Dr. Melissa Riggio was born and raised in Hazlet, NJ, developing a profound early passion for animal care. After six years as a veterinary technician, she committed to her goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Dr. Riggio earned her BS in Small Animal Science from Rutgers University in 2013. Driven by her commitment to veterinary medicine, she relocated to St. Kitts to pursue her D.V.M at Ross University, completing her clinical year at The Ohio State University and graduating in January 2018. Dr. Riggio then joined Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital as an associate veterinarian in 2018.

Dr. Riggio has special interest in internal medicine, preventative care, and surgery. She also has a strong focus on Fear Free practices to reduce veterinary visit anxiety in pets. She finds great joy in nurturing bonds with pets and their owners.

Dr. Riggio married her high school sweetheart, John, and they welcomed daughters in 2021 and 2024. She has a special affinity for pit bull terriers and shares her life with two mixes, Hudson and Jolene.