Harrogate Vets for Pets

Hi, I’m Leigh-Anne and I’m the owner of Vets for Pets Harrogate.

I grew up in the West of Scotland and graduated from the University of Glasgow in July 2000, and moved to Yorkshire in the August of that year. I’ve been here ever since! I took over the Harrogate practice in 2008 and have loved being here for the last ten years. In that time we have been RCVS accredited, and become a nurse training practice. The most rewarding thing in my career is getting to know our clients and their pets. Knowing pets from their first visit to their last is a real privilege. It’s lovely to see people every year and hear about their lives too and to see their human families grow up.

I’m incredibly proud of the nurses we have trained and find it incredibly rewarding to take school work experience students like Katie and Paisley and see them grow, develop and thrive. We have also hosted many vet students who feel like an extended family across the profession now they have qualified.

I have two dogs, Lulu the border terrier who is 13, and Hatty the chin-pin who was a rescue from Miss Mollies. She came in with a broken leg whilst heavily pregnant and I fell for her despite being a “big dog” person at heart.

Aside from running the surgery, I volunteer for Street Paws as an outreach vet for their homeless project, and am on the board for The Society or Practicing Veterinary Surgeons. I love writing so my role with them is as their editor and I contribute articles for their publications. I also answer vet questions for Pets at Home’s magazine and the coolest task I’ve ever helped with was writing a story line for Coronation Street - I was the veterinary adviser for the death of Great Dane, Schmeichel.

When I’m not in work mode I love going to festivals and being a bit of a music geek, and reading. The dogs and I also like to visit all the dog friendly cafes, restaurants and bars in Harrogate- it’s the most dog friendly place I know!

Hi,
I’m Nicola. I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2018 and have been working in small animal practice since. I started my career in Norfolk but have recently moved to Harrogate with my Norfolk terrier X called Beanie, to live closer to my sister. We are all enjoying Harrogate and how dog friendly everywhere is! I really love the variety of general practice and how every day is truly different. In my spare time I love to get out with my dog, spending time with my friends and family and arty hobbies like painting, sewing and embroidery.

I graduated in 2010 from the University of Cambridge. I started my career in mixed practice but have been dedicated to small animal practice the last few years. I’ve worked in Suffolk and Sussex and have now come back to the area that I grew up in. I enjoy working in first opinion practice and am interested in internal medicine, radiography and ultrasonography.

I actually don’t have any pets – I’ve moved around quite a bit in my journey back here – but I’m looking forward to having a cat when I’m settled.

Outside work I enjoy Lindy Hop dancing, making and seeing art, bouldering and getting places by bike.

I qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2019. I joined Vets for Pets in October 2020 and was able to hit ground running in a busy interesting practice. I have a keen interest in rabbit medicine and nursing so I am wanting to specialise and develop in this area further. I have recently trained to be a clinical coach to support student vet nurses through their course both practically and academically. When I’m not in work I enjoy walking and exploring with my crazy Labrador Ozzy around the countryside. I also have two rescue bunnies Whiskey and Guinness who keep me very busy!

I qualified in 2017 as an RVN having worked in general practice since 2013. I worked at an orthopaedic referral practice for 3 years before moving to Vet for Pets in Harrogate.

I loved referral work and it has helped me improve my skills and level of care I can offer. I moved to Vets for Pets for a new challenge and have enjoyed every minute. The team are supportive and we all motivate each other to do the best by our patients and clients.

I am from York but have lived all over Yorkshire. I now live in a small village outside York with my dog Remus the staffie cross.

Hi, I’m Chloe and I started my veterinary nursing course and joined the team in September 2022. I’ve worked with a few different types of animals for the past couple of years, ranging from ferrets and tortoises to sheep and cattle. I’m super excited to get stuck into my role as an SVN and get to know the team and all of you lovely clients!

When I’m not studying or in practice, I love taking my dog Daniel the Spaniel on walks with my family, working down at a local farm attraction or just reading a good book!

I qualified as an RVN in February 2023 in a busy small animal practice in Surrey after starting my journey as a receptionist in 2017. I relocated back to my Yorkshire roots in July 2023. My interests include schedule 3 work and building a relationship with my clients and patients. In my spare time I enjoy long countryside walks and reading. 

I have worked in the veterinary profession since 2007. I love meeting all the pets and their families, in happy times and also being there at some of the sad times. I have a working cocker spaniel called Gladys and a highland pony called Bannock. I am usually behind the scenes at Vets4Pets but will appear in a second at the sound of "puppy" or "kitten". I've met lots of pets over the years but one of my favourite names for a cat is Campuss. He was a rescue cat who was found at York University Campus.

I’m a rescue dog from Miss Mollie’s charity in Harrogate. I am a chin-pin, which is a cross between a chihuahua and a miniature pinscher. I was brought in to the surgery heavily pregnant and with a broken leg. The team fixed me up and after my puppies were rehomed (Roxy and Bean still come here for their vet care) I came to live with Leigh-Anne. Everything is very good as long as everyone realised I am in charge. My role in the practice is as office guard dog and I also work as an emotional support dog when people have sad days. I love getting involved in interviews too. Out of work, my favourite things are snuggling under blankets and prancing around before dinner. I have also been a theatre diva, playing Bruiser Woods in the HSAP production of Legally Blonde. I had my own dressing room and have had quite a big head ever since.

Hi, I’m Bella, I joined the Vets for Pets team in April 2022. I have always had a keen interest in animals great and small and enjoy all aspects of caring for them.

In my spare time I like to spend time with my dog, horses and cats. If you don’t find me at the yard, you’ll probably find me at the pet store, buying things to spoil them with!

I am also a Harrogate Town FC supporter and am a firm believer that we will one day, be in the premier league (might take a while but Rome wasn’t built in a day!)

I look forward to meeting you and your pet when you visit us!