Richard graduated as a veterinary surgeon from Glasgow University which was followed by a period in first opinion mixed veterinary practice in Staffordshire, and he subsequently worked for PDSA, a UK-wide veterinary charity, supporting pet owners in poverty as a vet and senior vet in the Midlands. He became PDSA‘s chief veterinary surgeon overseeing clinical standards, veterinary business development and clinical team development, and then took the role of Director of Veterinary services with responsibility for its network of 50 pet hospitals, community and outreach pet education initiatives and leading PDSAs animal welfare and advocacy programs.
Richard is married, to a vet, and has a son. He lives in Staffordshire, with 2 dogs, 4 horses and a flock of Shetland Sheep.