AVS Team

Richard Jones, BVSc MSc MRCVS

Richard has been passionate about birds since his youth. A keen interest in bird watching and wildlife, soon developed into a fascination with falconry and aviculture. Richard graduated from Liverpool University’s School of Veterinary Science in 1995, completing his elective in avian medicine.

Following a number of years in small animal/exotic referral practice he undertook an avian residency and master’s degree programme at The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota. Since his return to the UK he has been employed in avian/exotic referral practice and at Stapeley Grange RSPCA wildlife hospital prior to setting up AVS in 2010. He has lectured and published internationally on aspects of avian medicine and surgery.

Richard is an active falconer and when not at work can usually be found out and about with his English Pointer Willow and tiercel peregrine Ashcroft. Clinically his special areas of interest include avian endoscopy and orthopaedics.


Carli Dodd, RVN

Carli is a qualified veterinary nurse who was one of the first nurses in the country to successfully attain the City & Guilds Certificate in the Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Species. She has worked in avian/exotic animal first opinion and referral clinic for over two decades and is particularly passionate about birds. Carli is especially interested in parrot behaviour and nutrition. She also gives talks to vets and nurses on avian husbandry, nursing and anaesthesia.

When not working Carli is a keen amateur wildlife photographer and leather crafter.


Emily Hemilyardacre BVM&S CertZooMed MRCVS

Emily qualified in 2003 and holds the RCVS Certificate in Zoological Medicine which reflects her experience and expertise when dealing with avian & exotic pets and wildlife. Since qualifying she has worked in small animal/exotic first opinion and referral practice and at Stapeley Grange RSPCA wildlife hospital. She is particularly interested in soft-tissue surgery and psittacine medicine.

When she’s not working she enjoys walking her dog, travelling and oil painting.

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