Sara Jackson
Sara is a veterinary surgeon whose career spans clinical excellence, leadership, education, and advocacy for mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary profession. She qualified as a vet in 2010 from Cambridge Vet School, having already completed a PhD in air scenting in dogs, relating to explosive and drug detection dogs.
Sara spent six years in general practice before moving into emergency and critical care (ECC), where she thrived for eight years. Her leadership journey in ECC saw her progress from managing a single clinic to overseeing up to eight simultaneously, with a strong focus on clinical and professional standards. Her time in ECC also deepened her understanding of the systemic pressures and ethical challenges that contribute to moral injury and burnout in veterinary teams. She is passionate about addressing these issues through sustainable wellbeing strategies and cultural change.
Today, Sara works in a multi-portfolio role that reflects her broad interests and deep commitment to the profession. Alongside her clinical work, she teaches non-clinical skills such as human factors as an associate trainer with VetLed, works as an accreditor for the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) great veterinary workplaces, contributes to veterinary leadership education as a content creator for a master’s program, serves as a council member of the BVA and teaches with the Veterinary Taskforce.
Sara is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing in veterinary medicine. She is an ambassador for Vetlife and volunteers on their phone lines, offering support to colleagues in need. Her dedication to this led her to complete a certificate in applied positive psychology, and she is currently working toward a master’s degree in the field.
Beyond her professional roles, Sara is a team in Europe’s longest sled dog race—held 400 km north of the Arctic Circle in Norway—combining her love of animals, adventure, and resilience. She also serves as the breed health coordinator for Sussex Spaniels, championing the welfare of this rare and endearing breed.
Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Guy, catching up with friends, and baking sourdough.