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 attended the University of Florida for undergraduate studies 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 describes his medical style as “hybrid hippie”: modern medicine and surgery when they are truly needed, paired with a natural-first, whole-pet mindset whenever possible. He believes in using diagnostics and advanced technology to understand what is really going on before simply reaching for medications or procedures. His recommendations are personalized to each pet’s body, lifestyle, risks, and needs, including thoughtful vaccine planning, honest nutrition conversations, and the least-invasive option that still gets results.
Dr. Lera and his wife, Stephanie, have a Cavapoo named Ruby, as well as Raven, a Blue Bay Shepherd, whom they love very much. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities and traveling with his wife and twins, Ben and Olivia.
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.
Dr. Rafael Stredel
Advanced Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery
Heron Lakes Animal Hospital partners with Dr. Rafael Stredel, DVM, to provide advanced veterinary dentistry and oral surgery for patients who require specialized experience and precision.
Dr. Stredel is a South Florida veterinarian, originally from Venezuela, who studied at Universidad Central de Venezuela and has built a strong reputation for advanced dental care and complex oral procedures. His experience includes veterinary dentistry, oral surgery, extractions, digital dental radiographs, periodontal treatment, and dental cleanings.
His services may be recommended for pets requiring complex extractions, advanced dental imaging, periodontal treatment, or oral surgery beyond routine dental care. He performs these procedures for select patients at Heron Lakes Animal Hospital by appointment. Our team coordinates the consultation, procedure planning, anesthesia, patient monitoring, and follow-up care, so your pet’s treatment stays connected to the Heron Lakes team you already know and trust.
Dr. Raquel Fuentes
Residency-Trained Veterinarian in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Heron Lakes Animal Hospital works with Dr. Raquel Fuentes, DVM, to provide advanced internal medicine consultations for pets with complex or persistent medical conditions.
Dr. Fuentes is a bilingual veterinarian with advanced training in small animal internal medicine. Originally from Puerto Rico, she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a rotating internship and an internal medicine internship in California, followed by residency training in internal medicine in Miami. Her clinical interests include autoimmune disease, chronic inflammatory conditions, endocrinology, and advanced diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound, endoscopy, and bronchoscopy.
Dr. Fuentes helps evaluate and manage cases that require deeper diagnostic investigation or specialized medical planning, working alongside the Heron Lakes team so patients receive coordinated, advanced internal medicine care in one place. If your pet has a complex, recurring, or difficult-to-diagnose condition, contact Heron Lakes Animal Hospital to discuss whether an internal medicine consultation may be appropriate.
VICTORIA
Customer Service Representative
Victoria is a Boca Raton native with over three years of experience in the veterinary field. She joined Heron Lakes Animal Hospital in April 2025 and brings with her a calm, compassionate energy — especially when caring for exotic pets like her bearded dragon, bird, and puggle. Victoria’s favorite part of the job is continuing to grow her knowledge and skills while building strong relationships with both pets and their people. Outside of work, she loves taking walks with her dog, spending time with her best friend, and unwinding with a good book or reality TV binge.
EMILY
Veterinary Technician
Emily grew up in Davie, Florida, and joined Heron Lakes Animal Hospital in May 2025 to deepen her experience in a private veterinary setting. With a year of experience already under her belt, she brings passion and curiosity to every patient interaction. At home, Emily has two family pets and a personal pet who keep her on her toes and inspire her every day. When she’s not at the clinic, you can find her doing her nails, hitting the gym, heading to the beach, or spending time with her friends and family. Her future goals include becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) and pursuing a specialty field in veterinary medicine.
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, beginning as a kennel assistant and steadily working her way up through hands-on experience to become a valued veterinary technician. She is originally from New Jersey and moved to Florida in 2013. She has one dog, Jersey, and a cat named Willow.
Esmeralda
Practice Manager / Veterinary Technician
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.