Linda Ryan has been a veterinary nurse (VN) since 2000, beginning in general practice and then working in specialist clinics at two university referral hospitals. She has attained the Diploma in Advanced Nursing (Medical), the Veterinary Technician Specialty (Oncology), and the Veterinary Technician Specialist (Behaviour). Linda is a qualified animal trainer and behaviour practitioner, a Fear Free Certified trainer, and a Certified IAABC Behaviour Consultant (Canine & Feline).

Linda’s specialist interests are in clinical behaviour, medical/oncology nursing, and patient quality of life/welfare. She is passionate about low-stress handling and patient-friendly practice and regularly teaches on these topics to veterinary professionals.

Linda’s interest in training and behaviour has evolved over her nursing career. She has become more aware of its importance relative to patients as they receive medical care, especially in her work with felines, oncology patients, and animals requiring chronic care. Linda’s passion about the vet-trainer connection and patient-friendly veterinary practice allows her to meld her veterinary nursing and behaviour knowledge for the benefit of patients, staff, and owners.

In 2012, Linda became one of the first U.K. graduates of the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional program. She is now proud to be a KPA faculty member, leading KPA’s Dog Trainer Professional program in the U.K.

Linda owns and operates Inspiring Pet Teaching, a business aimed at pet and owner training and education. She also offers CPD provisions for VNs and para-professionals, both in person at local, national, and international events and online.

Linda collaborates and provides course content and/or instruction and review for Karen Pryor Academy, International Cat Care/International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), Fear Free, ONCOREePD and many other continuing education providers—locally, nationally, internationally, and online.

Linda lives in the beautiful New Forest, in the UK, with her lovely hubby, their fabulous little dog, Evie, a super-cool kitty, and two pet sheep. She loves learning from every pet, peer, owner, and student that she is lucky enough to work with!