Carly Thornton

Carly Thornton is Associate Head of Department in Veterinary Nursing at Hartpury University, where she also serves as a lecturer and academic tutor. She earned her BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing Science from the University of the West of England (UWE), followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and an MSc in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling from the University of Southampton. She has been with Hartpury since 2008, progressing to leadership roles in the Department of Veterinary Nursing.

Education:

• BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing Science, University of the West of England (UWE), awarded 1 June 2007
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education, University of the West of England (UWE)
• MSc in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling, University of Southampton, awarded 1 May 2014

Her research interests focus on veterinary nurse education and clinical animal behaviour, with projects exploring primate reproductive behaviour and human attitudes toward dog breeds. Her scholarly work emphasizes improving client understanding of veterinary emergencies and enhancing quality of life for cats with chronic kidney disease.

Her two peer-reviewed articles from 2017 reflect her dual focus on clinical practice and patient welfare. One examines how owners perceive veterinary emergencies, while the other addresses supportive care strategies for feline chronic kidney disease. These works highlight her commitment to evidence-based veterinary nursing and client education.

Professional Memberships and Service:

• Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN), registration #6333676, since 30 May 2008
• Committee Member and Treasurer, Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)
• Member of Veterinary Liaison Sub-Committee, APBC
• External Examiner, Royal Veterinary College (RVC), 2023–2026
• Reviewer, RCVS Academy (digital learning platform)

She has supervised undergraduate dissertations and serves as a Level 6 Academic Tutor for BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing and Equine Veterinary Nursing. She has also contributed to curriculum development through consultancy and has organized professional conferences, including the APBC’s 35-year anniversary event. Her h-index is 3, based on Scopus and institutional metrics.

Carly is actively engaged in academic and professional communities, contributing to education, policy, and clinical standards in veterinary nursing and animal behaviour.