Nick Bailey
Boarding Care
Hi, my name is Nick Bailey, and I am a Boarding Care Team Member at Knoll Animal Hospital. I am passionate about providing high-quality care and helping my patients feel comfortable and confident in their treatment.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Outside of work, I enjoy hand sewing, reading, and watching movies. A few of my friends are in bands, so in my downtime I will sometimes travel to the city or surrounding areas to see them perform. At home I have a 3-year-old Labrador mix named Kurtis who loves absolutely everyone, two roughly year-old axolotls — a wild type named Buckley who is more reserved and a leucistic type named Eddie who is more outgoing — and a 7-year-old Netherland Dwarf rabbit named Dusty, who has a big personality and loves to run around the living room.
Favorite Part of My Job
My favorite part of the job is helping animals and becoming close with them, and learning how each animal is their own individual.
Why I Chose This Profession
I have always enjoyed being around animals and wanting to help pets and their parents. My family and I brought our very nervous and traumatized dog to Knoll Animal Hospital after trying multiple other clinics, and the team here immediately began helping him — he has shown so much growth since. I chose this profession because I want to help other animals the way the team at Knoll Animal Hospital helped my own dog.
Education
I graduated from Harper College with an associate degree in Culinary and Food Service Management, completing my studies from 2020 to 2022.
Professional Background
I earned my Fear Free Certification in 2026. I am continually inspired by seeing the impact veterinarians have on the animals around them.
Work History
After college, I worked in a corporate kitchen beginning in August 2022, and then in the cafeteria at Palatine High School from November 2023 to September 2024. After a few years in the food industry, I decided to shift to working with animals. I began as a professional dog bather at PetSmart in June 2024, moving from part-time to full-time in April 2025, where I bathe dogs, take calls and book appointments, and help with walk-in nail trims. Over time I have grown more and more comfortable working with dogs and recommending the right products to clients.
