Your Favorite Family
Veterinary Hospital in Jacksonville, FL

Dr. Jessie Burgess earned her Bachelor’s degrees in Animal Sciences and Zoology, as well as her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and International Veterinary Medicine Certificate, from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). She continued her training at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, completing a one-year specialty internship in integrative medicine, with a focus on rehabilitation, acupuncture, nutrition, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Dr. Burgess further advanced her training with certification in veterinary acupuncture and additional education in herbal medicine through the Chi Institute. She also completed post-graduate training at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT). Her professional interests include preventative medicine, soft tissue surgery, and the medical management of chronic pain and orthopedic disease. She is passionate about gentle handling and the use of positive reinforcement in the clinic setting, especially for geriatric and neurologic patients.

Dr. Burgess also has a strong interest in the One Health initiative and international veterinary medicine, with experience working in Belize, Zambia, Honduras, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. A native of Jacksonville, she is proud to provide veterinary care to the community she calls home.

Outside of the hospital, Dr. Burgess enjoys spending time with her family, especially at the beach or on the water. She also loves hiking, backpacking, traveling, enjoying great Mexican food, and following Chelsea soccer and college football.

Dr. Tyler Begg earned his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Wittenberg University in his home state of Ohio. He went on to complete his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida, where he focused his studies on small animal medicine.

Dr. Begg’s professional interests include internal medicine, ultrasonography, and anesthesia. He is passionate about using Fear-Free techniques to support the overall wellness of his patients by reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in the clinical setting. He also enjoys educating pet owners, helping them feel informed and empowered when making decisions about their pet’s care.

Originally from a small farm in Ohio, Dr. Begg grew up surrounded by both large and small animals, which helped shape his path into veterinary medicine. Outside of the hospital, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their dog, Mabel. He can often be found exploring the Jacksonville area, cheering on the Jaguars, spending time outdoors, playing tennis, or taking long rides on his road bike.

Dr. Mickie Fernandez-Guckes is a proud University of Florida graduate who earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine after developing a lifelong passion for animals while growing up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Always surrounded by a wide variety of pets, she developed an early interest in animal care that ultimately led her to veterinary medicine.

After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Fernandez-Guckes began practicing as a small animal veterinarian in Jacksonville and has loved serving the community ever since. She has a special interest in dentistry and end-of-life care and is deeply committed to building strong, trusting relationships with pet owners to help guide them through all stages of their pets’ lives.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Fernandez-Guckes enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their two dogs, Prince and Bucket. Together, they love exploring Jacksonville, traveling, and visiting family.