12/06/2023
Hello! Thank you for liking and following my page. I thought I should write up a little post to introduce myself.
My name is Elle McCleave and I am a Registered Veterinary Technologist practicing in the lower mainland. I started volunteering in animal hospitals when I was 14 and officially started working as a Veterinary Assistant after graduating highschool. I worked for a few years and continued to do so while I completed the Veterinary Technology program at Douglas College. I graduated in June 2020 and wrote my VTNE in November 2020. I have been practicing as a RVT ever since. I also obtained my Fear Free Certification and have since upgraded to a Level 3 Fear Free Professional. I continue to keep up to date with fear free practices and am regularly participating in webinars and continuing education courses.
As of May 2023 I began pursuing my Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in behaviour. As I work on my specialty I am offering behaviour consultations and behaviour modification plans to help understand and manage those behaviours of concern.
I have always been interested in animal behaviour but decided to pursue a specialty after experiencing reactivity from my own dog.
I have a 4.5yr old mixed breed dog named Jasper. From an early age he exhibited signs of anxiety and fear especially around strangers, unfamiliar dogs and kids. Walking him and managing his reactions felt like a nightmare, but after years of researching behaviour and working and consulting with his veterinarians and trainers, we have finally found a plan that has made both of us much more comfortable. At the beginning, Jasper used to throw himself onto the ground and scream (not bark, scream!) when he would see a dog even as far as 6 blocks away. Now we can comfortably walk by dogs on the street with him simply watching the other dog as they pass.
After my experience with Jasper I knew I wanted to help other people overcome those challenges and create a better bond with their pets.
Around the time I decided to pursue my specialty I also decided to begin offering in home pet care; with a reactive and fearful dog myself, I understand how difficult it can be for some pets to visit the vet office or the groomers for routine procedures such as a nail trim. I wanted to offer in home services so that these pets can feel more comfortable but also so that owners can see and be involved in the process (as much as they’d like to be!)
Other than my experience and professional interests, I enjoy reading a good book or working on a painting in my free time. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, camping or at the beach when the weather permits!
Attached are some of my favourite photos of myself with my own pets and patients.
