Dog trainer Kirsty Everard in the running for two awards

Bournemouth-based Kirsty Everard is in the running for Dog Trainer of the Year at the South West Regional Animal Star Awards, which will be held on Saturday, September 26.

The Animal Star Awards, which were established in 2016, celebrate outstanding achievements by both people and animals, recognising their contributions across the sector.

Ms Everard said: "This recognition is particularly meaningful to me because it acknowledges the dedication, compassion and commitment behind my work, helping dogs and their families through kind, reward-based training, with animal welfare always at the heart of everything I do."

Kirsty Everard and her dog Shadow (Image: Kirsty's Paws)

She has also been recognised as a finalist in the Woman Who Solopreneur Awards, which will take place at the National Conference Centre in Solihull on Friday, October 9.

These awards honour women who have successfully built impactful businesses through their leadership, vision, resilience, and determination.

Reflecting on this recognition, Ms Everard said: "Being recognised as a Woman Who Solopreneur finalist means an enormous amount to me because I have been responsible for every aspect of creating and running Kirsty's Paws, from delivering training and supporting clients, to creating resources, developing courses, managing the business and planning its future."

Ms Everard founded Kirsty’s Paws in 2018 and has more than 15 years of dog training experience.

She currently runs ten small-group classes each week, alongside one-to-one support and online courses, specialising particularly in puppy and adolescent dog training.

This year, she also established Dog Training Appreciation Day on July 18.

For more information, visit the Kirsty's Paws website.