Meet the Team

Dr Sarah Heath BVSc PgCertVE DipECAWBM(BM) CCAB FHEA FRCVS

RCVS Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine

EBVS ® European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine

Sarah qualified from Bristol University and spent four years in mixed general practice before setting up Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice in 1992. She is an RCVS and European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine. In 2018 she was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for meritorious contributions to the profession. Sarah is an External Lecturer in small animal behavioural medicine at Liverpool University and also teaches on the veterinary undergraduate course at Surrey University. She is a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist under the ASAB accreditation scheme. She sees clinical cases across North West England. Sarah lives in Chester with her 2 cats, Luis and Didi who were hand reared at Cats Protection Warrington and came to live with Sarah in 2017. And Jamie, her Flat-coated Retriever.

Carrie Tooley BSc BVetMed MSc PGCVE DipECAWBM(BM) CCAB FHEA MRCVS

RCVS Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine

EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine

Carrie qualified as a vet in 2012 from the Royal Veterinary College and spent three years in mixed general practice in Norfolk and Cornwall before deciding to pursue her interest in behavioural medicine. Since then, she has completed her MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Lincoln and a residency at BRVP supervised by Dr Sarah Heath. Carrie is one of the directors of CCAB Certification Ltd. She has a particular interest in sleep medicine in veterinary species and her research focus is in this area. Outside of work Carrie can usually be found hill walking, paddle boarding or watching the nearest rugby match, having hung up her boots after 15 years playing.

Dr Liz Bailey BVSc MSc MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour) MRCVS

Liz graduated as a vet from the University of Liverpool in 2013 with a passion for behavioural medicine. She spent the following 4 years in mixed and small animal practice in Australia before working in a behavioural referral practice. This led her to achieve Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Science (MANZCVS) in the Veterinary Behaviour Chapter by examination in 2019.

Outside of work, Liz enjoys baking and exploring the countryside with her Border Collie and 3-legged Australian Kelpie.

Dr Ruth Moots BVM&S MRCVS MSc

Ruth graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2017 and pursued her interest in behavioural medicine, completing her MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Lincoln in 2018. Ruth spent time in small animal practice before joining the team at Behavioural Referrals to focus solely on behavioural medicine.

Outside of work, Ruth can be found spending time with her two sighthounds, tending a small flock of pet chickens and regularly goes dancing.

Laura Francis BSc (Hons) MSc MNAVP MAPDT 01222

Laura graduated from the University of Chester in 2012 after receiving a first-class BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and has worked for Behavioural Referrals ever since. In 2021, she qualified as a Postgraduate Veterinary Physiotherapist from Harper Adams University and completed her MSc in 2022.

Prior to working at Behavioural Referrals, Laura used to run dog training classes as part of the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme, as well as working in a boarding kennels for several years. Now Laura is responsible for implementing and modifying individual rehabilitation programmes for dogs, as well as writing and running the Positive Puppy Training Courses. Laura also implements the practical part of our DEIP course.

Laura has a Hungarian Vizsla called Fern and a German Shorthaired Pointer called Bracken.

Laura is a full member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists and the Animal Health Professions Register. Laura is also a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, UK 01222, a registered animal training instructor under the Animal Behaviour and Training Council and the Dog Behaviour and Training Charter.

Isla joined the Behavioural Referrals team in September 2020. She graduated from the University of Chester in 2016 after undertaking a BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. She then went on to achieve her MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour with the University of Edinburgh. Prior to working at Behavioural Referrals, Isla worked in small animal, and equine veterinary practices, as well as a boarding kennels where she discovered her love of large breed dogs.

Lisa became a Qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2008.

Prior to joining the team at Behavioural Referrals in February 2023, Lisa has worked is various small animal practices and a busy ophthalmology referral centre.

Lisa has 3 adorable cats at home called Vernon, Marnie and Rainer. All adopted from the cats protection in Warrington over the years.

Outside of work Lisa enjoys family days with her husband and 2 young children, exploring parks, woodlands and ice cream farms to name a few. She loves to holiday in different countries when possible to.

Becca Varcoe RVN ISFMAdvCertFB

Becca grew up in rural North Wales surrounded by animals, both wild and domesticated. After spending most of her school life in Chester, she headed to the South-West to further her studies.

She qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2017 and has a keen interest in feline behaviour. She achieved the ISFM Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour with distinction in 2022, and is currently studying to become a Cat Behavioural Health Practitioner.

Prior to becoming a proud member of the BRVP team in February 2026, Becca mostly worked in general practice, including a number of feline-only veterinary clinics.

After spending almost 30 years down south, she has now come back to her roots and has joined her family in Cheshire. In her spare time she enjoys singing, reading, and musical theatre.

Hannah Horden-Barratt (BSc Hons, RVN, C-SQP)

Hannah graduated from the University of Chester with a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, before going on to train as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). She qualified as an RVN in 2023 and also gained her SQP (Suitably Qualified Person in Companion Animals) qualification.

Prior to joining BRVP, Hannah worked in a variety of small animal practices. Outside of work, Hannah lives with her husband, her young Labrador, Birdie, and her rescue cat, Blondie. She also enjoys going to the gym, which helps balance her favourite hobby—eating good food.

Debbie has been Practice Manager at Behavioural Referrals since April 2021. Previous to working with us she worked in Dorset in a 24 hour Veterinary hospital as she has been a qualified Veterinary nurse for 15years.

Outside of work Debbie likes to spend time with her family and enjoys going on long walks with her Yorkie Bonnie.

Emily has been part of the Behavioural Referrals team since 2016 and holds Level 2 and 3 NVQs in Business and Administration, alongside a Level 5 qualification in Operational Management.

As Head of Operations, Emily oversees the operational team, working closely with the Practice Manager to maintain high standards and support the effective delivery of the service, including both clinical and administrative functions.

Leah joined the Behavioural Referrals team in October 2023. With previous experience in a corporate environment Leah decided to follow her heart and pursue a fulfilling career in the veterinary industry, driven by her love for animals. Leah is predominantly the first point of contact for all referrals to BRVP and takes great pride in providing excellent administrative support to our clients and their furry companions as they embark on their journey with us. Outside of work, Leah enjoys the company of her own dog, Douglas and long walks together. Leah has a passion for Netball and plays with a local team. Leah’s other interests include attending live music events and exploring new places.

Laura Healey, BSc (Hons), MSc

Laura studied at Manchester Metropolitan University, and was an undergrad in psychology 2016, and achieved a MSc in Animal Behaviour 2018. Laura completed her  animal husbandry internship at Chester Zoo.

Prior to BRVP Laura, worked at Chester Zoo, Cats Protection and a Dog Hydrotherapy Pool.

Outside of work, Laura has a keen eye for art, enjoys going to gigs and pilates.

Laura lives with her two rescue cats, Ezra and Mouse.