Meet Chris Whatling

Chris is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of The Animal People Recruitment Company, a specialist recruitment consultancy dedicated to the pet, veterinary and animal-health sectors.
With almost 15 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Chris has spent a majority of his career connecting talented people with roles that directly support animal welfare. His understanding of the sector gives him a unique appreciation of the care, expertise and compassion that organisations like Birmingham Dogs Home rely on every single day.

Where Chris’s Connection to BDH Began

Chris’s journey with BDH started during a volunteer day with his team, an experience that had a profound and lasting impact on him.
In his own reflections, Chris explains how he walked through our doors expecting a rewarding team-building day, but instead found himself deeply moved by the reality of rescue work:

  • the number of dogs who arrive through no fault of their own,
  • the complex emotional stories behind each kennel door,
  • and the incredible dedication of the staff who care for them.

Seeing the number of dogs who needed urgent help, the specialist care involved, and the dedication of the team behind the scenes opened his eyes to the true scale of rescue work. He was moved by the compassion he witnessed and by how much the charity relies on the generosity of its supporters. That experience stayed with him, inspiring him to stay connected to BDH and ultimately take on the role of Ambassador so he could help make an even bigger difference.

Why Chris Supports Birmingham Dogs Home

Chris’s support is driven by both his professional background and personal values. Having worked in the pet, veterinary & animal health sectors for many years, he understands the importance of responsible ownership, proper care and the safe haven that rescue centres provide. But it was his visit to BDH that brought those values to life.

He has spoken openly about how the experience changed his perspective, making him acutely aware of the number of dogs who depend on us and the resources required to give them a chance at a brighter future. It’s this blend of heartfelt understanding and industry knowledge that fuels his desire to champion BDH’s mission: “To provide compassionate care to homeless dogs and to provide meaningful community support for local people and their pets, now and in the future.”

What Chris Brings to BDH as Ambassador

As an Ambassador, Chris brings:

  • Extensive industry knowledge from the pet and animal-health sectors, giving him the insight to speak with authority about animal welfare and responsible ownership.
  • A powerful professional network, enabling him to connect BDH with partners, organisations and supporters who share our values.
  • Authentic advocacy, shaped by real volunteer experience and a genuine appreciation of the work that happens behind the scenes.
  • A community-driven mindset, helping us raise awareness, reach new audiences and inspire others to support rescue dogs.
  • A compassionate voice, dedicated to shining a light on the importance of adoption, kindness and giving every dog a second chance.

Chris is honoured to represent Birmingham Dogs Home as an Ambassador and is committed to helping us continue the life-changing work that has been part of our community for over 130 years.

Meet our Community Champions

Short intro to what a community champion is, and the incredible work they do and impact they have on the dogs and community of Birmingham Dogs Home.

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Important Notice – Birmingham Centre Closed this Thursday, 18th Sept.

Our Birmingham Centre will be closed to the public this Thursday due to essential maintenance works in the local area, which will leave us without power and water for the day.
 
Please be assured that our dedicated team will be fully prepared to manage this disruption. The welfare of our dogs remains our top priority – they will still receive all the care, cleaning, and plenty of fresh water they need throughout the day.
 
Thank you for your understanding and support. We’ll be back open as usual on Friday.

Family Fun Day Wolverhampton Centre

Join us on Saturday, 28th September 2024, from 10 AM to 4 PM for a day filled with fun activities and attractions. Plus, enjoy the convenience of free parking!