Dr. Hannah Boocock – Specialist Insight into Donkey & Mule Medicine
BVMSci, BSc (Hons), MRCVS
In the world of veterinary medicine, where compassion meets science and clinical precision must coexist with empathy, Dr. Hannah Boocock BVMSci, BSc (Hons), MRCVS has carved out a career defined by dedication, curiosity, and purpose.
As a veterinary surgeon at The Donkey Sanctuary, one of the world’s most respected organizations for equine welfare, Dr. Hannah Boocock’s journey reflects a lifelong passion for horses and a commitment to advancing the understanding and wellbeing of donkeys and mules.
A Foundation in Science and Compassion
Dr. Hannah Boocock’s path into veterinary medicine began with a strong scientific foundation. Before earning her veterinary degree, she completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Bioveterinary Science at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), a program renowned for its rigorous focus on the biological and physiological principles underpinning animal health.
This early academic experience nurtured her analytical skills and gave her a profound appreciation for the interplay between research and clinical application – an approach reflected throughout the Practitioner’s Program, a comprehensive equine veterinary knowledge hub designed to support clinicians who value evidence-based learning.
Eager to build on that knowledge and translate it into hands-on animal care, she pursued her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Science (BVMSci) at the University of Surrey Vet School. Her time there not only refined her medical and surgical skills but also gave her opportunities to engage with students and the academic community in meaningful ways.
As a Peer Assisted Writing Mentor, she supported her fellow students in developing their academic writing and communication skills – an experience that highlighted her collaborative spirit and passion for education.
From Equine Practice to the Donkey Sanctuary
After graduating, Dr. Hannah Boocock immediately entered equine practice, where her deep-rooted love for horses shaped her early professional years. Working closely with these animals strengthened her technical proficiency and clinical judgment while also sharpening her understanding of equine behaviour, an area that would later become one of her key interests.
In 2021, driven by a desire to explore a different facet of equine care, Dr. Hannah Boocock joined The Donkey Sanctuary, initially as an intern. The organization’s holistic and evidence-based approach to donkey and mule welfare aligned perfectly with her own professional ethos.
Following the completion of her internship, she transitioned into a permanent veterinary surgeon role, where she continues to contribute to the charity’s mission of improving the lives of donkeys and mules worldwide.
At The Donkey Sanctuary, Dr. Hannah Boocock’s work encompasses a range of clinical responsibilities, from medical and surgical care to welfare assessments and behavioural evaluations. Her colleagues describe her as both meticulous and empathetic, traits that are invaluable when working with animals that have often endured hardship before arriving at the Sanctuary.
A Special Interest in Behaviour and Anaesthesia
Among her professional interests, equine behaviour, particularly in mules, stands out as a defining passion. Mules, with their unique temperaments and hybrid physiology, present both challenges and rewards for those who work with them.
Dr. Hannah Boocock’s fascination with understanding how behaviour, training, and welfare intersect has led her to become a thoughtful advocate for patient, evidence-informed handling practices.
In addition to behaviour, she also enjoys the discipline of anaesthesia, an area that requires precision, focus, and a calm presence, all qualities that define her clinical style.
Her dual interest in behavioural science and anaesthesia highlights a broader professional philosophy: that veterinary care is most effective when it balances the physiological with the psychological, treating animals as whole beings rather than merely clinical cases.
Building a Career with Purpose
Throughout her journey, from grooming horses at Greenacres Equestrian to mentoring university peers and now caring for donkeys and mules at one of the world’s leading welfare organizations, Dr. Hannah Boocock has demonstrated unwavering commitment to animals and people alike. Her career is distinguished not only by academic achievement and professional excellence but by a deep moral compass guiding every decision she makes in practice.
Dr. Hannah Boocock: An Advocate for the Future of Equine Welfare
Today, Dr. Hannah Boocock stands as part of a new generation of veterinary professionals redefining what it means to work in animal care, where empathy is as essential as expertise, and where science serves compassion.
Her work at The Donkey Sanctuary continues to impact both animals and colleagues, inspiring others to see donkeys and mules not just as working animals, but as sentient beings deserving of respect and understanding.
Driven by curiosity and compassion, Dr. Hannah Boocock represents the very best of modern veterinary medicine: a professional whose intellect and empathy work hand in hand to make a tangible difference in the world of equine welfare.
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