Professor Susan Dawson, Dean of the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Veterinary Science, has been appointed as an independent non-executive director at Pets at Home Group.

Professor Dawson said: “I am delighted to be joining Pets at Home Group and look forward to bringing my veterinary knowledge and experience to the board. I am passionate about the benefit that humans get from owning companion animals and this is an excellent opportunity for me to be involved with a business leader in pet care.”

Tony DeNunzio, chairman of Pets at Home, said: “We are delighted to welcome Susan to the Board; she brings very strong veterinary experience to the role and is an expert on the training and wellbeing of vets, which will be hugely valuable as we continue to develop this area of the business.”

Professor Dawson, who will officially take up the role after the Pets at Home’s annual general meeting on July 12, is also senior vice president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, a council member for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and a founder member of the Veterinary Schools Council.