Dr. Monique Garcia was born in San Diego, California and spent her early years traveling the country with her military family. At age three, she rescued a baby sparrow from her front yard and hand fed it until it could be released. “I always knew that I would become a veterinarian and that sparrow was just the beginning,” she jokes. She has had many pets in her life including dogs, hamsters, fish and her little companion, Blitz, the bunny. Today, Dr. Garcia cares for all animals, with a special interest in small animals and exotic companion pets here at Rothman Animal Hospital.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Garcia joined Rothman Animal Hospital in 2012. At Penn, she was president of the Canine Club and worked directly with famed researcher Dr. Cindy Otto, studying and volunteering her time with working dogs, including search and rescue and police dogs. She also conducted multiple research projects involving canine ophthalmology and the study of canine color blindness. She volunteered with pet therapy dogs and visited children and families at the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia.
Prior to entering veterinary school at Penn, Dr. Garcia completed undergraduate and graduate work in biology at Temple University and worked for five years as a veterinary technician gaining hands on experience with animals of all kinds. While at Penn, she was awarded the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Scholarship for research and academic excellence, and her experience with purebred dogs. Upon graduation from Penn, Dr. Garcia received the Class Award for Excellence in Patient care.
Dr. Garcia resides in Philadelphia, PA with her husband, Jimmy, and continues to work within her community to promote client education and responsible pet ownership.
Dr. Garcia was featured in a Courier Post article about keeping pets warm and safe in the cold weather. Read it here!