Dr. Nikki Waltemire joined the PVH team as a staff veterinarian in July 2017. She was born in York and grew up in Yoe, PA. As a graduate of Dallastown Area High School, she then attended Shippensburg University to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Spanish. Veterinary school did not come right away for Dr. Nikki, and so she attended Drexel University to obtain a Master’s in Laboratory Animal Science. It was during this time she began to appreciate the role animals play in both advancements in human and animal health.
Finally, in the fall of 2011, she was accepted to St. Matthews University School of Veterinary Medicine on Grand Cayman Island. After over three years of beautiful beaches and sunshine, she moved to Indiana to attend Purdue University for her clinical year. “I had the best of both worlds – I was able to study veterinary medicine in the Caribbean and attend an amazing veterinary school for my 4th year.” While she was in veterinary school, she obtained a master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Health Care Management from Davenport University. “The MBA wasn’t very easy combined with veterinary school, but it gave me a much better appreciation for my profession and healthcare in general.”
Following graduation from veterinary school, her whole family flew to Orlando, Florida for her graduation. “Having my family with me at this time was absolutely phenomenal. All the people I love...with me in one place was truly a blessing. They are my biggest supporters and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
Dr. Nikki spent the first two and a half years of her career working at a veterinary clinic in Mechanisburg, PA. When Dr. Schmidt offered her a position at PVH, she immediately said, “YES!” “I have always wanted to work at PVH as a veterinarian. It is most definitely a dream come true.” Dr. Nikki first started working at PVH in March 2000 as a kennel attendant – back when the hospital was “across the street…and much smaller.” She cleaned kennels and worked as both a receptionist and a veterinary assistant. “I’m not very good at any of those things anymore. There’s a great staff at PVH to do those things! I’m just the doctor!”
“I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was eight years old. There has never been any other passion or determination. I watched my childhood dog pass away after getting hit by a car. I want to help animals in any way I can.” Since that time, her dream has come full circle, now as a “member of the cool kids” at Patton Veterinary Hospital – Dr. Nikki’s terminology for being a part of the team.
“I’m a pet mom, that’s for sure!” Dr. Nikki has a St. Bernard (Rosalie), four pawsitively purrfect felines (Benjamin, Maxwell, Lilian, and Jules), and her newest addition, a lop-eared rabbit (Petey). In her time away from the hospital, she enjoys quality time with her furkids, parents, three sisters, and five nephews.
At Patton Veterinary Hospital, she absolutely loves educating pet parents on the benefits of preventative care, as well as maintaining a good quality of life for our senior pets. She is a self-proclaimed “cat lady,” but don’t worry, she loves caring for your dogs, rabbits, and ferrets, too!