Dr. Paula Boyden, BVetMed MRCVS

Chair, The Links Group

Paula graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, in 1992. She spent 11 years in general practice before moving into a technical role in the industry in 2003.

Paula joined Dogs Trust in 2010 and became Veterinary Director in 2011. Her responsibilities included veterinary matters, outreach work, and public affairs.
She is a founding member and past treasurer of the Association of Charity Vets, as well as a board member of the Blue Dog Trust. She is vice-chair of the Canine and Feline Sector group, sits on the RSPCA’s Prosecutions Oversight Panel and is a member of the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission. Paula previously chaired the Pet Advertising Advisory Group and has sat on BVA’s Policy Group and BSAVA’s International Affairs and Scientific Committees.

In 2017, Paula received BSAVA’s J A Wight Memorial Award for her contribution to the welfare of companion animals. In September 2023, Paula was awarded the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) One Health Award in Lisbon; in November 2024, the BVA Outstanding Service Award (Chiron Award) in London.

Paula is a founding Trustee of the Links Group and is regularly involved in undergraduate training on Non-Accidental Injury (NAI) within UK veterinary schools.

What Our Attendees Say

The speaker's presentation was incredibly impactful. It truly opened my eyes to the importance of recognising and addressing the link between animal and human abuse. The Links Group's mission is now something I deeply support.

'Even though I ask the question on the DASH form regarding animal abuse, I feel more confident how to respond’.

‘Whilst the sharing of real scenarios from survivors' experiences was confronting and difficult to hear, it really cemented the knowledge and research you were providing’.

Attending this event was a game-changer for me. The insights shared by the speaker were both enlightening and motivating. I left feeling empowered to make a difference in my community.