About Cerrie 

Cerrie Hedges is an E-SQP working at TFM Countrystore, Whisby in Lincolnshire. She qualified in 2019.

She said: “2020 was a challenging year for everyone – winning this award means the world to me, made me feel proud and is a great confidence boost, especially in these testing times. I celebrated at home with my husband and children after watching the awards online.”

Cerrie encourages owners to flea as well as worm (if they are purchasing wormers).

Owners are advised not to allow pets access to watercourses (including groomers) within two to three days of application of a spot-on flea treatment particularly as the Telegraph recently reported one of the rivers in Lincoln to be the highest nationally for imidacloprid pollution.

She said: “Owners are encouraged to talk about the animals’ general health and well-being so I am able to better support overall.” 

Cerrie has achieved Level 4 Pet Nutrition Advanced with Oplex Careers, Level 3 Feline Nutrition with Animal Jobs Direct and her SQP qualification, all in the last year.

She said that has developed a passion for feline nutrition which has seen the store improve the quality of food it stocks and sells as a result.

Cerrie said: “Weight is a key challenge – most packaging for pet food shows higher than required portion sizes which is why so many pets in the UK are overweight. Owners often leave food down for animals to ad-lib eat; while this can be appropriate, for an animal with weight issues this certainly needs managing.”

There are weighing scales in store and this service is provided free.

“Owners are encouraged to ensure they are dosing accurately, and discussions are had around the resistance issues often caused by under-dosing a pet,” Cerrie said. 

Cerrie has already completed all her CPD points for the period and she said that she’s eager to learn and be able to advise customers with their pet needs.

She has also undertaken the BETA hat and body protector fitting course to become a qualified fitter, in addition to passing all the Dengie equine nutrition courses.

Cerrie said that in her role, the biggest challenge she faces is customers understanding the importance of whole health of their pet.

“Some people get stuck in old ways and need help with the changing importance of healthy pets to keep them thriving for longer and to teach them about worming and flea treatments and prevention being the key,” she said.

Since being named Companion Animal SQP of the Year, Cerrie has started training in dog nutrition.

“I like to keep learning new skills to help customers,” she said, “and I will also be taking my avian module when exams are able to run again.”

She added: “Anyone thinking of entering next year’s National SQP Awards should go for it as it’s a great boost for you and the business you work for.

“It’s a great talking point with customers.”