Meet Emily - Founder @ A Helping Hand

Emily has had a passion for animals from a young age, growing up surrounded by dogs, cats, and a variety of small pets. Her lifelong love for animals naturally led her into animal care, with hands-on experience both personally and professionally—including work in equine care and veterinary settings.

In 2016, Emily earned a Level 3 Diploma in Horse Care and Management from Writtle University College. She has worked across a range of equine environments, from riding schools and competition livery yards to veterinary clinic yards, gaining experience with everything from young stock to stallions. Her skills include basic equine first aid, competition grooming, and all aspects of horse care.

Emily also has extensive experience with dogs of all breeds and personalities—from bouncy puppies to calm seniors, including reactive dogs. Having grown up with Labradors, Jack Russells, Border Collies, and Spaniels, she’s well-versed in canine behaviour and body language, with a focus on safe, compassionate handling.

She has completed several specialist courses, including Canine First Aid and CPR with Kate Middleton BSc MSc PGCE at Writtle University College, as well as online & in-person training on topics such as caring for First Aid and CPR, unneutered females and young dogs with Dr. Sophie Bell. In early 2023, Emily also attended a comprehensive course for Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters focused on canine behaviour.

Beyond dogs and horses, Emily has experience caring for cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, parrots, fish, and tortoises. Since launching A Helping Hand in September 2021, she’s worked with a growing variety of breeds and species—and continues to expand her knowledge every day.

Emily is passionate about providing a trustworthy, kind, and reliable service, and looks forward to meeting even more of your amazing pets.

Meet Luke – Pet Care Assistant @ A Helping Hand

Joined A Helping Hand in June 2024

Luke has been part of A Helping Hand from the very beginning, supporting Emily behind the scenes and gaining hands-on experience by joining her on many dog walks. His love for dogs grew after getting Cleo, his own puppy, in 2022, which sparked a keen interest in dog training and behaviour.

He now works part-time with A Helping Hand while building his own garden maintenance business, V & L Garden Services—which you can find on Facebook here.

Luke is certified in Canine First Aid, DBS checked, and passionate about providing loving, reliable care for every dog he meets.

Joined A Helping Hand in June 2025

Meet Cassie – Pet Care Assistant @ A Helping Hand

Cassie brings a wealth of experience in animal health and care to A Helping Hand. With a professional background as an Equine Veterinary Nurse and a Pharmaceutical Representative in the equine health industry, she offers a strong combination of clinical knowledge and practical animal handling skills.

She owns horses herself and has always been deeply involved with animals, both personally and professionally. Cassie also has first-hand experience with nervous rescue dogs, which gives her a calm, patient approach when working with more sensitive pets.

Cassie is fully DBS checked, insured, and has completed a Canine First Aid course—ensuring she is well-prepared to provide safe, reliable care across a range of animal needs.

Since joining A Helping Hand, Cassie has enjoyed stepping into a more hands-on role with a variety of animals and is excited to continue supporting the team as the business grows.

Outside of animal care, Cassie also runs her own handmade jewellery business. If you’re interested, you can explore her work at Rosie Plum Jewellery or check out her Facebook page here.