Dr. Harrison Nelson stands as a highly respected veterinarian and pet doctor in Tucson, bringing years of experience and a genuine love for animals to the local community. Born and raised on a farm in rural Missouri, Dr. Nelson’s passion for animal care began early in life amidst a menagerie of farm animals and family pets.
Growing up on Nelson Farm, established in the late 1800s, instilled in him a deep connection with animals. His childhood was filled with cattle, hogs, horses, goats, chickens, and countless cats and dogs, fostering a natural understanding and compassion for creatures of all kinds. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future career as a dedicated pet doctor.
Dr. Nelson’s path to veterinary medicine was initially marked by athletic and academic pursuits. A star athlete in high school, he earned a wrestling scholarship to Drake University, majoring in Pre-Med. Following a period of service in the Navy, his calling shifted towards veterinary care, leading him to pursue Pre-Vet studies. He further solidified his scientific foundation with a year in Microbiology at the University of Missouri before being accepted into their esteemed Veterinary School.
After graduating from Veterinary School at MU in 1978, Dr. Nelson briefly practiced in Las Vegas before finding his way to Tucson. A pivotal career opportunity arose at Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Tucson, where he had the privilege of working alongside and being mentored by Dr. Wayne Randall and Dr. Ed Buck. This experience was instrumental in shaping his approach to veterinary medicine and commitment to the Tucson pet community.
In 1985, Dr. Nelson established the Animal Medical Clinic of Tucson, a pioneering 24-hour emergency facility in the city. Under his leadership, the hospital thrived throughout the 1990s, eventually becoming part of Veterinary Centers of America (VCA) in 2001. After several years with VCA, Dr. Nelson’s dedication to providing personalized pet care led him to open Pet Doctor LLC in October 2013. This move allowed him to return to his roots of offering focused, compassionate veterinary services as a leading pet doctor in Tucson.
Beyond his professional life, Dr. Nelson is deeply connected to his family and the Tucson community. He and his wife Julie share their home with a delightful collection of seven pets – three cats (Ozzie, Charlotte, and Oreo) and four dogs (Opie, Maya, Muffie, and Sophie). Julie is actively involved with Tucson 2 Tails cat rescue, reflecting their shared commitment to animal welfare. Dr. Nelson is also an avid outdoorsman, hiker, and a passionate Arizona Wildcat fan, further embedding him in the local Tucson lifestyle.
Dr. Harrison Nelson’s journey, from a farm in Missouri to a trusted pet doctor in Tucson, is a testament to his lifelong dedication to animal health and well-being. His extensive experience, combined with a genuine love for animals and community, makes him an excellent choice for pet owners seeking compassionate and expert veterinary care in Tucson.
