ABOUT US
Animal Keeper Academy brings together two different skill sets that developed along the same journey.
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Abbey’s path into animal care started early. At 14 she began volunteering in a wildlife rescue centre, and by 17 she was working in domestic animal care while completing an NVQ. Over the following years she worked across different areas of animal care and in 2010 launched her own pet care business, opening Yorkshire’s first Doggy Day Care Centre.
A trip aboard an ice breaker surveying Arctic ice and wildlife helped spark a deeper interest in conservation and working with wild animals. In 2017 Abbey returned to education to study Animal Management and Collections, whilst also volunteering, completing placements and attending every workshop and training opportunity she could find.
Despite delays during COVID, Abbey secured her first paid animal keeper role in February 2022 before later taking a nine week temporary contract at her preferred organisation which fortunately became a permanent position.
She continues to attend professional development events whenever possible, most recently the ABWAK Symposium in 2026.
Jenni’s background sits outside the animal industry but has played an important role along the way.
While Abbey ran her pet care business, Jenni managed recruitment, administration and social media. When an opportunity arose she also taught herself dog grooming before later attending college to formalise the training.
Over the years Jenni became Abbey’s unofficial secretary, helping with UCAS applications, CV writing, placement applications and job applications.
More recently she worked a seasonal role on the visitor experience team at an animal park, enjoying the opportunity to speak with visitors about the animals and spark interest in conservation.
Abbey brings real keeper experience and an understanding of the path into the industry, while Jenni brings recruitment insight, organisation and strategy.
Together, the goal is simple: help the next generation of aspiring animal keepers navigate the same journey with a little more guidance and confidence.
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...and then there is Kendal, who has also been with us on every step of the journey! Kendal is Abbey's 15 year old diabetic Westie. He is Jenni's bestest office buddy and he acts as anyone's emotional support animal that stops to give him attention on his trips out, especially when he is resting in his doggy bag enjoying the views and smells!