Meet Our Team
Meet the veterinarians and team at Heron Lakes Animal Hospital! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets!
Get to know our team!
We are solely dedicated to your pet’s care! We look forward to getting to know you, and we hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and get to know us.
Dr. Abel M. Lera, DVM
Practice Owner, Veterinarian
Born and raised of Cuban descent in Miami, FL, with a constant love for animals, Dr. Lera obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida and became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University in 2008. Dr. Lera has been in private practice since he assumed full responsibility for Heron Lakes Animal Hospital in 2013. Dr. Lera and his wife, Stephanie, have two ‘Cavapoos’ named Ginger and Ruby, as well as Raven, a Blue Bay Shepherd, who they love very much. He is always motivated through constant self-improvement and positive psychology. In his free time he enjoys outdoor activities and traveling with his wife and twins, Ben and Olivia.
Bert
Veterinary Technician
Bert started working with Sandy, our former groomer, in 2014. Then, in 2017, she joined our full staff at Heron Lakes Animal Hospital. She is originally from New Jersey and moved to Florida in 2013. She has two dogs, Jersey and Hennessy, and a cat named Willow.
Esmeralda
Veterinary Assistant
Esmeralda (better known as Essy) was originally from Los Angeles, California before moving to Florida in 2000. She has worked in the veterinary field since 2001 and we are grateful that she embarked on a new journey with us in 2015. She has two dogs, Munchkin and Dancer, and two cats, Blade and Trixie.