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Family-run, clinically led, and trusted by animal owners and veterinary practices across the UK for over 15 years.
Wormcount is an independent specialist diagnostic veterinary laboratory, built on a foundation of clinical accuracy, honest communication and a genuine commitment to the animals and owners we serve.
Our reputation has been earned the old-fashioned way: through consistently fast, reliable results, a team that actually picks up the phone, and a level of aftercare that most laboratories simply don’t offer. The vast majority of our clients come to us through word of mouth, and once they’ve used us, they keep coming back. That means more to us than any accolade.
Founded in 2008 as the UK’s original direct-access canine testing laboratory, we set out to make professional parasite testing accessible to animal owners without the need for a vet referral. This saves time, reduces unnecessary treatment, and gives owners the information they need to make genuinely informed decisions about their animals’ parasite control. More than 15 years and 250,000 tests later, we’re still independently run, still family-connected, and still guided by the same values we started with.
We test a wide range of species, from dogs and cats to horses, reptiles, farm animals, camelids and birds. Whatever the animal, the standard doesn’t change: accurate science, clear reporting, and an in-house clinical team on hand to help you understand what your results mean.
Our purpose-built laboratory has been designed specifically for the work we do, with bespoke equipment and facilities that support a consistent, high-quality testing process across every species we screen.
Every analyst undergoes rigorous training before undertaking any independent testing, and once approved, participates in regular blind spot-checks and ongoing external professional development to ensure our standards remain at the forefront of the industry. Our strict biosecurity protocols and standardised testing methods ensure repeatable and accurate results from every sample that passes through our laboratory.
Our clinical team includes Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs) registered with the Animal Medicines Training and Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) who are qualified to advise on veterinary medicines within the relevant legal categories. Free clinical aftercare and results guidance is provided to all direct-access clients as standard, because we believe a result is only as useful as the support that comes with it.
Charlotte graduated with a BSc (Hons) in 2012 and leads our Clinical Communications team. As a Registered Animal Medicines Advisor, she is qualified to prescribe veterinary medicines in accordance with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. Outside of work, Charlotte’s hobbies include hiking, rock climbing and caring for her (now retired) horse.
David leads our back-office team and oversees business development, bringing over 30 years of management experience across the public and private sectors. He holds overall responsibility for corporate analysis and development, as well as, by his own admission, making the tea. Outside of work, David’s sporting loyalties lie firmly with rugby, these days from the stands rather than the pitch.
With more than 40 years of experience in administration and customer-facing roles, Dee brings a wealth of knowledge and a friendly, approachable nature to the team. Outside of work, Dee enjoys spending time with her two gorgeous dogs, Cookie and Crumble and weekends away with her partner and family. She also loves crafting, and is always keeping busy with creative projects and new ideas.
A true leader in his field, Rupert brings enormous personality to the office and has the entire admin team firmly wrapped around his paw. Paid exclusively in treats and cuddles, he has settled into office life re-bark-ably well. However, his dedication to the role is occasionally interrupted by extended napping… We hope he stays fur-ever.
Michaela founded Wormcount.com Veterinary Laboratory in 2008 and remains at the helm as Laboratory Director and Senior Analyst. She is qualified and registered by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to prescribe and advise on veterinary medicines within the legal categories of NFA-VPS and POM-VPS for companion animals and equines, and is a member of the British Society for Parasitologists and the Royal Microscopical Society. Michaela began her career as a worm counter in 1999 and has worked in Germany and the Netherlands as well as the UK. A lifelong horse owner, she has more recently taken up carriage driving.
Andy is an analyst and laboratory manager, overseeing testing and screens across our full range of services. He holds both a BSc (Hons) and MSc and brought several years of laboratory experience and qualifications with him when he joined the team. His particular area of interest is microscopy screening and interpretation. Outside of work, Andy enjoys rugby and countryside walks with his wife and dogs.
Sue joined the team in 2014, bringing 37 years of laboratory expertise as a Senior Biomedical Scientist in pathology. Her specialist focus within Wormcount is pathogenic parasitology, and she also serves as our internal quality auditor and is an experienced NVQ trainer and assessor. When she’s not in the lab, Sue can usually be found with her horse, dog and a considerable number of chickens.
Lesley came to the laboratory via an unconventional route… She originally trained as an accountant before she made the switch to analytical work after accumulating years of hands-on experience with horses, rabbits and reptiles. She joined Wormcount in 2013 and has been a valued member of the team ever since. In her spare time, Lesley breeds and shows champion Bengal cats.
Nini’s primary specialisms within the laboratory are equine and reptile screening, with an expanding focus on our growing range of canine tests. She grew up in an equestrian family and is a talented international event rider in her own right, competing at up to CCI 4* level. When she’s not in the laboratory, Nini can usually be found training and competing her event horses, walking her dogs or racing in 10km events.
Vicky specialises in sedimentation testing and Baermann screening, and her first class honours degree and meticulous attention to detail make her an invaluable member of the clinical team. Outside of work, Vicky enjoys time with her young family, her dog and her two rabbits. The dog occasionally makes an office appearance; the rabbits remain a work in progress…
Michaela Murray began offering parasite testing to clients in the local Northamptonshire area, laying the foundations for what would become the UK’s leading direct-access veterinary testing laboratory.
Wormcount was formally established as a postal operation and the UK’s first direct-access canine testing laboratory. It made professional parasite screening available to animal owners nationwide without the need for a vet referral.
Growing demand prompted a full renovation and expansion of the laboratory at its original location, creating additional capacity to accommodate the increasing volume of testing.
With further expansion on the horizon, Wormcount secured a new laboratory site and began design work ahead of construction of its purpose-built premises.
Wormcount moved to its new purpose-built laboratory and office facilities; a state-of-the-art site designed specifically around the needs of a modern veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
Significant investment in new testing equipment and analyst training enabled the introduction of PCR testing and the commissioning of new-to-market diagnostic tests, expanding Wormcount’s range to over 40 products.
Over 250,000 tests have now been performed by Wormcount, and we continue to serve animal owners, breeders and veterinary practices across the UK.
