Proud to be a licensed 5-Star establishment
(Animal Welfare Regulations 2018)
About Us
We are proud to say, here at Difford Kennels and Cattery we love animals of all shapes and sizes.
Such is the passion running through our family, we own and have owned many different types of animals and been involved in the business of kennelling for well over 40 years.
The length of experience we have allows us to identify the right people to work with us, all of whom share our passion and interest in what they do.
Over the years we have bred champions in various breeds, both cats and dogs, judged at the highest level, including Crufts. Pippa also judges horses, including the Horse of the Year Show and shows her own horses, having won many championships including Royal International, Hickstead and Horse of the Year Show.
Our Team
Head girl Kelly has been with us at Difford Kennels and Cattery since 2004, having taken her degree in ANIMAl MANAGEMENT at Sparsholt College in Hampshire. She is 100% reliable, caring and dedicated to the animals in her care. We also have a team of dog walkers to help when we are busy.
Pippa Moon
Pippa has lived all her life with show dogs, cats and horses. The family moved to Difford kennels in 1980 and she has been involved in the business from the beginning. 45 years later , Pippa still enjoys working with animals and obtains enormous satisfaction from running a well respected business, welcoming back many regular clients year after year. She thrives on using her attention to detail, experience and knowledge of animal behaviour and health, to ensure that Difford provides the very best of care to every cat and dog that stays. During her rare time off Pippa enjoys riding, competing with some success in the horse showing world at the Royal International, Hickstead and Horse of the Year Show. More recently she has turned her hand to judging at some of these shows which is very rewarding if a little daunting. Pippa also enjoys trips to the theatre, bridge and is currently learning Italian, which is definitely a work in progress.
Kelly
Kelly has grown up with animals and always loved dogs and cats. She wanted to work with animals after leaving school and completed a two year course at Sparsholt College to achieve a national diploma in Animal Management, with a distinction. Whilst at Sparsholt, Kelly did work experience at Difford Kennels and then started full-time after finishing the course in 2004. Kelly has since earned the position of manager and is a qualified first aider.
Bettina
I have been at Difford Kennels since 2019 and since September have earned the position of assistant manager. I’ve always wanted to work with animals since I was little and studied animal management at Sparsholt college. I have worked in kennels for 15 years and am also a pet first aider.
Harry
Growing up I was surrounded by all different types of animals from rabbits and hamsters too African land snails, and most recently my two Staffies Mylo & Missy. I started off studying engineering in my first year of college but as much as I enjoyed it, I quickly realised this wasn’t the career path for me. Leading to me switching courses focusing on animal management at BCOT. In 2022 I also began working at Difford kennels part time before progressing onto a full time role in the summer of 2023.
Chloe
I grew up with all sorts of animals and I've always wanted to work with them. I Studied animal management at Sparsholt College, then joined Difford Kennels in August 2022 part-time and has been there since
Ben
From a young age I was always very interested in animals of all types, but, the animals that were the closest to me were my grandparents dogs. I have spent many years working in retail not being too sure of what career I’d like to pursue and the only thing that stood out to me was my interest in animals. I spent a year doing online courses to gain Animal Care and Behaviour qualifications and then searched for different animal keeper positions. After doing a trial day and thoroughly enjoying myself, I started here at Difford Kennels in November of 2024
Michelle
Hello! I’m Michelle, and I’m thrilled to be back at Difford Kennels. I worked here from 2009 to 2016 before taking a break to welcome my daughter. Now, eight years later, I’ve returned part-time and couldn’t be happier. I have an NVQ in Animal Care, which I earned at Sparsholt College, and have always been passionate about working with animals. The opportunity to return to Difford Kennels feels like coming home especially under the management of my sister Kelly. I’m excited to bring my experience and dedication to provide the best care for your beloved pets.
Cara
I have been working at Difford Kennels since July of 2024. I have always adored animals of all kinds from a young age and have always wanted to work with them. I currently study Forensic Science at university and am in my final year. Although I enjoy my degree, I thoroughly enjoy working with animals, especially dogs. I am also a trained and certified canine emergency first aider.
Jess
I've been at Difford Kennels since end of May 2022 working part time before becoming full time in February 2024 after studying Animal Management at Sparsholt College for two years. Since I was young I knew I wanted to pursue a career with animals and have grown up with many different ones including dogs and cats so I have always had a passion for it.