John Yselonia, DVM

Dr. Yselonia attended the University of Georgia (UGA) where he was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Sciences followed by a Doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. During his undergraduate education, Dr. Yselonia was a member of the UGA baseball team where he served as the team captain. He also earned MVP honors, as well as the Most Competitive Award, and the Scholar-Athlete Award. Dr. Yselonia was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1993 and played baseball in the minor leagues.

Dr. Yselonia interned at North Florida Veterinary Specialists in Orange Park where he learned from world-renowned surgeon Rob Goring, DVM. He also interned at the West Ashley Veterinary Hospital in Charleston, SC.

Upon graduation from veterinary school in 2000, Dr. Yselonia joined Dr. Searcy at Antigua Veterinary Practice. Dr. Yselonia enjoys the challenge of veterinary medicine. He takes pride in staying on the cutting edge with continuing education. His special interests include internal medicine, surgery, and dermatology. Dr. Yselonia was also a founding partner of the St. Augustine Regional Veterinary Emergency Center.

Dr. Yselonia met his wife Kim at the University of Georgia and they have been married since 1996.They have two children, Blake who attends Auburn University & Kaylee who attends the University of Georgia. His pets include 2 dogs, Chewy (Yorkie) & Sanford (Black Labrador) and 2 cats, Tripi & Willow. Dr. Yselonia’s outside interests include golf, coaching, watching sports and giving back to the community. He has volunteered with the St. Augustine Little League, St. Johns County Police Athletic League, Ancient City Pirates, and St. Augustine High School Baseball Boosters amongst others.

Katy Taggart, DVM

Dr. Katy Taggart brings personal care and compassion to her veterinarian role at Antigua Veterinary Practice, serving the small animal community of St. Augustine, FL. Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Taggart’s journey into veterinary medicine began with her deep-rooted love for animals and a commitment to their well-being.

Dr. Taggart pursued her undergraduate education at the University of Florida, where she earned a B.S. in Animal Science and Entrepreneurship. Her dedication to her field led her to further her education at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, where she graduated Cum Laude and earned a Certificate in Veterinary Business Management.

During her time in veterinary school, Dr. Taggart conducted laboratory research, focusing on a genetic mutation in Doberman Pinschers that causes cardiac disease. Her research not only led to two publications but also earned her national recognition and the opportunity to present her findings at esteemed conferences such as the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Conference and the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium.

While Dr. Taggart is deeply committed to advancing the field of veterinary medicine through research, her true passion lies in fostering the bond between people and their beloved animals. She finds immense fulfillment in providing compassionate care and guidance to pet owners, ensuring the health and happiness of their furry companions.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Taggart enjoys staying active through activities such as running, hiking, music and gardening. She also cherishes the opportunity to explore new destinations with her husband, Nathan, indulging in her love for travel whenever possible. Dr. Taggart’s dedication to her community extends beyond veterinary medicine, as she has enjoyed volunteering her time with organizations such as Operation Catnip, the Children’s Miracle Network, and the Girls Club of Gainesville. Her commitment to both animal welfare and community service embodies her compassionate spirit and dedication to making a positive impact.