Andy Sparkes graduated from the Royal Veterinary College (University of London) in 1983, and after a period of four years in general practice undertook an intern/residency position in feline medicine at the University of Bristol from 1987-1990. Following this, Andy undertook a three-year research program, as a lecturer in Feline Medicine at the University of Bristol - a position funded by the Feline Advisory Bureau.

In 1999 he was promoted to senior lecturer and in 2000 he moved to the Animal Health Trust to take up a position as Head of the Feline Unit there with responsibilities for clinical referral work and clinical research. He has published widely in the filed of feline medicine, is a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and a RCVS recognised specialist in feline medicine.

He is a member of the executive committee of the European Society of Feline Medicine and is founding and current co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery - the official journal of both the ESFM and the AAFP. Andy is also the current chairman of the Feline Advisory Bureau.