Dr. Van Riper received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from UC Davis in 1993. She then completed a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery with the Sacramento Animal Medical Group in 1994. Dr. Van Riper has had the pleasure of working with an amazing team (more like family) at VCA Elk Grove Animal Hospital since 1994. She has 1 cats, 3 dogs, 1 box turtle, 1 husband and 2 adult daughters. Her special interests lie in surgery, rabbits and working with dogs, although her original interest in veterinary medicine was due to a love of cats. Dr. Van Riper is also Feline Fear Free certified and a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.