy, all fuelled by a lifelong passion for animals.”
What inspired you to start Pets Magazine?
“When I launched Pets Magazine, there was a noticeable gap in the market - most pet publications focused either on lighthearted content or industry-specific veterinary news. I wanted to create something that combined quality journalism with the deep emotional connection people share with their pets. My background in journalism and PR, paired with my love for animals, made it a natural fit.”
What achievement are you most proud of in your career?
“Securing national media coverage for clients is always a highlight, but I’m particularly proud of Pets Magazine’s impact. It has become a respected voice in the pet industry, influencing discussions on animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and even policy changes.
On a personal level, building a business from the ground up while maintaining editorial integrity is something I take great pride in.”
Have you faced any challenges as a woman in this industry? If so, how did you overcome them?
“Absolutely. Media and publishing, like many industries, can be male-dominated at senior levels, and I’ve had to fight for recognition in certain spaces. In PR, there’s sometimes an assumption that women should handle the ‘soft’ stories, which can be frustrating. The best way to overcome these challenges has been to let my work speak for itself - results, credibility, and resilience go a long way.”
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter the pet/vet/animal health industry?
“Find your niche and own it. Whether you’re a journalist, vet, trainer, or business owner, being knowledgeable and confident in your area is key. Surround yourself with supportive networks, don’t undersell yourself, and don’t be afraid to take up space. The industry needs more strong female voices.”
What changes would you like to see in the industry (or workplaces in general) to better support women?
“Flexibility. Many women juggle multiple responsibilities, and workplaces should reflect that without penalising them. More representation at senior levels is also crucial; there are so many brilliant women in the pet and veterinary sectors, but leadership roles still tend to be male-dominated.”
Find out more about Marie’s work and keep up-to-date with her latest news using the links below:
Website: www.petsmag.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pets_mag
Facebook: www.facebook.com/petsmag.co.uk
Final Thoughts: Celebrating the Women Paving the Way
The pet, vet, and animal health industry wouldn’t be where it is today without the dedication, resilience, and passion of the incredible women working within it. From pioneering veterinary professionals to innovative researchers, educators, and content creators, these women are shaping the future of how we care for and connect with our fur babies.
Their journeys prove that success isn’t just about titles or accolades - it’s about making a difference. Whether they’re helping pet owners make informed decisions, supporting veterinary professionals through mental health initiatives, or creating platforms to educate and empower, each of these women is leaving an undeniable mark on the industry.
But while we celebrate how far we’ve come, it’s important to recognise that the fight for gender equality is far from over. Progress takes time, and real change happens when we champion, support, and uplift each other - not just on International Women’s Day, but every single day.
So, here’s to the women leading the way, the women lifting others up, and the women shaping a brighter future for both humans and animals alike.
A massive thank you to Dr. Annika Bremhorst, Dr. Katie Ford, Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, and Marie Carter-Robb for agreeing to participate in this blog.
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