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hello@associatedvetservices.co.uk

0044 74 01983491 & 0044 1634 393477

Meet the Team

Here at Associated Veterinary Services, we aim to simplify an unduly complex an unwieldy certification process, by delivering a reliable, premium-tier export service to meet the distinct yet diverse needs of all the demands of the animal health industry, the export food industry and the animal travel industry.

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As a result Associated Veterinary Services is well-versed in providing export certification for the movement of both commercial and privately-owned small animals; including zoo, laboratory animals, farm animals and aquarium, aquatic and avian.

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As a team, we have successfully certified thousands of consignments of products that are of animal origin, and animal by-products. We have helped many pet owners to travel with their pets or relocate to new destinations.

Dr Veneta Kozhuharova

Dr Veneta Kozhuharova, DVM, MRCVS, OV, Cert.CFVHNUT.

Associated Veterinary Services is led by its founder and owner, Dr Veneta Kozhuharova, DVM, MRCVS, Cert. CFVHNut, OV. Dr Veneta is a highly accomplished and experienced veterinarian with a deep understanding of both the export of products of animal origin and the pet food sector.

 

Dr Veneta's impressive credentials include a Masters Degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Forestry Veterinary Medicine Facility in Sofia, Bulgaria, where she graduated in 2008. In 2011, she became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, which enabled her to practice in the UK.

 

In 2012, Dr Veneta became a Certified Export Official Veterinarian, approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, which qualified her to assist companies in exporting products of animal origin and small animals. This expertise has been invaluable in helping our clients navigate the complex regulations surrounding the export of animal products.

 

In 2016, Dr Veneta was awarded a prestigious bursary from Royal Canin to study Small Animal Clinical Nutrition. This led to her obtaining a Level 4 certificate in Canine and Feline Health Nutrition in 2017. Dr Veneta's expertise in animal nutrition has been particularly beneficial in helping our clients develop and export high-quality pet food products.

 

In 2019 Dr Veneta decided to embark on a new journey, by starting her own company, which was the beginning of Associated Veterinary Services. With her knowledge, skills and experience the business quickly grew. It was vital to her that her clients receive accurate advice, around the clock support and seamless exportation of their goods, or beloved family pet.

 

At Associated Veterinary Services, we are privileged to have Dr Veneta lead, guide and support our team. This is why we can meet all of your export certification needs, and you could benefit from the expertise of a true industry leader.

Sara Mendana

Sara Mendana - MRCVS, OV

We are pleased to introduce Sara, our highly skilled and experienced Export Official Veterinarian. Sara graduated from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, from where she received extensive training in food technology, safety and hygiene.

In 2019, Sara became an Export Official Veterinarian. Her commitment and passion to profession led her to obtain the following qualifications in exports: Product Exports, Avian Exports, Small Animal and Zoo Animal Exports.

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Sara joined our team in 2022, bringing with her a new range of skills that we can offer our clients. Her dedication to the job extends beyond her technical expertise. She enjoys visiting clients to conduct inspections and gain a clear understanding of their individual requirements. By doing so, she can provide tailored solutions and recommendations that meet their unique needs. Her excellent communication skills enable her to build strong relationships with our clients and provide them with the best possible service.

Sara's passion for her work and extensive knowledge make her an essential member of our team. Her commitment to excellence has earned her a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy professional.

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Outside of work, Sara enjoys walking, socialising with friends, and visiting her family on the Spanish coast.

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We are delighted to have Sara as a valued member of our team, and her skills and expertise are a valuable asset to our company.

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Lidia Gelda Rodrigues Veloso – MRCVS, OV

Lidia, originally from São Tomé and Príncipe, grew up in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where she earned her Veterinary degree from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 2014.

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She became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in 2016 and began her career as a Meat Hygiene Inspector. In this role, Lidia was responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of meat products, conducting and ensuring compliance with hygiene regulations.

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In 2017, Lidia was promoted to Official Veterinarian (OV), where she took on additional responsibilities. She oversaw animal health and welfare at slaughterhouses, verified compliance with national and international animal health standards, and supervised the processing of animal by-products. Her work ensured that all products met the strict health and safety standards required for both domestic consumption and export.

Seeking to broaden her skills, Lidia pursued clinical practice in Sweden from 2019 to 2020. However, she soon realized her passion lay elsewhere. In 2021, she completed comprehensive export courses covering general exports, ungulate exports, products, small animals, and avian exports. She has since worked as an Export Official Veterinarian across England, Wales, and Scotland, gaining extensive experience in various export sectors.

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Lidia joined Veneta’s team in October 2024, where she leverages her experience to support a diverse range of exports, including products, small animals, and exotic species.

Outside of work, Lidia enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and practicing Aikido (holding a 5th kyu, yellow belt). She also cherishes time spent with family and friends.

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Dee Chandler - Office Co-ordinator

Dee Chandler is our new office coordinator who joined us in January 2025.  Dee comes from a varied background and has gained knowledge and skills in customer service and administration. Dee has come to us with experience in the hospitality industry and automotive industry where she has worked for the last 18 years but originally specialised in local government finance and administration.

Dee’s brings a wealth of skills and experience dealing with a variety of customers and building strong professional relationships. 

 

Her methodical approach and attention to detail is an asset to our team.

When she is not in the office Dee enjoys spending time with her husband, her 2 children and her cat Charlie and is always busy enjoying her varied hobbies which include ballroom dancing, kayaking, entertaining and gardening.

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Daniel Barta - CSO

Daniel is a highly skilled Certificate Support Officer with extensive experience as a  Hygiene Inspector. He holds a Master of Science in Food Safety and Consumer Protection, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Control and Expertise of Food Products, both from the prestigious University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, which he completed between 2016 and 2022.

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After relocating to the UK in 2020, Daniel began working on behalf of the governmental organization (FSA), as a Meat Hygiene Inspector. In this role, he conducted thorough inspections of meat products to identify any abnormalities, maintained accurate records, and ensured that health marks were applied in accordance with relevant legislation. He later progressed in his career and became a Certificate Support Officer, where he reviews supporting documents and ensures that consignments met all requirements and comply with legislation, before the veterinarian signs off on the Export Health Certificates.

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In his personal time, Daniel enjoys traveling, reading, and participating in various sports.

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Marianna Kominczak-Tietze - CSO

Marianna is our new Certificate Support Officer based in Dorset and covers South -West Region. She joined our team as qualified Livestock Veterinary Technician and Quality Auditor.

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Marianna’s passion for farm animals’ health & welfare led her to work in the large veterinary practice and gain first ever in the UK vet tech university diploma as a Vet Technician. She graduated from Harper Adams University in 2024.

She also holds Master Degree of Education (Psychology, Social Care & Sociology) gained from University in Poland, where she originally comes from.

After relocating to the UK in 2005, Marianna got variety of experience, knowledge, skills and qualifications in a Science Laboratory work, Food Hygiene & Safety, Pharmaceutical Practical Auditing and Mastering Veterinary Medicines.

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Outside of work Marianna loves to be with her family, including her beloved Border Collie Dexter with whom she participates in agility classes. As a member of LDWA (Long Distance Walkers Association) she has developed a passion for long distance walks, hikes and travels across beautiful Dorset paths. She is also an active volunteer on the local farms.

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