Meet The Team
Our Approach to Veterinary Care in Riverview, FL
About Our Practice
As certified pet medical experts, our staff is dedicated to discovering the root of your pet’s health concerns. We aim to provide top-quality customer service backed by exceptional pet care.
Experts Of Pet Wellness
Our high standards enable us to provide the devoted care that your pet deserves. We know trusting your pet’s health with a stranger can be difficult, which is why we make our best effort to get to know our pet parents and patients on a more personal level. We implement diagnostic imaging alongside laboratory services to provide pet parents with a well-defined diagnosis. Should a veterinary emergency occur, we make our best effort to see pet patients promptly and provide care as soon as possible.
Education
As a veterinary practice, we know that by providing our pet parents with a thorough understanding of numerous pet conditions, we are empowering them to make more informed decisions regarding their pet’s treatment. Through comprehensive exams and investigative practice, we can express our concerns about your pet’s health and propose a knowledgeable solution.
The Veterinary Oath
After acquiring our veterinary degree, we were required to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). In doing so, we have taken the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) oath:
"Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine,
[we] solemnly swear to use [our] scientific knowledge and skills
for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health,
the relief of animal suffering,
the conservation of livestock resources,
the promotion of public health
and the advancement of medical knowledge.
[We] will practice [the] profession conscientiously, with dignity
and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.
[We] accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement
of [our] professional knowledge and competence."
A Positive Experience
Our veterinary office focuses on treating the issue at hand but doesn’t neglect additional health concerns a pet may be exhibiting. Our knowledgeable, friendly staff is here to provide a comprehensive medical examination while making the experience enjoyable.
If your pet is overdue for their annual wellness exam, schedule an appointment today. Catching medical concerns before they develop opens your pet up to further treatment options that could save their life!
Dr. Eimiel Garriga
Dr. Garriga completed his undergraduate work at the University of Florida, then attended Ross University for veterinary school. He graduated from Ross University in 2004. His interests in veterinary medicine include internal medicine, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery and therapeutic laser therapy. When he is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Dr. Morgan Vargo
Dr. Morgan Vargo has been an associate veterinarian at our practice since her graduation from veterinary school in 2011. She attended University of South Florida for her undergraduate degree in Biology, then attended University of Florida for Veterinary School. Before becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Vargo served as a veterinary assistant with our practice beginning in 2003, but always planned to attend veterinary school, as being a veterinarian has been a lifelong passion.
Dr. Morgan Vargo has been an associate veterinarian at our practice since her graduation from veterinary school in 2011. She attended University of South Florida for her undergraduate degree in Biology, then attended University of Florida for Veterinary School. Before becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Vargo served as a veterinary assistant with our practice beginning in 2003, but always planned to attend veterinary school, as being a veterinarian has been a lifelong passion.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Patricia
Patricia was born and raised in New Jersey. This city girl knew she had a love for animals and began working with animals in 2012. She moved to Washington, D.C. to continue her education in Veterinary Technology. In 2017, she moved to Tampa, FL and joined our team. Her and her husband are accompanied by Forrest (Berner), Chloe (St. Bernard), and Kevin (DSH). In 2019, she made a horrible mistake and left our team while she traveled and continued to experience life, she rejoined our team 3 years later as our practice manager.
Michaela
Michaela is from Charleston, South Carolina. She has been in the veterinary industry since 2015 and joined our team in 2018 as a veterinary receptionist since moving her way up the ladder to her current role. Michaela entered the veterinary field to learn how to keep animals healthy & happy while being able to pass on the knowledge to others, as she could not imagine working in any other field. She has three fur babies; Penelope (Pitbull), Benjamin (American Bully) and Lennard (DSH). In her free time, Michaela is quite the foodie. She spends time cooking, having family time, and eating good food and enjoying outdoor activities.
Claudia
Claudia, a graduate of HCC’s Veterinary Technology program, was born in Chicago, IL. She moved to Florida in 2001 and has been here ever since. Claudia joined our team in 2017 and her goal with every patient visit is to make sure all pets get the same quality of care and to make sure that their owners know how to best care for their furry family members. She loves reading horror and fantasy novels, playing video games and riding her motorcycle. Claudia grew up with animals and can’t resist snuggling them, especially when they have puppy breath!
Dana
Dana graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Zoology and has been working in the veterinary field for 9 years. She started with us in July of 2020. Her Boxer Jax is what inspired her to get into Veterinary Medicine. He had two torn ligaments in his knees and needed surgery. Once Dana saw his radiographs she was hooked and knew this was the right choice for her. She has a special interest in animal dentistry and hopes to become a Certified Veterinary Technician in the future. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games as well as watching Netflix with her other half. She has a smiling Chihuahua named Syd and three cats Bandit, Harley Quinn and Spike.
Heather
Heather and her 11 year old dog, Booka, moved to Florida together from New Jersey. She moved to be closer to her family and joined the team early 2023. She knew she wanted to be in the veterinary field to help keep animals healthy and happy. Heather is currently in school to complete her associate degree in Veterinary Technology. When Heather isn't cuddling under the covers with Booka, she works on becoming a healthier version of herself with fitness and her love for the outdoors.
Haley
Haley rejoined our team in 2023 after being away for 8 years. Moving back to Tampa, Haley has gained so much experience in the veterinary field all along the east coast. She loves being able to care for animals through veterinary medicine and the everyday challenges it brings. Haley owns 2 fur babies, a husky (Nala) and DMH (Tyson). In her free time she enjoys going to the beach, hiking through trails, reading and catching up on Netflix.
Grisel
Grisel was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Chicago when she was at 10 years of age. She started working in the veterinary field in 2003 when her first puppy got sick with parvo virus. She gained so much knowledge from that experience. Her favorite hobbies are reading, going to the beach and spending time with her husband, 2 sons and her daughter in-law.
Amanda
I’ve been a PAWsome groomer for 7 wonderful years this upcoming Halloween. My very first haircut was a cute little overgrown Schnauzer who needed lots of love and had a pep in his step when I finished his haircut. So I do have quite a soft spot for that breed. My favorite overall breed cut is the wonderful Airedale Terrier. Although I can do all varieties and styles of breed specific grooming. I’m a proud mother of 2 beautiful children and 2 Chihuahua fur babies named Blondi and Gunther. As well as a black kitty cat named Paris.
Why do I love grooming? It’s my absolute passion to take care of and provide excellent quality, service, & comfort for each individual pet's needs. Especially those senior pets who may need a longer service and I take absolute precaution when handling your older fur babies. 🐾
Lastly, I do specialize in cat grooming, which I know is quite hard to find these days. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact Riverview Veterinary Hospital as I would love to answer any and all questions. I can’t wait to have a one on one session with your adorable doggies and kitties.
Contact Us For Availability!
Call Or Visit Us Today!
Phone
(813) 677-3100Text Us
Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 8am - 12pm
Sunday: Closed
Closed For
Lunch Monday to Friday: 12pm - 2pm (tech appointments only)