Dr. Rya Gouge became a member of the VCA Kickingbird team during the summer of 2020. She grew up in Austin, Texas and graduated with a Bachelor's in Biology from the University of Texas (Hook'em horns!) She graduated in 2012 with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University. 

Witnessing the human-animal bond as well as the unconditional love of animals on a daily basis is what she loves about the field of veterinary medicine. Her professional interests include soft tissue surgery, cytology, neurology, and diagnostic imaging. 

After graduating from OSU, she stayed in the Oklahoma City area with her husband to raise their son and two dogs, Rojita and Rusty. She enjoys running, yoga, travel, and paying with her son.