Meet the Staff –

We’ve assembled a team of dedicated professionals with the common goal of providing your pet with the finest health care possible. Many of the staff members have been with Horizon Veterinary Clinic for several years. They have also brought several years of experience with them from previous studies and facilities. Our entire staff enjoys continues to learn through bi-monthly staff meetings, educational seminars and veterinary conferences.

  Some Staff members are High School or College students and work every summer or holiday breaks.  Below you will meet the main staff members of Horizon Veterinary Clinic 

Dr. Dana Mercer -  

Dr. Mercer grew up in Rockport. She graduated Texas A & M University in Kingsville (the first graduating class as A & M) with a Major in Animal Science and a double minor in biology and chemistry. She worked as a veterinary technician for almost 10 years prior to going to veterinary school in 1993. She attended Texas A & M University and graduated in 1997. 

Mr. Bill -  

Bill is a Retired Army Major and Retired from Texas Parks and Wildlife as a Fisheries Biologist. He is also Dr. Mercer’s Father! We could not run this clinic without him. Bill is the backbone to the business end of the clinic. He has lived in Rockport for 41 years, has a wonderful wife Cathy, several rescue dogs (Idgy, KD, Dixie, Diablo, Gidgit, and Sydney), a spoiled Miniature Donkey named Tonka,  and a very pampered  longhorn steer named Aggie. When not at the clinic you will likely find Bill on his huge tractor working the land, or in his famous woodworking and blacksmith shop.  

Renee – 

Renee has worked in the Veterinary industry for 24 years and at HVC since it opened in 2000. She is the Laboratory Technician and also works as one of the Animal Care and Surgery Technicians. Renee originally studied photography at The Art Institute of Houston but found her calling with animals. One of her dogs, Ringo, has special needs as he battles COPD and is nebulized every day. In her spare time she enjoys photography still and has won divisional first and second places in the 2009 Coastal Bend Wildlife and Conservation Photo Contest.  She is also published in the 2007 book for that competition.  Fishing and hiking are also high on Renee’s list of “love to do”.  She won places in both the Babes on the Bay and Saltwater Sweeties fishing tournaments. Her dogs come to work with her every day but she has to leave the parrots, goats, chickens, and bearded dragon at home. 

Dr. Butt –

Dr. Butt is a retired Gynecologist. He lives in Rockport and enjoys his travels to his native Canada and beyond. When in Rockport he volunteers and assists Dr. Mercer with anesthesia and surgery for the low cost spay and neuter program. It is a joy to have him and we are very fortunate.   Dr. Butt always has an interesting story to share (in contrast or comparison) from his experiences in human medicine

Amie – Amie is a valued and talented Veterinary  and Surgical Technician and  has been with Dr. Mercer and HVC since 2003. She has four dogs (Val, Rebel, Kadette, and Willie) and four cats (ShyShy, Marley, Mick and Marshall). All of her furry family members were rescue animals and are the loves of her life. She has also found four other rescue animals homes and they now live with her Relatives. She is proud that she has never paid for a dog or cat. “One of the great joys in life is helping sick pets get better. I take great joy in knowing that I had a hand in caring for that pet while they were sick I helped them to recover. When I was young I would constantly bring home sick or hurt dogs, cats and birds. Working for a Veterinarian has always been something I knew I was wanted to do in life. In my spare time I enjoy the outdoors, mudding in my Jeep, and good times with my friends.” 

Amanda – Amanda has been with Dr. Mercer since 2007 and is a key asset to HVC as a Veterinary Assistant. “ I love my job here because I get to care for and work with animals. I’m proud to say that this is my dream career. When I’m not at work I am just enjoying life with my Husband, and our Daughter, Madeline, and our 2 rescue cats!”

Bonnie – Bonnie is bubbly, takes great pride in her work, and is a key part of the Front Office Team. She has been with HVC from 2005 through 2007 and just returned to the Practice in the fall of 2009.  She has a home full of much loved pets that include 2 dogs, 4 cats, a turtle 2 chickens, a rabbit and 2 hairless rats. Three of them were rescued from The June Project. “Working with Animals is rewarding because you can see a change in them when they know you are here to help. Working for Dr. Mercer and this staff  puts me at ease because I know everyone here truly has the best interest at heart for all of our patients. Outside of the workday besides caring for my wonderful son, Dylan and our animals, I am studying to become a high school history teacher”. 

Melissa –

Melissa never met a stranger. She brings wit and humor to a very busy front office and is able to multi task with ease. She has several years experience in the veterinary industry and has worked at HVC in 2006 and 2007 and just returned fall of 2009. She has three beautiful children, Hunter, Cayden and BriAnn, that keep her busy. Their family also includes RJ a miniature poodle and Maxy she and her children rescued. Melissa and her Children love to go to the beach and park for family outings. 

Serena –

Serena is a VIP! She is one of the Senior Veterinary Assistants.  She is as caring and gentle as she is detail oriented. She has been with HVC since 2006 She is a college student at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and majoring in Biology.  She has a wonderful rescue kitty named Billy Bob.   

Jimmy – Recently joined our staff as a Veterinary Assistant in the Fall of 2009. He brings years of experience in herpetoculture to our group. This is the keeping and breeding of exotic reptiles and amphibians. He usually has around 200 different reptiles including the young ones he sells.   He was on staff at a popular Pet Center in Corpus Christi for 8 years. Sadly that center fell to economic pressures however we are lucky to have him.  Jimmy loves all animals and pays close attention to detail with all he animals at the clinic. 

Shirley & Randy–

Randy and Shirley moved here from Austin after Retiring from TxDot (Texas Department of Transportation) and live in Lamar with their 3 dogs and 6 cats. They have both worked at the clinic since 2002 and share a position of behind the scenes important office work. You may know them as the people who call every pet to see how they are doing after their visit with us…no matter the reason. In their time away from the clinic they enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, and camping as well as being very active with their church groups.