Our Team
The veterinary professionals at Focused Pet Care Referral and Emergency Center are dedicated to providing skilled, compassionate emergency care for pets when it matters most. Our experienced doctors and support staff work together to deliver prompt treatment while supporting pet families during stressful situations.
Our Doctors
Matt Mizesko, DVM
Co-Owner and Full-Time Emergency Veterinarian
Dr. Matt Mizesko is one of the owners and full-time Emergency Veterinarian of his veterinary practice, where he has dedicated his career to providing urgent and critical care for animals. Originally from the east coast of North Carolina, Dr. Mizesko began his journey in veterinary medicine as a veterinary assistant at just 18 years old. He remained in the field throughout his undergraduate years before spending four years as a high school teacher while continuing part-time veterinary work. His enduring passion for animal care ultimately led him to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at a veterinary school in Grenada, West Indies.
After earning his degree, Dr. Mizesko and his wife relocated to Northeast Florida, where he established his veterinary career. His professional interests lie in emergency medicine, with a particular enthusiasm for emergency surgeries and procedures. He also values the connections formed with pet owners during critical moments, recognizing the importance of empathy and clear communication in his work.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Mizesko enjoys a vibrant and family-oriented lifestyle. He and his wife are proud parents to five children and caretakers to a lively assortment of animals, including three dogs, four barn cats, two pigs, and twelve chickens. The family loves beach outings, warm weather, and frequent trips to Disney for quick getaways.
Andrew LaVasser, DVM
Co-Owner and Full-Time Emergency Veterinarian
Bio coming soon!
Daniel McCarthy, DACVS, DVM, MS
Veterinary Surgeon
Daniel McCarthy, DACVS, DVM, MS, is a board-certified veterinary surgeon by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He has published over 10 peer-reviewed scientific publications ranging from 3D printing use in orthopedic surgery to therapeutic lasers in dogs. Dr. McCarthy has lectured nationally regarding 3D-printed drill guides for sacroiliac laxation and was awarded the distinguished Veterinary Orthopedic Society’s Mark S. Bloomberg resident research award. He completed his residency at Louisiana State University, where he received first place for his research through the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society and gave multiple international lectures.
Dr. McCarthy’s passion for helping people and animals guided his veterinary medicine career path. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2015 with his veterinary degree. He then completed an academic small animal rotating internship at Auburn University and a surgical internship at Coral Springs Animal Hospital in South Florida.
He also completed an Orthopedic Fellowship specializing in gait analysis at the University of Tennessee. During this fellowship, Dr. McCarthy trained under Dr. Daryl Millis, intertwining surgical and rehabilitative concepts to optimize patient outcomes. Another surgical internship was completed at The Animal Surgical Center of Michigan in Flint Township, MI.
His interests lie in all orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, specifically polytrauma, restoring mobility in patients, and minimally invasive surgery.
Kathy Knight, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian
Bio coming soon!
Brittany Fraser, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian
Bio coming soon!
Mike Dow, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian
Bio coming soon!
Candice Galella, DVM
Emergency Veterinarian
Bio coming soon!