Veterinarian
Dr. Becca Portugal-Kelleher knew since she was 3 years old, after growing up in her mother’s clinic, that she wanted to be a veterinarian. Dr. Portugal-Kelleher set her eyes on her goal and did not let anything stop her. She was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania and grew up in the same area. Throughout middle school and high school Dr. Becca worked part-time at Critter Care Vet Hospital as a receptionist and technician getting to know the clients, staff, and learning as much as she could.
Dr. Portugal-Kelleher went to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University where she studied chemical engineering before making the switch to biochemistry and graduating in May 2019 with her Bachelor’s degree. This is also where she met her husband while working in a dining hall and as well as working in a biochemistry lab helping with research. Dr. Portugal-Kelleher then went to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in Saint Kitts where she completed her didactic education in veterinary medicine and then completed her clinical year at North Carolina State University-CVM. She graduated in January 2023 with her Doctorate.
Dr. Becca elected to stay in Raleigh, North Carolina while planning her wedding with her husband Ryan Kelleher and gaining more experience prior to coming back home. She worked at a small animal hospital that was privately owned for about 10 months prior to accepting a position at North Carolina State University-CVM for a Small Animal Rotating Internship. She completed the internship in July 2024, but remained in the Raleigh area while awaiting her wedding.
Dr. Portugal-Kelleher started relief work in UrgentVets and emergency hospitals in the Raleigh and surrounding areas until January 2025. She was very frequently doing overnight shifts at the ER and monitoring ICU patients while everyone was sleeping and resting peacefully at home. She got married to her husband in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in January 2025 and moved back home to Pennsylvania. She is excited to return to general practice and have long-term client relationships again and return to the surgery suite, but will always be ready for emergencies to coming in.
Away from work, Dr. Becca enjoys spending time with her “little ladies” (her 3 frenchies – DD, Jackpot and Ila), her husband, and her friends. Her hobbies include crocheting, crafting, playing video games, and playing board games. She is excited to work normal hours again and actually have a life at home!