Dr. Melissa Cordero was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Her favorite childhood memories of riding her Paso Fino horses and playing with her cats and dogs reflect a life of love for animals. She always has enjoyed science and animals, so she long ago thought of becoming a veterinarian.
Dr. Cordero relocated to Oklahoma to pursue her dream of becoming a vet. She attended Oklahoma State University for her undergraduate and postgraduate studies. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and completed her Ph.D. in 2012. Then she moved with her husband and pets to the DFW area and has been practicing small animal medicine since 2012.
In 2016, Dr. Cordero heard that Dr. Jon McClain wanted to retire and sell Bartonville Veterinary Center, which he started 10 years ago. While owning a practice wasn’t on her radar, working so close to home was too good to pass up.
“I looked at it as a great opportunity to be my own boss and to continue an important service to our community,” said Cordero, 35, who has lived in Lantana since 2013.
“The clients have been friendly and accepting,” she said. “I am grateful to have a competent and supportive team. That has made the transition much better.”
The facility offers medical care and boarding for dogs as well as an exclusive cat boarding suite and cat-only exam room. In her spacious hospitalization and surgery area, Cordero performs about 8-10 routine surgeries weekly plus emergencies.
Most of her clients come from Bartonville, Lantana, Flower Mound, Argyle, Copper Canyon, Double Oak and Highland Village with a few from elsewhere in the Metroplex. She’s also honored to be the official drop-off site for the Senior Paws program for Meals on Wheels of Denton County.
Despite the learning curve as a first-time business owner, Cordero is glad she took the entrepreneurial plunge.
“The town of Bartonville and Lantana already feel like home. Everyone is so friendly,” she said. “A lot of Dr. McClain’s clients have been coming here for years so it already has that long-term feel.”
