Dr Paula Boyden

Paula graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1992. She spent 11 years in general practice, before moving into a technical role in industry in 2003.

Paula joined Dogs Trust in 2010, where she was until recently Veterinary Director. Her responsibilities involved oversight of Dogs Trust’s veterinary matters, outreach and public affairs work, including the puppy smuggling campaign, focusing on the illegal importation of puppies and pregnant mums into the UK.

Paula has a particular interest in the link between abuse of animals and abuse of people and is current Chair of the Links Group. She is regularly involved in undergraduate training on Non-Accidental Injury (NAI) within the UK veterinary schools and has spoken widely on the subject.

Paula is a founder member of the Shelter and Charity Vet Association (formerly the Association of Charity Vets) and is now an honorary member. She is vice chair of the Canine and Feline Sector Group, sits on the RSPCA’s Prosecutions Oversight Panel and is a member of the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission.

Paula received BSAVA’s J A Wight Memorial Award in 2017 for her contribution to the welfare of companion animals, the WSAVA’s Global One Health Award in 2023 and the BVA's Outstanding Impact (Chiron) Award in 2024.