At Tails-A-Waggin Animal our mission is to provide exceptional veterinary medical, wellness, surgical, and dental care for your pet by emphasizing and strengthening the human-animal bond you have with your pet (we also cater to exotic animals). In addition to comprehensive veterinary care, we also offer pet boarding, grooming, doggie daycare, a fenced dog park, and a fully stocked pharmacy! About
Our Doctors: Dr. Monaco, Dr. Mercado, Dr. Daly
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 in 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. 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. Dr. Mercado moved to Florida from Puerto Rico in order to complete her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, where she graduated with a Bachelor in Biology. 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 her love for animals which led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She has had many diverse experiences while following her husband during his surgical residency (he is also a veterinarian), 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. Dr. Mercado recently relocated to Southwest Florida with her family: a guinea pig named Pinto, a miniature dachshund named Aussie, her husband, and two kids (Isabella and Gabriel). She enjoys anything outdoors, baking, and arts and crafts. Dr. Daly graduated from Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006, and completed an internship with Tufts V.E.T.S. in 2009 in small animal surgery, internal medicine and emergency/critical care. Dr. Daly and her family moved to SW Florida 2 years ago with her 2 dogs and 3 cats (all rescues/adoptions). Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys traveling, running, snorkeling, and playing with her daughter.
