At a very young age, Dr. Shaira Rivera developed a passion for learning about and taking care of animals. She was mesmerized by all creatures great and small, from cats and dogs, to farm animals, to birds, to marine animals, and even insects. She loved spending time at her grandpa’s farm learning about pigs, horses, and poultry. The Animal Planet and National Geographic Channels were some of her favorites shows to watch.  She saw caterpillars feed in the bushes and watched them turn into beautiful butterflies. She saw a pair of woodpeckers carve out their house in a tall tree. She saw a big yellow snake curled up sleeping in the front seat of an abandoned car. Through these experiences she learned what a wonderful world we live in, and she wanted to be a part of it. 

When Dr. Rivera and her three siblings were old enough, her family adopted their very own first pet, a Miniature Schnauzer named Brus. Even though all family members were in love with Brus, Dr. Rivera quickly developed a strong bond with him and became his primary caretaker. Dr. Rivera completed her Pre-Veterinary courses at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. When it was time to go to Veterinary School, it was difficult saying goodbye to her family and home. Together, her family decided to say goodbye to Brus as well, and send him with Dr. Rivera as her loyal companion. Even though they were heartbroken that they would be two family members down, they knew they would take care of each other during this very important and necessary journey for Dr. Rivera to complete her lifelong dream- becoming a veterinarian. 

Dr. Rivera obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. She takes great joy and responsibility in maximizing the human-animal bonds between her patients and clients through preventative health care and veterinary services, essential to the health and wellbeing of both. She particularly enjoys spaying/neutering, ophthalmology, and diagnostic imaging. Outside of work, Dr. Rivera enjoys spending time with her loved ones, traveling, going to the beach, drawing, and watching shows that will keep her in the edge of her seat!

Dr. Rivera is bi-lingual and able to support our English and Spanish-speaking pet parents.