Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Jennifer Green
I grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina, near Charlotte and the North Carolina-South Carolina border. I loved science as a kid and wanted to be a vet, but I had second thoughts as I got older. After dealing with personal loss, I wasn’t sure about performing euthanasias. However, after only one semester in college, I switched to a pre-veterinary track and never looked back.
I attended Clemson University in South Carolina for my undergraduate education. I loved working with livestock and pets in school and even did a semester abroad in Costa Rica to work at a marine park. I enjoyed helping people and pets, and knew a desk job wasn’t for me. Veterinary medicine was the perfect fit, so I attended the University of Tennessee for veterinary school.
After graduating, I gravitated toward shelter medicine. Despite my earlier fear of euthanasia, I realized what a gift and blessing it was for our pets, and taught the Florida Certified Euthanasia Technician course for seven years. I have also worked as a relief veterinarian providing services for non-profit clinics. I enjoy being a vet because I speak for the voiceless and love knowing I can create good in the world with my actions.
Lap of Love services hit close to home for me. I’ve lost two very important pets in my lifetime—Ethel, my furry childhood best friend, and Ruby, who saw me through many life changes and transitions. I was lucky to sit by each dog’s side as they passed and know that as heartbreaking as it was to say goodbye, they were no longer in pain. Small animals make a huge imprint on our hearts, and I find it truly fulfilling to help others navigate this loss.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, puzzles, jogging, hiking, traveling, and visiting amusement parks with my family.
About Dr. Ericka Mendez
I grew up in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Staten Island at the age of 7. I had hamsters and rabbits in Brooklyn, but when we moved into a house with a yard, I was finally able to get a dog. Soon my family had two dogs, two cats, a parrot, and of course, more rabbits. I loved taking care of the animals and felt a special connection with them. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know I wanted to become a veterinarian—it was something I always knew I would do.
During veterinary school at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, I volunteered for the pet loss support hotline. I’ve always been an empathetic person and wanted to use my experience to support others and gain a better understanding of the grieving process, which I knew would be important in my career.
After earning my veterinary degree, I began a career in small animal general practice with a special interest in behavior. Over the years I fell in love with Fear Free care methods, which help eliminate the fear, anxiety, and stress of veterinary visits for pets. A pet’s physical comfort and emotional wellbeing are very important to me, especially during their final moments.
In 2013, I said goodbye to my 14-year-old heart dog, Tallula. She had been with me through veterinary school, countless moves, cross country trips, rock climbing, ocean adventures, marriage, and my pregnancy. She was the best girl. I was grateful that I was able to say goodbye in our home, in her favorite spot on her comfy bed. While it was incredibly sad, it was also such a gift to give her such a peaceful end to her suffering.
Our pets give us so much and I am privileged to be able to help them have a gentle and peaceful passing surrounded by the people, places, and animals they love.
Outside of veterinary medicine, I love to spend time with my pets, husband, and daughter. I also enjoy reading, cooking, surfing, watching movies, riding bikes around town, and visiting Florida’s natural springs, theme parks, and water parks.
About Dr. Jennifer Green
I grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina, near Charlotte and the North Carolina-South Carolina border. I loved science as a kid and wanted to be a vet, but I had second thoughts as I got older. After dealing with personal loss, I wasn’t sure about performing euthanasias. However, after only one semester in college, I switched to a pre-veterinary track and never looked back.
I attended Clemson University in South Carolina for my undergraduate education. I loved working with livestock and pets in school and even did a semester abroad in Costa Rica to work at a marine park. I enjoyed helping people and pets, and knew a desk job wasn’t for me. Veterinary medicine was the perfect fit, so I attended the University of Tennessee for veterinary school.
After graduating, I gravitated toward shelter medicine. Despite my earlier fear of euthanasia, I realized what a gift and blessing it was for our pets, and taught the Florida Certified Euthanasia Technician course for seven years. I have also worked as a relief veterinarian providing services for non-profit clinics. I enjoy being a vet because I speak for the voiceless and love knowing I can create good in the world with my actions.
Lap of Love services hit close to home for me. I’ve lost two very important pets in my lifetime—Ethel, my furry childhood best friend, and Ruby, who saw me through many life changes and transitions. I was lucky to sit by each dog’s side as they passed and know that as heartbreaking as it was to say goodbye, they were no longer in pain. Small animals make a huge imprint on our hearts, and I find it truly fulfilling to help others navigate this loss.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, puzzles, jogging, hiking, traveling, and visiting amusement parks with my family.
About Dr. Ericka Mendez
I grew up in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Staten Island at the age of 7. I had hamsters and rabbits in Brooklyn, but when we moved into a house with a yard, I was finally able to get a dog. Soon my family had two dogs, two cats, a parrot, and of course, more rabbits. I loved taking care of the animals and felt a special connection with them. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know I wanted to become a veterinarian—it was something I always knew I would do.
During veterinary school at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, I volunteered for the pet loss support hotline. I’ve always been an empathetic person and wanted to use my experience to support others and gain a better understanding of the grieving process, which I knew would be important in my career.
After earning my veterinary degree, I began a career in small animal general practice with a special interest in behavior. Over the years I fell in love with Fear Free care methods, which help eliminate the fear, anxiety, and stress of veterinary visits for pets. A pet’s physical comfort and emotional wellbeing are very important to me, especially during their final moments.
In 2013, I said goodbye to my 14-year-old heart dog, Tallula. She had been with me through veterinary school, countless moves, cross country trips, rock climbing, ocean adventures, marriage, and my pregnancy. She was the best girl. I was grateful that I was able to say goodbye in our home, in her favorite spot on her comfy bed. While it was incredibly sad, it was also such a gift to give her such a peaceful end to her suffering.
Our pets give us so much and I am privileged to be able to help them have a gentle and peaceful passing surrounded by the people, places, and animals they love.
Outside of veterinary medicine, I love to spend time with my pets, husband, and daughter. I also enjoy reading, cooking, surfing, watching movies, riding bikes around town, and visiting Florida’s natural springs, theme parks, and water parks.
About Dr. Jennifer Green
I grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina, near Charlotte and the North Carolina-South Carolina border. I loved science as a kid and wanted to be a vet, but I had second thoughts as I got older. After dealing with personal loss, I wasn’t sure about performing euthanasias. However, after only one semester in college, I switched to a pre-veterinary track and never looked back.
I attended Clemson University in South Carolina for my undergraduate education. I loved working with livestock and pets in school and even did a semester abroad in Costa Rica to work at a marine park. I enjoyed helping people and pets, and knew a desk job wasn’t for me. Veterinary medicine was the perfect fit, so I attended the University of Tennessee for veterinary school.
After graduating, I gravitated toward shelter medicine. Despite my earlier fear of euthanasia, I realized what a gift and blessing it was for our pets, and taught the Florida Certified Euthanasia Technician course for seven years. I have also worked as a relief veterinarian providing services for non-profit clinics. I enjoy being a vet because I speak for the voiceless and love knowing I can create good in the world with my actions.
Lap of Love services hit close to home for me. I’ve lost two very important pets in my lifetime—Ethel, my furry childhood best friend, and Ruby, who saw me through many life changes and transitions. I was lucky to sit by each dog’s side as they passed and know that as heartbreaking as it was to say goodbye, they were no longer in pain. Small animals make a huge imprint on our hearts, and I find it truly fulfilling to help others navigate this loss.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, puzzles, jogging, hiking, traveling, and visiting amusement parks with my family.