In 2001 Richard won the Animal Health Trust’s “Willing And Giving” Vet of the Year Award. Then he opened his new clinic, in a converted Victorian loo in South London.

Richard, 49, says: “I had been working for another practice that closed down after 15 years. I was looking for a small property I could use for a specialised surgery, then I came across this toilet being sold off by the council. In terms of size it seemed perfect so I snapped it up and we’re very pleased.” Richard has been in practice since 1978, 60% of his clientele are dogs, and he has been promoting Raw Feeding “in the right circumstances” for 15-16 years.