Meet The Team
Dr David Hughes MRCVS - Veterinary Surgeon
As well as being a keen showing competitor in the canine industry, Dave has a passion for breeding high quality dogs and preserving vulnerable breeds for the future through semen freezing.
Working in reproduction has always been a life long dream for Dave and Elite Kennel Fertility are excited to have him on board.
Contact Dave: dave@elitekennelfertility.com
Diana Baker BVMS (Hons) BSc (Hons) MRCVS - Locum Veterinary Surgeon
Di is our locum Vet. She graduated as a Vet in 1998 from Glasgow University and also has a degree in Animal Science from Nottingham University, her dissertation was published in the Journal of Reproduction.
She decided she wanted to be a vet when she was 4 and still believes it is the best job in the world.
She has worked with many species from mice to moose but the majority of her work so far has been with cattle and dogs. Reproduction has always been at the core of her career.
In 2002 she founded her own practice and in 2007 won Young business person of the year in the Cheshire Business awards. She appeared on Countryfile (many years ago!) with the first calves born from sexed semen.
Like Dave she has always had a particular interest in vulnerable native breeds, having previously owned Gordon Setters for 35 years (she took 2 Gordons to University with her) and recently having acquired a Field Spaniel.
Contact Di: di@elitekennelfertility.com
Anna Hamblin RVN – Business Operations & Development Manager
Formerly working as a registered veterinary nurse she is now the Operations Manager for Elite Kennel Fertility. Her passion for working gundogs and her understanding of animal health and welfare mirrors our ethos of the business.
She has over 9 years’ experience working in various animal health and welfare roles which fuels her passion for ethical breeding from canines fit for purpose.
Contact Anna: anna@elitekennelfertility.com
Hannah Gill BSc (Hons) MSc Vet Phys - Practice Manager
Hannah graduated from Harper Adams University gaining BSc (Hons) Animal Health and Welfare in 2018, and thereafter completed a MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy degree; qualifying in 2021. Hannah has a keen interest in canine reproduction; particularly surrounding our vulnerable native breeds. She regularly shows her Lakeland Terrier as well as competing in other canine sports such as dog agility and canine hoopers.
Contact Hannah: office@elitekennelfertility.com
Tullis Matson FRAgS - Director
Tullis has won numerous awards in the reproduction industry and regularly lectures worldwide on reproductive sciences. His passion for equine and canine reproduction allows us to provide the very best, latest technology, innovation and expertise in the industry.
In addition to Elite Kennel Fertility, Tullis also owns Stallion AI Services, a renowned stallion semen freezing centre with over 30 years’ experience in the field of reproduction, innovation and genetic preservation.
Contact Tullis: tullis@elitekennelfertility.com
Kate Ashmore BSc (Hons) - Director
As well as being Director and General Manager of Stallion AI Services, Kate is one of our three directors at Elite Kennel Fertility. Her enthusiasm for canine reproduction stems from over 15 years’ experience in the equine reproduction industry. With Kate's experience in reproduction it provides us with the wealth of knowledge to raise the standards in canine assisted reproduction.
Contact Kate: kate@elitekennelfertility.com
Julian Barnfield – Director
Julian has extensive experience within the industry; overseeing large working kennels and breeding dogs for 30 years.
Focused principally on breeding and training elite working dogs, Julian has also had his fair share of success in the show ring. He is an expert in the field of canine husbandry and has lectured on this subject to large audiences across the UK.
Contact Julian: julian@elitekennelfertility.com
Andrew Bell – Bioveterinary Sciences (BSc Hons) Student
Andrew, currently pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Bioscience at Harper Adams University, has joined the Elite Kennel Fertility team for his industrial placement year. With a passion for animal health and a keen interest in the field of canine fertility, Andrew is eager to hone his laboratory skills and deepen his expertise under the guidance of our experienced team.
We are thrilled to welcome Andrew to our team. You’ll find him actively contributing in the lab, assisting our vets in the consult rooms, and bringing fresh insights to our work. His enthusiasm and dedication are already making a positive impact.
Contact Andrew: lab@elitekennelfertility.com
