Meet The Team
We understand just how hard it can be to leave your beloved four legged animals behind whilst you go away on your holidays, but you can rest assure that your pet will enjoy the most hospitable boarding experience at Hafod-Y-Bryn. Our dedicated team of helpers will be on hand to do everything they can to ensure that your pet receives the friendliest welcome, greatest care and bundles amount of love and affection during their stay.
Steve, Hafod-Y-Bryn Owner
Prior to owning the kennels and cattery, Steve and Nicola both enjoyed fostering dogs from a Rough Collie Rescue Centre (the only down side was that they wanted to adopt them all!) Steve is also the proud owner of The Egg Kompany, which sells premium free-range eggs to the surrounding local area and beyond!
Steve’s handyman skills are behind the kennel renovations, fencing, land maintenance, and general upkeep. Steve is very passionate about his own animals, specifically his horses, his sheep, and his poultry.
Nicola, Hafod-Y-Bryn Owner
As someone who has always enjoyed the company of animals, it was only right that Nicola’s next step would be to own a kennel and cattery. Nicola is responsible for overseeing the running of the day-to-day of the kennels and cattery and has thoroughly enjoyed building lasting friendships with our four-legged guests.
Outside of work, Nicola also enjoys taking care of the family’s dogs Tonks, a german shepherd, and Vincent, a rottweiler.
Nicola has successfully completed a certificate in Pet First Aid.
Katie, Kennel Supervisor
Katie started working at Hafod-Y-Bryn in August 2009, making her the longest-serving member of staff, having worked here before Nicola and Steve bought the business. Katie knows the kennels and most of the dogs like the back of her hand! She has acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience over the years, as well as achieving a Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care and a Level 3 extended diploma in Horse Management, and successfully achieving a certificate in Pet First Aid.
Outside of the kennels, Katie has her hands full with her dogs Tuffy and Elfy, cats Oshie and Litleo, and her horses Meglet and Danny.
Jane, Kennel Supervisor
Jane has been with us since early 2022. She previously worked here back in 2015, and was welcomed back to our team with open arms. Jane has amazing experience and knowledge of animals and isn’t afraid to get stuck in with anything. In the past, she has had successful and ethical litters, especially with her Bracco Italiano dogs, who she has also successfully shown.
At home, Jane is kept extremely busy on her smallholding, lovingly called ‘The Ranch’. The Ranch is home to a Carneddau pony, two donkeys, a small flock of sheep, two rescue farm cats, and Jane’s twelve dogs.
Jane has successfully achieved a certificate in Pet First Aid.
Rebecca, Kennel Supervisor
Becca has enjoyed working down in the kennels and cattery since 2014. She is extremely passionate about animals, and the family business. Becca is currently studying an Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour, with the International School of Canine Psychology (ISCP). Once completed, she will go on to study the ISCP Diploma in Aggressive Responses.
Becca is kept busy by her horses, Callie and Marmite, her much-loved family dog, Tonks, her two cats, and a small flock of pet sheep.
Becca has completed an OFQUAL Dog First Aid & CPCR OCN Level 3 course, and a Feline Health, Wellbeing & First Aid course.
Lauren, Senior Kennel Assistant
Lauren started working for Hafod-Y-Bryn in 2017 and knew throughout high school, that whatever career she was to pursue, it had to be with animals. Lauren is an extremely hard worker and an amazing team player. She is much loved by the other staff and by our regular Doggy Day Cares, especially greyhound Reina, and our own rottweiler, Vincent.
Lauren is kept busy outside of work by her Irish Draught horse, Ruari, her dogs Lola and Reggie, and her four cats.
Lauren has successfully completed a certificate in Pet First Aid.
Amber, Admin Receptionist + Cattery Assistant
Amber joined our team in 2021, as an admin receptionist. She is the voice on the phone! Amber studied at Llandrillo College obtaining Level 3 Business and Administration as well as manual and computerised accounts. She grew up training and showing dogs with her Mum and Nan and was a member of the Kennel Club Junior Organisation and represented Wales at Crufts as part of the junior obedience team.
You’ll often find that she has popped out of the office for a cuddle with one of our dogs, or looking after our feline friends in the cattery a few days a week. She is the owner of her feline companion, Clive.
Lucas, Kennel Assistant
Newest to our team is Lucas. Lucas has grown up around animals, and has experience at home with a variety of breeds. This means he is confident to handle all breeds at work.
He has a keen eye for coat care, and will happily put the time in to make sure any compacted undercoat is thorougly groomed. He takes an impressive before & after photo too!
At home his mans best friend is his German Shepherd, Kai.
Martin, Kennel Assistant
Martin came to us highly recommended by Idle Wild Animal Sanctuary. Martin is a keen animal lover, and you will often find him with a huge smile on his face when he is interacting with his four legged friends. He takes great pleasure in winning over the more timid or nervous dogs who stay with us, thanks to his previous experience working at a rescue kennel.
When he’s not at the kennels, Martin is volunteering at Idlewild. At home, he has a collie X called Kira.