Melissa Shapiro, DVM
HumaneVMA CONNECTICUT STATE CO-REPRESENTATIVE

Melissa Shapiro, DVM, is a small-animal house call veterinarian, author, and speaker. Dr. Shapiro is an outspoken advocate for disabled pets through media appearances, presentations at veterinary and pet care conferences, on her social media platforms, and through her monthly webinar series. 

Dr. Shapiro is the creator and driving force behind the social media phenomenon Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy. Her nonprofit, Piglet International Inc., implements the Piglet Mindset® Educational Program, an authentic teaching curriculum emphasizing resilience, inclusion, and kindness, in schools globally. Her memoir, Piglet, the unexpected story of a deaf blind pink puppy and his family, and her children’s book, Piglet Comes Home, are available wherever books are sold.

Dr. Shapiro is the owner of the Visiting Vet Service. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, Warren Shapiro, Piglet, and a pack of 7 rescued dogs.

Melissa Magnotta, DVM, CHPV
HumaneVMA CONNECTICUT STATE CO-REPRESENTATIVE

Melissa Magnotta, CVM, CHPV, has been in veterinary practice since graduating from Oklahoma State University in 2012. Her clinical experience spans small animal medicine, shelter medicine, and end-of-life care, reflecting a comprehensive and compassionate approach to veterinary medicine. She is Fear Free Certified and a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian, credentials that underscore her commitment to minimizing stress, pain, and anxiety while supporting both the physical comfort and emotional well-being of her patients at every stage of life.

A lifelong advocate for service, Dr. Magnotta was raised with a strong foundation in community involvement, regularly participating in fundraisers and nonprofit initiatives. She continues to carry these values into her professional life, contributing her time and expertise both locally in Connecticut and internationally. Her volunteer efforts support rescue organizations, municipal shelters, individuals experiencing homelessness, and underserved members of the community.

Dr. Magnotta’s dedication to reducing fear and suffering in animals informs every aspect of her work, from clinical care to advocacy. Prior to becoming a veterinarian, she gained diverse experience working in aquariums and zoos, and through internships in animal care departments within research facilities, providing her with a well-rounded understanding of animal management and welfare. Her education in Oklahoma further broadened her perspective, offering hands-on experience with cattle through exposure to the rodeo and beef industries, as well as a summer internship with a dairy veterinary practice working across farms of varying sizes.

She is an active member of the Veterinary Association for Farm Animal Welfare, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association.

To contact an HumaneVMA State Representative, please email [email protected].