Dr. Nels was born and raised in Omaha, graduating from Westside High School in 1969. He graduated with his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1975. He opened Backlund Animal Clinic in 1977 and raised his family in nearby Pacific Heights neighborhood.

Dr. Nels has been married to his high school sweetheart, Jeanne, for 40 years and together they have 3 children, including Dr. Michelle. Jeanne is a retired Millard Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and now is a consummate grandmother to their 6 grandchildren.