Staff

Dr. Brittney Riley and Hiway

Dr. Brittney Riley was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. After graduating from the Lincoln Science Focus Program, a specialty high school, she spent five years working as a zookeeper at the Lincoln Children's Zoo. Although in charge of the zoo's bird collection, Dr. Riley learned to care for all the animals in the zoo. She also worked along side the zoo's vet learning how to draw blood (she did her first blood draw on a flamingo!), monitor anesthesia and sneak medicine into unwilling subjects like wallabies. During her last year of keeping she attended Southeast Community College full time and then made the decision to quit being a zookeeper with the goal of becoming a veterinarian. She then transferred to the University of Nebraska--Lincoln to complete her bachelor's degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Science in 2008. She went on to graduate from University of Nebraska--Lincoln/Iowa State University Cooperative Program as a veterinarian in 2012.

Dr. Riley likes to call her home "The Riley Zoo" because of the variety of pets she has. The animals span from two cats (adopted from The Cat House), four parrots (including Hiway), a snake and two crested geckos. She also has a service dog named Jake.

Jake Riley, Service Dog

Jake is a fully trained service dog from Domesti-Pups in Lincoln, NE. Dr. Riley and Jake were matched in October of 2014 during training camp. Jake's job is to keep Dr. Riley safe while walking longer distances and perform other mobility tasks as needed throughout the day. You may see Jake out with her around town or if you allow him into your home when Dr. Riley comes to care for your pet. Jake gets along with most animals including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and horses. If needed Jake can be placed in a pop up crate while she helps you with your animal's needs.