Our Veterinarian

Dr. Kathleen Lackey Gonzalez was only five years old when her beloved childhood dog had an unfortunate encounter with a car. Saying goodbye to her treasured companion at such a young age left a lasting impression. At that moment, Dr. Kathy knew she wanted to dedicate her life to helping as many pets as possible live happy, healthy lives. That early dream never wavered and ultimately led to a veterinary career spanning more than three decades.

Growing up in eastern Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Kathy also learned an important lesson that would later influence the way she practiced veterinary medicine. Working in her family’s wholesale bakery gave her an early appreciation for exceptional customer service and the importance of building lasting relationships with the people you serve. 

With veterinary medicine firmly in her sights, Dr. Kathy pursued her education in animal health and science, earning a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Maryland. She went on to attend the University of Tennessee, where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. Her education provided the foundation for a career that would combine medical care for animals with the commitment to customer service she developed while working in her family’s bakery. 

After graduating, Dr. Kathy returned to the Baltimore area and began practicing as an Associate Veterinarian. In 1997, she took the next step in her career by purchasing a veterinary clinic in North East, Maryland. Her experience as both a veterinarian and practice owner helped shape an approach to care centered on supporting pets throughout their lives while building lasting relationships with the families who love them.

In 2016, Dr. Kathy relocated to Florida. The following year, she purchased the practice that would become Dr. Kathy’s Veterinary Care and began a new chapter in the Sunshine State, where she continues to care for local pets and their families today.

Education remains an important part of her approach to veterinary medicine. She enjoys helping pet owners better understand their pets’ health and giving them the information they need to make informed decisions about their care. For Dr. Kathy, one of the most rewarding parts of veterinary medicine is getting to know families over the years and being there for the pets who mean so much to them.

Outside the practice, Dr. Kathy enjoys staying active in her church and spending time with her daughters, Rachel and Becca. At home, she shares life with two cats with very different personalities: Carmel, a longhaired Calico who enjoys posing on the coffee table for admiration, and Sammy, who prefers knocking loose objects off countertops just to watch them fall.