Dr. Melissa Kay was born and raised in Southern California. After majoring in Zoology at UC Santa Barbara, she worked as a veterinary technician at several multi-doctor small animal hospitals. During this time, she was also a medical extern at the California Wildlife Center rehabilitating various creatures big and small. She attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in the Caribbean and completed her clinical year at the University of Florida. While abroad, she went on many traveling adventures and volunteered in Guatemala for communities with little access to veterinary care. She also participated in two specialized externships focusing on dentistry and dermatology.

When Dr. Kay is not practicing veterinary medicine, she enjoys the beach, going to the gym, comedy clubs, scrapbooking and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Kay is a big dog lover. Her true love is her black lab “Wilson”, more commonly known as “Fuzzy Bear”.

“I am blessed to work at such a beautiful hospital with cutting edge equipment. The entire staff at IVS is focused on high quality patient care. Being a part of a multi-doctor practice allows for collaboration on difficult cases. I could not be more thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful team.”

“Growing up I always had an interest in science and drawn to the problem solving aspect of medicine. It was not until college when I decided what path I truly wanted to take, a job that did not require high heels or sitting at a desk. Animals have always played a big part in my life and it seemed only natural be a part of a profession that helps both animals and people. I am always up for a challenge and there is nothing more challenging than diagnosing and treating patients that can’t speak for themselves. My favorite part of my job is that I truly get to know my patients, their families and make a positive impact in their lives. Veterinary medicine is such an incredible field to be a part of and the belly rubs, tail wags, and unconditional love make it that much better.”