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.
Dr. Jonathan “Dr. Jon” Klarsfeld
Veterinary Dental Surgeon
Dr. Jonathan “Dr. Jon” Klarsfeld is one of South Florida’s most sought-after veterinary dental surgeons, known for his unmatched expertise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral disease in pets. Over his career, he has performed more than 10,000 advanced dental procedures — from complex extractions to intricate oral surgeries — each with precision, skill, and a commitment to patient comfort.
Dr. Jon earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University in Animal Science before completing his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University. His advanced training, combined with decades of hands-on experience, allows him to handle even the most challenging dental conditions with confidence and care.
At Heron Lakes Animal Hospital, Dr. Jon applies his extensive expertise to deliver gold-standard dental care in a safe, compassionate environment — ensuring that every patient leaves healthier, happier, and pain-free.
Dr. Randy Domínguez
Veterinary Surgeon
Dr. Randy Domínguez brings over 20,000 hours of surgical experience and more than 15,000 successful surgeries to the Heron Lakes Animal Hospital team. A graduate of the Universidad de Las Villas Martha Abreu in Villa Clara, Cuba (1997), Dr. Domínguez earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree before relocating to the United States, where he became a licensed veterinarian in 2007.
He is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA), South Florida Veterinary Medical Association (SFVMA), and the Cuban Veterinary College, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and lifelong learning.
Dr. Domínguez is known for his precise surgical technique, compassionate patient care, and dedication to ensuring every pet receives the treatment they deserve. His expertise spans both routine and highly complex procedures, making him a trusted resource for advanced surgical care.
Outside of work, Dr. Domínguez enjoys running, working out, and studying. He treasures spending time with his wife, sons, extended family, friends, and his beloved dogs.
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.