Nikki McLeod, a Dalgety Bay resident, graduates at 52 and opens Fife’s first vet-practice-based referral behavioral clinic for pets
Dalgety Bay: Nikki McLeod has been living here for 23 years. She’s a registered veterinary nurse at Albavet in Dunfermline and Dalgety Bay.
After spending years in kennels, she became a vet nurse. But after taking a break, she found a passion for studying.
Nikki shared, “Back in school, I wanted to go to art college or work with animals. I chose animals but kept photography as a hobby.”
She was told she wasn’t smart enough for university, which made her choice easier. At 45, she got diagnosed with autism after seeing similarities with her son.
“It explained why I struggled in school and with learning,” she said. After a break from vet nursing in the late 2000s, she focused on her photography business.
Once her second son was born, she returned to veterinary work with renewed energy and decided to update her skills. She enrolled in a top-up degree in veterinary nursing at Edinburgh Napier University.
“I really caught the study bug!” she laughed. After finishing her degree, she pursued online postgraduate studies in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Edinburgh, graduating last November.
Nikki joked, “I’m no spring chicken! As I age, vet nursing gets tougher, so I shifted to Clinical Animal Behaviour.”
She praised Edinburgh University for their support, especially during tough times, like when her mother passed away unexpectedly.
Though she didn’t continue to a master’s, she was thrilled to earn her postgraduate diploma. Now, she’s launched Fife’s first vet-practice-based referral behavioral clinic, Albavet Behavioural Clinic ABC.
This nurse-led service operates from Albavet practices across Dunfermline, Dalgety Bay, Burntisland, and Kirkcaldy.
“Many pets and their owners are struggling. I wanted to help with behavioral issues, from cats peeing in the wrong spots to dogs scared of the vet,” she explained.
“I use science-led, compassionate methods to guide caregivers. Appointments can be in-person or via telemedicine, so I can help anyone, anywhere!”
Nikki is excited about the successes she’s already seen since opening the clinic.
