Pet Acupuncture & Wellness (PAW Vet Practice)

Pet Acupuncture & Wellness provides devoted, worried cat and dog owners with alternative options that complement traditional veterinary medicine, delivering experienced, caring integrative veterinary care to senior, ill, and disabled dogs and cats in a relaxed home environment

Dr. Monica has been practicing general, emergency, and integrative veterinary medicine in the Tampa Bay area for over two decades. Her journey in veterinary medicine began with a strong foundation in general practice at VCA Tampa Bay Veterinary Hospital, followed by many years as an emergency medical associate at the Emergency Care Center at Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists in Largo, Florida. Working solo during overnight shifts, she became highly skilled at managing a wide range of complex and urgent cases. Her passion for emergency medicine was sparked during her clinical rotations at BluePearl Veterinary Partners (formerly Florida Veterinary Specialists) and Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists during her final year of veterinary school. Dr. Monica received her veterinary training at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and graduated with honors from St. George’s University in 2005. As part of her education, she also completed rotations in emergency medicine, dermatology, and internal medicine at BluePearl. Dr. Monica has a special interest in acupuncture and rehabilitation, having completed both trainings and certifications at Chi University in Reddick, Florida. She has also pursued advanced coursework in food therapy and Chinese herbal medicine through Chi University. Recently, she earned her Senior Dog Certification through the Senior Dog Society, and is a proud member of the Senior Dog Society. Today, Dr. Monica is focused on growing her house call practice, where she provides compassionate, integrative veterinary care in the comfort of her patients’ homes. A Tampa native, Dr. Monica graduated from Berkeley Preparatory School and earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences from Florida State University. She lives in Tampa with her husband and their two children, along with their beloved pets: Gordy, a Boykin Spaniel affectionately known as 'Tinto,' Cindy, an adopted Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Shamu ('Shammy'), a rescued work kitty

Mission — Our mission is to provide caring, integrative, veterinary medicine for dogs and cats in a relaxed home environment to achieve the best quality of life for our patients while cultivating authentic relationships