I was born into a house with two cats, two dogs and a bird, and have had pets ever since. I am a keen horserider and used to volunteer at stables so am experienced with mucking out and grooming tasks. My cousin is a rescuer and wildlife rehabilitator for the RSPCA and I have spent a significant amount of time looking after the reptiles, amphibians, other exotic pets and wildlife that she takes into her home and cares for. I've also volunteered in my local animal shelter for the past 10 years so have been around pets of all shapes, sizes and ages, from week old hairless kittens to 18 year old staffies still looking for their forever homes. As my profession is animal-orientated I spend a lot of time around them and researching them, from monitoring wild bird populations and rehabilitating endangered species to working as a farm hand on a cattle station. I also had stints as a professional dog walker throughout university to help me pay the bills (and for the joy of it).