Our Team at Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre
Our veterinarians are dedicated to meeting your animal’s needs through preventive care, regular examinations, vaccinations, and other medical services. At our veterinary hospital, our philosophy revolves around improving and maintaining the health of your pet, while offering convenient and friendly service to you. We are pet owners and animal lovers, so you can count on us to treat your pets as if they were our own. When it comes to getting medical care for your furry loved ones, look no further than Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre.
Veterinarians
In honour of Dr. Ron Mergl, owner 35 years
Dr. Ron Mergl, Veterinarian, BSc, DVM, MSc
Education: Ontario Veterinary College
Hometown: Fenwick
Dr. Ron Mergl graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1985. In 1989, after gaining experience in several small animal hospitals and emergency clinics he acquired the Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre. Dr. Mergl has a special interest in diagnostic medicine and surgery, attends numerous conferences and seminars and has completed a Masters’ of Science degree studying zoonotic diseases (those diseases that are infectious from animals to humans).
The health of the family pet has a great impact on the physical and emotional well-being of the entire family. Dr. Ron believes in giving back to the community and is a supporter of the Niagara Falls Humane Society, the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls and the Zonta Club of Niagara Falls. Internationally, Dr. Ron chairs the Rotary Human Rabies Prevention Project in Uganda sponsored by Veterinarians Without Borders Canada, Veterinarians Without Borders Uganda and the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls.
In January 2015, Dr. Ron was recognized by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association with the Award of Merit. This award is presented to a veterinarian for outstanding veterinary service to both the local and global community.
Dr. Ron is married with three boys, one dog, three cats, and a horse named Billy.
Dr. Sherry Davidson, Veterinarian, BSc, DVM
Education: Ontario Veterinary College
Hometown: St. Catharines
A native of the Niagara Region, Dr. Sherry Davidson knew early on that she wanted to be a veterinarian, and was surrounded with many animals, both small and large, at a young age. There was no doubt her career would be with animals; after all, her grandparents were founders of the Animal Assistance Society.
Dr. Sherry graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in 2012. During the summer months as a student, Dr. Sherry was employed by the Toronto Zoo, utilizing and further developing her skills in many species of animals.
Since graduation, Dr. Sherry has been practicing small animal medicine. She loves working with all creatures from cats and dogs to rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, various lizards and snakes, birds, hedgehogs and many others! She has treated a wide range of species and can counsel you on the best care for your pet—no matter the species.
Dr. Sherry has a strong interest in dermatology, internal medicine, and surgery. She is also passionate about nutrition and preventive dental health. In order to offer you and your pet exceptional care, Dr. Sherry attends and participates in ongoing education. She also recognizes the importance of the human animal bond, and works to strengthen and nurture it.
Dr. Sherry is married and has four fur-babies: two sweet, senior cats and two crazy and loveable mixed-breed dogs!
Dr. Juliana Tatzel, Veterinarian, BSc, DVM
Education: University of Melbourne Veterinary College
Hometown: Fonthill
From a young age, Dr. Juliana Tatzel knew that she wanted to work with animals. Growing up in Fonthill, she attended Notre Dame High School and then went on to pursue her passion for science at Brock University, earning her Bachelor of Science. Deciding to couple her love of travel with her veterinary education, Dr. Juliana headed to Australia in 2013 to attend the University of Melbourne Veterinary College. In 2016, Dr. Juliana Tatzel earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, having spent her entire fourth and final year of veterinary college on the Dean’s Honour List.
Dr. Juliana has a special interest in animal behavior, internal medicine and anesthesia.
Veterinary Assistants
Stacey, Nutritionist/Nursing Care
Hometown: Ridgeway
Stacey first started at the Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre in 1981 with Dr. Godsell. She was trained in the clinic as a veterinary assistant. Her first priority is to provide nursing care to all patients of the clinic. She’s finished numerous courses with a special interest in nutrition and attended many seminars to keep up to date with the many changes that occur in veterinary medicine. She says she will probably retire here, someday! Her family of pets include: four cats and an energetic Jack Russell named Beckett. She’s acquired several of her pets through NFAMC and she’s grateful for the opportunity to help save a life.
Andrea, Veterinary Assistant
Education: Durham College
Hometown: Niagara Falls
Pets: Pearl, Lazarus, Gretta, Zero
Andrea started working at the Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre in May of 2009, after graduating from Durham College’s Veterinary Assistant program with honours. Andrea has three cats: Gretta, Lazarus, and Pearl, and a Border Collie mix named Zero. When she’s not working, Andrea spends most of her time with her pets and family, or helping other animals in need.
Licenced Veterinary Technicians
Dawn, Licenced Veterinary Technician
Education: Medaille College
Hometown: Niagara-On-The-Lake
Dawn began working with the NFAMC in 1989 for Dr. Charles Godsell. She continued on with Drs. Ron and June Mergl when they purchased the clinic in 1989. In 1990 she enrolled in the Veterinarian Technician program at Medialle College in Buffalo, New York. She graduated from school in 1992 and continues to work at NFAMC as our LVT. She continues her education by attending lectures, conferences and correspondence courses. Dawn and her husband have one daughter, an African Grey parrot and two lovely dogs -an Irish setter named Chestnut and a sweet Yorkie mix named Sadie.
Kendra, Licensed Veterinary Technician
Education: Thompson Rivers University
Hometown: 2 Cats (Rocky and Tigger)
Kendra started working part-time at the Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre in July of 2014. She became a full-time team member in October after being accepted into a distance education program through Thompson Rivers University to become a veterinary technician. Kendra successfully completed the three-year program in December of 2017 and is now waiting to write the Veterinary Technician National Exam to become a licenced veterinary technician. She hopes to continue her education through special courses, lectures, and conferences. While she loves working with all our canine and feline patients, Kendra also enjoys assisting with, and expanding her knowledge of, our exotic friends. When she is not studying, Kendra enjoys spending her time with her family and friends, two cats (Rocky and Tigger), reading a good book, baking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Veterinary Receptionists
Heather, Client Care Specialist
Hometown: Niagara Falls
Heather originally joined NFAMC as a client in the spring of 1989. She was part of the start-up team at the Niagara Veterinary Emergency Clinic headed by Dr. June Mergl. Heather began working part-time at NFAMC in 1994. She continued working at the Emergency Clinic, and later part-time at the Cat Clinic of Niagara. In the end, though, Heather decided to join the full-time staff at our hospital. Heather and her husband have a growing family of amazing grandchildren, as well as a grand dog named Tula, and grand kitty named Toews. They also have two cats, Stirling and Kane.
Kathie, Veterinary Receptionist
Education: Loyalist College
Hometown: Ottawa / Niagara on the Lake
Kathie has been with the Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre since September 2020, soon after graduating from a two-year Veterinary Office Assistant program from Loyalist College. Initially she enjoyed volunteering for a few months at NFAMC to gain hands-on, practical learning experience and mentoring by the amazing Doctors, Technicians and Assistants and has since settled into a Veterinary Receptionist position. Any spare time is spent nurturing her two rescued female Chihuahuas Storm and Cocoa, working on various knitting projects, biking, travelling, as well as, indulging in great food and wine with her husband Craig, family and friends.