Meet the Class of 2023: Riley Butler

Riley Butler with a Golden Lab puppy.

Riley Butler (’23 DVM), a third-year veterinary student at WSU, is interested in small animal general practice and future practice ownership. She is originally from the Seattle area and grew up with an assortment of backyard pets, from cats to chickens and goats. Her passion for science and love of animals steered her toward a career in veterinary medicine. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in physiology from Seattle Pacific University, where she also competed on the women’s basketball team. Before starting at WSU, she spent time working as a veterinary assistant in multiple small animal veterinary practices in the greater Seattle area. During her time at WSU, she has been elected to serve as the SAVMA chapter president. She enjoys helping students practice their surgical skills as a teaching assistant in the Optional Clinical Skills Lab. Riley was the recipient of the Iowa Farm Scholarship for the 2020-21 school year. During her free time, she enjoys running and playing basketball with her fellow classmates. After she graduates in 2023, Riley plans to return to Seattle and practice in an independently-owned small animal practice.