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Clear Answers. Longer, Healthier Lives.

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New Name, Same Commitment to Fort Lauderdale Pets

You may know us as Fort Lauderdale Veterinary Center. As of May 2026, we are now Bluewater Animal Health Center — reflecting new ownership and a renewed commitment to this community. Dr. Alex Emerson acquired the practice in 2026 and has invested in updated equipment, new staff, and a higher standard of care. Bluewater is independently owned and operated — not a corporate chain — and that is very much intentional. If you were a patient of Dr. Gonzalez, your records are intact and you are warmly welcome to continue care with us.

Bluewater Animal Health Center is a full-service veterinary clinic for dogs and cats at 802 SE 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — two blocks from the Intracoastal Waterway, serving families across Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Dania Beach, Davie, and the surrounding communities.

Dr. Alex Emerson has been a licensed veterinarian since 2002, beginning his career in equine medicine where he spent over a decade as a performance horse vet. Starting in 2016 he expanded into small animal practice, and by 2021 he had made it his full focus — acquiring his first small animal clinic that year. He brings more than 20 years of veterinary experience to Bluewater Animal Health Center, and a career built on the same principles that define this practice: listen carefully, diagnose thoroughly, and communicate clearly. Whether your pet needs a routine wellness visit or is managing a complex chronic condition, you will always leave knowing exactly what is happening and what comes next. Learn more about Dr. Emerson and our care team.

What We Believe

Our care is guided by four principles that shape every appointment, every conversation, and every decision we make for your pet.

LEARNING

We are continuously learning new ways to approach healthcare for dogs and cats, and we are investing in new technologies to improve outcomes.

LISTENING

We believe Fort Lauderdale families are at the center of all healthcare decisions. They know their animals better than we ever can, and it is our duty to ask for their observations and pay respect to their opinions.

GUIDING

We use evidence- based medicine tempered with an open mind, to help the owner gain a deeper understanding of how the body works, so they can make more informed decisions for their family.

CARING

We believe lives are better lived together. We strive every day to use our capabilities to improve the comfort and happiness of our patients, for as long as modern medicine will allow.

Veterinary Services in Fort Lauderdale

Medicine guided by prevention, investigation, communication, and lifelong partnership. From allergy management and senior wellness to soft tissue surgery, our Fort Lauderdale veterinary team is built for lifelong care.

PREVENTION

 

Lifestyle based approach for prevention and early detection at every stage.

DIAGNOSTICS

 

Ultrasound, in-house labs, advanced radiographic imaging, evidence-based investigations

ALLERGIES

 

Allergy testing, immunotherapy, long-term management of allergic skin and ear disease.

MOBILITY

 

Home monitoring devices, joint injections, modern pain management

GI CARE

 

Diagnosis and management of chronic digestive disease.

 

GUIDANCE

 

Listening, educating, guiding, families through every stage

 

DENTISTRY

 

Oral radiographs and advanced periodontal disease care

 

SURGERY

 

Skilled surgical care with safety at every step.

 

Meet Dr. Alex Emerson and Our Care Team

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet The Team

Why Pet Owners Trust Us

Experience, expertise, and honest answers — every visit

Bluewater Animal Health Center is an independently owned practice built around the things that actually matter to pet owners.

20+ Years of Veterinary Experience

Dr. Emerson began his veterinary career in 2002 in equine medicine, spending over a decade as a performance horse vet before dedicating himself to small animal practice full-time in 2021. He brings that full depth of clinical experience to every appointment at Bluewater.

Independently Owned — Not a Corporate Chain

Bluewater is owned and run by Dr. Emerson directly — no corporate parent, no investor group, no rotating roster of locum vets. The doctor you meet on your first visit is the same doctor who will know your pet's name on your fifth.

Clear Communication, Always

Dr. Emerson's approach is straightforward: listen to the owner first, explain what is happening in plain terms, and give honest recommendations. No upselling. No unnecessary referrals. No leaving the exam room with more questions than you arrived with.

Advanced Diagnostics On-Site

We have invested in in-house labs, ultrasound, POCUS, and advanced radiographic imaging so answers come faster — without sending you to a referral center for a routine workup.

Flexible Payment Options

We offer financing through Scratch Pay to help spread the cost of care when you need it. We also work with pet insurance — you pay us directly and submit to your provider for reimbursement. We are happy to help you understand your options.

Serving Fort Lauderdale and Surrounding Communities

This practice has been part of the Fort Lauderdale community since Dr. Gonzalez founded it in 2012 — originally a block from the current SE 17th Street location, which opened in 2020. Under Dr. Emerson's ownership it continues to serve Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Dania Beach, and Davie.

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