Meet Our Veterinarians in Irmo, SC
Want to know who will be caring for your pet? Meet the compassionate, experienced team at Irmo Vet in Irmo, SC.
A Team That Leads With Skill, Heart, and Integrity
At Irmo Vet, our team believes veterinary care should feel both professional and personal. We combine medical expertise with genuine empathy, creating an environment where pets are treated like family and clients feel truly heard. Every member of our team shares a commitment to clear communication, thoughtful care, and building long-term relationships based on trust.
Dr. John Ogino, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. John Ogino brings compassionate, hands-on experience to Irmo Vet, backed by over two years in veterinary medicine and a lifelong passion for animal health. Growing up with five large, adventurous dogs sparked his early interest in managing pet wellness—an interest that led him across the globe to earn his veterinary degree from the University of Queensland in Australia.
Licensed in both South Carolina and Queensland, Dr. Ogino is a key part of the Irmo Vet care team, providing surgical expertise, medical treatment, and personalized consultations for clients and their pets. Whether performing procedures or crafting care plans, he’s especially focused on helping senior pets age gracefully, inspired by the time he devotes to his own aging pack at home.
Dr. Ogino lives with three beloved dogs: Molly, a gentle 17-year-old Golden Retriever mix recovering from FHO surgery; Sweetie, a sweet-natured 10-year-old Staffy mix; and Nora, a high-energy 2-year-old Doberman mix who keeps things lively. When he’s not at the clinic, you’ll likely find him caring for Molly or exploring new approaches to support older canine patients.
Fun fact: Dr. Ogino lived in Australia for six years and still considers it a second home. His unique background and deep empathy for pets of all ages make him a trusted resource for Irmo’s pet families.
Misty Johnson
Hospital Manager
With over eight years of experience in veterinary medicine, Misty Johnson serves as the heart and engine of Irmo Vet. As Hospital Manager, she blends her deep love for animals with strong leadership and operational expertise—ensuring every pet, client, and team member experiences care that’s both compassionate and seamless.
Misty holds a B.S. in Business from Limestone University and a Master’s in Health Administration from Walden University, bringing a rare mix of healthcare strategy and genuine empathy to her role. She thrives on building a positive clinic culture where veterinarians and technicians can focus on exceptional care, while clients feel welcomed, heard, and supported.
Behind the scenes, Misty coordinates staff, manages clinic workflows, and ensures that everything runs like clockwork. Her passion lies in creating an environment where pets are treated like family—and where every detail, from appointment flow to communication, contributes to a smooth, stress-free experience.
At home, Misty is surrounded by a lovable crew of rescued pets: Carolina, the sweet-natured 11-year-old Pitbull; Buster, a gentle and calm Labrador mix; Jax, a 10-year-old long-haired Dachshund with a big personality; and three feline companions—Callie, Jagger, and Tabs—each with their own quirks and charm.
When she’s not managing the clinic or caring for her pets, Misty enjoys outdoor walks, cozy afternoons with her cats, Clemson football, cooking new recipes, and catching up with family and friends. Fun fact: she’s a self-proclaimed “old soul” who finds peace in cleaning and organizing—what some call OCD, she calls therapeutic!
Loures Rivera, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Loures Rivera brings nearly two decades of experience and a deep passion for helping animals live healthier, happier lives to the Irmo veterinary community. With 19 years in veterinary medicine, Dr. Lo has worked across private practices, corporate clinics, and as a relief veterinarian—giving her a well-rounded perspective and the ability to adapt to a wide range of patient needs.
Her journey into veterinary medicine was driven by a natural love for animals combined with a strong personal drive to “fix” and improve the lives of those in need. Today, she channels that passion into providing both preventive care and medical treatment, ensuring her patients receive thoughtful, comprehensive support at every stage of life.
Dr. Lo’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the exam room. She has contributed to the field through published scientific research during her master’s studies in animal nutrition and her post-graduate internship, reflecting her dedication to advancing veterinary knowledge and care.
At home, she shares her life with her beloved dog, Jameson Whiskey Rivera—a 9-year-old Dutch Shepherd who, despite slowing down and losing some hearing, remains a loyal and intuitive companion who knows her well.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Lo enjoys sports, music, traveling, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She’s also a fan of action and thriller movies, along with crime and nature documentaries—a fun glimpse into her personality beyond veterinary medicine.
With her experience, compassion, and well-rounded approach, Dr. Lo is proud to serve pets and their families in Irmo with exceptional care.
Eric Caines
Veterinary Assistant
Eric Caines is a Veterinary Assistant at Irmo Vet with nearly 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. After starting in reception and kennel care, he developed skills in nearly every area of the hospital and now helps with everything from lab work and X rays to patient care and client support.
Eric’s journey into veterinary medicine began unexpectedly after a chaotic vet visit with his cat ended in a scratched doctor and a bold question: “Are you hiring?” Thankfully, the answer was yes.
Known for his strong lab skills, Eric earned the title of “Lab Captain” at his previous two clinics. Outside of work, he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Performance and specializes in historic performance on ancient instruments, even building replicas in his personal workshop.
At home, Eric shares life with Maggie, his eight year old Great Dane who still acts like a puppy, and Mr. Business, a friendly long haired tuxedo cat who unexpectedly came with the house he purchased in 2025. Neither of whom fully appreciate his lifelong obsession with all things British.
Holly Rister
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Amber LeGrand
Veterinary Assistant
Daryzzia Stephanie Borjas
Client Liaison
Stephanie is passionate about being a voice for animals and supporting both her team and clients however she can. In addition to managing phones, scheduling, and client communication, she is also known as the “techy” problem solver around the office and is always ready to jump in wherever help is needed.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys baking, hosting themed gatherings, painting, sketching, and dancing to everything from 90s country to reggae and reggaeton. She and her husband share their home with three beloved rescue dogs: Rookie, Rocky, and Ava, each with their own unique personalities.