Dr. Myrna Mercado


Dr. Mercado is a native of Puerto Rico. She came to Florida to complete her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida where she graduated with a Bachelor in Biology. She earned her DVM degree from Tuskegee University where she graduated in 2002.

Background
She has had many diverse experiences, from working in a small animal shelter in Port Washington NY to being a Clinical Instructor at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She enjoys every aspect of veterinary medicine, but what she enjoys the most is preventative care.

Her love for science started at a very young age, her dad is a pediatrician and she enjoyed going to work with him and helping others. While doing this she realized maybe human medicine was not for her and that is when she started volunteering at animal shelters and veterinary clinics. This sparked a love for animals that led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Mercado recently relocated to Southwest Florida with her family: a fish named Don Quijote, a miniature dachshund named Aussie, her husband a veterinary surgeon and 2 kids. She enjoys anything outdoors, baking and arts and crafts.


Dr Leonardo A Báez


Dr. Báez received his bachelor of science in Animal Science from Iowa State University and earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine.

We are happy to welcome our newest member to the Tails A Waggin family!!!

Upon his completion of his Small Animal rotating internship at Mississippi State University School of Veterinary Medicine, surgical internships at Long Island Veterinary Specialists and VCA of Northern Colorado, he returned to Mississippi State University to complete a three year Residency in Small Animal Surgery. Since completing his residency in 2010 he has been working as a veterinary surgeon in Veterinary Referral Hospitals performing a variety of orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries.

Dr. Báez is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons with specialized training in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.

He is looking forward to meeting you and your furry family members!


Dr. Mark Monaco

Dr. Monaco is a native of Maryland where he completed his undergraduate studies in Biology at Loyola University. He received his DVM degree from the University Of Florida College Of Veterinary Medicine at Gainesville. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Veterinary Science, performing research work in the field of ophthalmology. Dr. Monaco was one of the first researchers to use electron microscopy in the study of canine cataracts.

Background
As a boy, he enjoyed rescuing and helping animals since the time his parents adopted their first family dog. Those childhood experiences, along with his love of science and curiosity for how the body functions, led him to pursue his Veterinary profession.

Over the years, he has practiced in Maryland, Delaware, and his wife’s home State of New Jersey, where he relocated for a short time in 2001 before they moved to Southwest Florida. Dr. Monaco and Eileen share a special passion for animal welfare and have adopted many rescue pets together. They currently have three rescued girls as part of their family: Munchkin, Peanut and Pumpkin (all felines).

Along with frequently enjoying Florida’s warm weather, outdoors and beaches, they also make time for travel, golf, boating and scuba diving.