Riley Palmese

Education: State University of New York at Delhi, North Carolina State University

CCAT Education: North Carolina State University

Riley Palmese is a Long Island native, born and raised in Valley Stream. Her passion for animal care began early—she started fostering kittens at just 10 years old and was always surrounded by pets. In high school, she enrolled in a vocational veterinary science program and worked as a veterinary assistant at a local animal hospital.

Riley went on to earn her degree in Applied Science from the State University of New York at Delhi in May 2022, where she was inducted into the National Veterinary Technician Honor Society. After becoming licensed, she worked in small animal general practice before discovering her passion for physical rehabilitation. In April 2024, Riley completed advanced training at North Carolina State University, becoming a Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist (CCAT).

She finds great fulfillment in building personal connections with her patients and helping them regain comfort and mobility.

When she’s not working, Riley enjoys spending time with her family—including her German Shepard, Asiki and three cats.