Dr Jose F. Toledo, DVM
Dr. Toledo, Chief of Staff and owner of Southland Animal Hospital & Boarding was born and raised in Mexico. He attended University of Veracruz, where he earned his degree as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics in Mexico, and received his D.V.M. in 1986. Dr. Toledo practiced small and large animal medicine in the central area of Mexico for 3 years. He then came to the United States where he received full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to practice Veterinary Medicine in 2000. Before buying Southland Animal Hospital, Dr. Toledo worked in private clinics as well as in a corporate hospital. He is married to Annette, and has two beautiful children, together with 6 dogs, named Tito, George, Red, Duke, Felix and Mia, all rescued. He enjoys running, mountain biking and spending precious time with his kids and wife.
Hospital Manager
Libby Blair
A native of Miami, Libby studied physical therapy early on but made an unexpected stop at Southland Animal Hospital in 2005 and never left. What she loves she says is her Life- every moment spent at SAH and with her family, which includes 4 cats named Luke, Sekai, Kaze and Mizu, 4 dogs Sinatra, Katsu, Cookie, and Bella, two amazing children and one pet loving husband. On her own time she squeezes in painting, photography, roller-skating and the ever elusive surf. "The staff at SAH makes it fun no matter how busy, not to mention our patients and clients who I've always known I'm blessed to have in my life."
Client Service Representatives
Maritza Mercado
Maritza was born in April of 1973 in Chicago, Illinois. In 1979 moved to Miami, Fl with her mother and 2 brothers. She lived most of her life in Miami Beach where she attended elementary school, middle school and graduated from Miami Beach Sr. High in June of 1992. In 1996 moved from Miami Beach to Homestead and has lived here ever since. She has been married for the past 17 years and has 2 beautiful children. In addition to her small family she has 3 dogs, named Koda Bear, Spot and Scrappy, 4 cats, named Shadow, Miss, Van and Ash, and 2 iguanas named Kilo and Rex. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys sports fishing and swimming at the beach. She joined Southland Animal Hospital June 2009 and according to her, she loves helping our beloved pets and families.
Veterinary Technicians / Surgical Assistant
Mikael Vasallo
Mikael received his diploma as a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine in 1998 from the University of Santa Martha Abreus, in Cuba. He also attended Barneveld College, in Holland where he finsihed a specialization in Porcine Medicine. Mikael joined our trusted Team in March of 2009, and is currently working towards his certification to become a fully licensed Doctor in Veterinary Medicine in the United States. He enjoys working out at the gym, running, playing baseball and swimming. He has a German Shepherd named Rambo, a Doberman named Lisa and 2 parrots named Alex and Gaby.
Veterinary Technicians
Yesenia Alvarez
Yesenia was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba. She graduated in 1997 as a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine from Universidad Central de Las Villas in Cuba, and specialized in Zoonosis. She lives with her two children in Cutler Bay, and has 2 beautiful dogs, named Ralf and Janna, who she rescued severely infested with ticks and with Ehrlichiosis, a tick related disease. Now, Janna is a healthy, happy dog, enjoying her life with Yesenia’s family. She also has a parrot named Margarita. Her plans are to achieve her certification as a licensed Veterinarian in the United States. Yesenia enjoys laughing, dancing, playing with her children and giving her friendship unconditionally.
Hospital Staff
Dr. Toledo, Chief of Hospital, Dr. Ashby, Our Relief Doctor and the employees outlined above are the only individuals that represent the Southland Animal Hospital Team.