Meet Our 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 been a life long dream and Elite Kennel Fertility are excited to have him on board. 

If you have any subfertility issues or worries regarding your dogs fertility please 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 is 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. 

 Di really loves stepping in to help out at EKF whenever she is needed.

 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 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 preservation, 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 Kates' 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

Jen Thomas  BSc (Hons) Bio Vet - Canine Reproduction Technician 

Jen is our Canine Repro Tech. She first started with us as a student on her year in industry from Harper Adams in 2022 and has since become a part of the team. Graduating in September 2024 from her Bioveterinary Science course, it has taught her the knowledge and skills to help set her up in the industry. Jen has a keen interest and passion for canine reproduction and fertility, since growing up with dogs from a young age.

She is excited to meet new clients and learn about the industry and how we can progress knowledge and standards within it. Jen is often found in the lab or consult area helping the vets. Due to her experience on placement and at university, Jen thoroughly enjoys working within the lab as well as being experienced processing semen.

Contact Jen: lab@elitekennelfertility.com

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: info@elitekennelfertility.com