Laura Cooley

Laura graduated in 2012 from Dundalk Institute of Technology after studying Veterinary Nursing for 3 years.

She first began working in Anicare during her second year work placement in college. She enjoyed it so much here she came back for her 3rd year placement. She worked as a locum nurse for Anicare until she was taken on full time in November 2013.

Laura has been an animal lover since she was very young. She grew up with West Highland White Terriers. Her parents bred and showed westies for many years. It is the reason she decided she wanted to work with animals for the rest of her life. Laura did her transition year work placement for 2 weeks in a veterinary practice to ensure it was what she wanted to do.

The first pets Laura owned included hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits. At the moment she has a lot of pets at home. She has three westies Lulu, Lambsy (she looked like a fluffy lamb when she was a puppy) and Pippa. They are three generations of a family tree. Grandmother, Mother and Daughter. She has recently added a Jack Russell Terrier, Ruby, to the mix.

During her second year college work placement, Laura hand reared a kitten from a week old and he still lives with her nearly 3 years later. He is called Arnie. She also recently took in a kitten called Betty. Arnie and Betty spend part of their day playing together and sleeping for the rest.

The last pet Laura has is Wilma, a guinea pig who was found in a shoe box abandoned in a park. She was in good health when she was handed into the clinic. At first she very nervous when Laura took her home but with some love and care she is now happy to be part of the animal family.