With her very first word being her cat’s name, Esme Howells’ love of animals has never been in doubt. As Principal Vet at Vets Now’s busy Wrexham clinic, she’s bringing that love and using her experience to care for clients and lead her team.
What’s your veterinary background?
When I was at school, I remember the class doing papier mache and while everyone else made African masks, I did a yellow Labrador! So, I think I was destined to be a vet. While I was studying at Liverpool University, I did some night nursing and reception work at an out-of-hours to earn extra money.
I liked what I saw and when it came time for my electives, I chose Vets Now and really enjoyed the night shifts. After graduating, I went off to become a daytime vet for a few years.
What brought you to Vets Now?
I had my first baby when I was at the first opinion practice and it made me really reflect on what I needed from the next stage of my career. As he wasn’t sleeping and I was awake at night anyway, I decided to try Vets Now. I liked ECC and the flexibility of shifts really appealed.
I did the AdvantEdge course and then became a roving vet, working at lots of Midlands practices.
Esme HowellsFor the first time I felt like someone cared for me as a human being and my life and family outside of being a vet.
Did you feel more supported?
Definitely. Right from the first interview I was being asked about the baby, what they could do and whether there were any adaptations that would help. I felt like they cared for me as a human being and my life and family outside of being a vet. It made me feel genuinely supported as a person, not just as a vet, and that my life and family outside of work really mattered.
Esme HowellsI found the Peppy app so helpful for dealing with fertility issues. I went to my GP and was able to advocate for myself and get what I needed because I’d already spoken to the nurses.”
And has that continued?
Yes. Unfortunately, I experienced a baby loss, and everyone was so caring and understanding. I felt so much support and found the Peppy app that we have access to, so helpful for dealing with fertility issues.
I went to my GP and was able to advocate for myself and get what I needed because I’d already spoken to the nurses. I went on to have my daughter, and I really feel that Vets Now has been there for me during the tough and the happy times.
Esme HowellsI’ve had loads of support as far as the flexibility of shifts is concerned and working things around childcare. I can’t imagine how I’d ever make it work financially if I was still in first opinion as it would need to be part-time.
Tell us about where you are now and how the flexibility of your shifts work for family life.
We moved to Liverpool for my husband’s work and I got the Principal Vet role at Wrexham. I’m currently also covering Colwyn Bay on a temporary basis. Again, I’ve had loads of support as far as the flexibility of shifts is concerned and working things around childcare. The night shifts are long, but they mean I’m at home a lot and we very rarely have to put the kids into nursery full-time.
I can’t imagine how I’d ever make it work financially if I was still in first opinion as it would need to be part-time. It’s even given me time to pursue a real interest of mine, helping animals by running a pain clinic with acupuncture and physio.
What is it about ECC work that really appeals?
The work is never boring. It’s busy, different and you’re always learning something. The most important thing is how it makes me feel. In day practice, there were occasions when I’d look through the diary and anticipate some difficult conversations, particularly when emotions were heightened and expectations were understandably high. Here, I can just focus on doing what I can for that patient, and you really feel you’re making a difference.
If we’re not dealing with back-to-back emergencies, sometimes there is time to sit in the kennel with a dog and just get to know them and support them through the difficult times. I love that patient care side of things.
What opportunities do you feel you’ve had?
I wasn’t sure what I’d be like as a PV as I hadn’t really been experienced leadership, but it’s been so great. As much as I love animals, I’m a people person and I really enjoy having good relationships with my team. I like pastoral care and I can look after them and communicate how they are feeling to the wider leadership team.
Because I have great support in place, I feel like I can support them. There’s a great team dynamic and everyone gets along and just wants to crack on and do their best for the animals.
How do you see your career progressing?
I have thought about the next level of management roles and there has been such great support and encouragement for whatever I want to do. So, I think I will go for other opportunities when they come up. But I also know how lucky I am in my current role. I’ve got a great work-life balance, and I’m challenged in all the right ways. I love ECC and Vets Now and I would never be a daytime vet again.
