Kirkcaldy veterinary nurse has been nominated and made the finals at the Animal Star Awards 2025

Stephanie Grieve, 32, an RVN (registered veterinary nurse) at Vets for Pets in Kirkcaldy, will mingle with other finalists in the Animal Star Awards 2025 in November this year – her family and practice team couldn’t be more proud.

Sandie Hail, manager and owner of the Kirkcaldy practice, says: “Steph is probably one of the most caring nurse I have ever come across. She was absolutely born to do this job.

“When pets come into the practice, Steph immediately does everything she can to put them at ease, the love and compassion shown to every pet that crosses her path is remarkable and exactly what you would want them to experience when on a visit to their vets.

Every day at some point during her shift, you will find Steph on the floor or in the kennel, cuddling one of the inpatients, whether it’s a dog recovering from surgery or a cat who has been unwell and been admitted for monitoring for the day, she is caring for them if they are scared, needing reassurance or love.

“She has such a natural ability and gift when it comes to working with animals.”

Sandie added: “It’s just wonderful to see how she interacts with the patients under her care in practice, it’s how you would hope that your pet would be treated whenever they have to be at the vet.”

Inspiration

Steph qualified as a registered veterinary nurse last year after a block release course at the Edinburgh campus of the SRUC – Scotland's Rural College. Steph had been sponsored by her employers Vets for Pets in Kirkcaldy,

Steph, 32, began her working life as an auxiliary nurse for humans and it was her own pet, Holly that inspired her to change her life and work with animals.

Sadly, Steph had to say goodbye to Holly a few weeks ago, but the little Jack Russell has left a legacy of love which Steph is continuing to give to other animals, together with a shared empathy with their human parents.

It is that empathy, and her dedication to recognising that people need reassurance and communication, which makes Steph a hero to so many.

Says Sandie: “We’ve got fabulous social media platform and our nurses are brilliant at keeping our clients up to dates on how their pet is doing whilst they are with us. Steph feels so strongly about ensuring the clients can see exactly what’s going on when they can’t be with their pet, because there’s always the unknown of what is really happening when they are not there.

“Steph is great at taking videos and pictures when a pet is admitted with us, to show the owner how they are doing and reassure them that they are being well cared for. So whether is an update to say, “hi mum, just woke up from my surgery, I’m ok but still a bit sleepy” or “Hi dad, just enjoying a licki-lix from Nurse Steph” these small things mean so much to the clients, giving them peace of mind their pet is in good hands and doing well.

“You want every client to know that their pets are adored, looked after, they want for nothing under our care.”

Recognition

Steph says: “I don’t know who nominated me, at first I thought it was a joke, but was really thrilled when I realised it was genuine!

“As a nominee, I was asked to write a bit about me, how I qualified, how long I’ve working in the industry and what inspires me, this then was sent to a panel of judges – and I made the final! It’s amazing.

“I feel very grateful that the work I do every day has been recognised in this way. I am so genuinely thrilled that I can make a small difference in the time I have with the animals I care for, my job is my passion and it’s so rewarding and exactly where I need, and want to be.

And the team at Vets for Pets in Kirkcaldy, are very proud of her.

Says Sandie: “If I could clone Steph, I would.”

Steph and her family, with staff from Vets for Pets Kirkcaldy, will be joining her and the other finalists at the Animal Star Awards gala dinner in Leeds, on November 8.

How to book an appointment at Vets for Pets Kirkcaldy

To find out more about the care and support Vets for Pets Kirkcaldy can offer you and your loved animals, go to the website Vets for Pets Kirkcaldy, or contact them on 01592 800 666

The practice is inside Pets at Home at Unit 3 Fife Central Retail Park, Kirkcaldy KY2 6QL.