After eight years in a leading New York City veterinary practice, Dr. Jonathan S. Block, DVM CVA CCRT, a Fort Lauderdale native, returns to southeast Florida to open West Delray Veterinary. In addition to providing the highest standards of medicine and surgery, Dr. Block practices an integrative approach to veterinary medicine, including wellness care, acupuncture, nutritional supplements, hydrotherapy, and comprehensive rehabilitation.

Equally crucial to Dr. Block’s therapeutic approach, he is passionate about the unique relationship between pets and those who care for them. As previous co-owner and medical director of New York’s distinguished Water4Dogs – Canine Rehabilitation Center, he has cultivated highly-regarded expertise in enhancing the quality of life for special needs dogs, including disabled and elderly pets, as well as those recovering from trauma or experiencing chronic illness.

“While I love all of my patients, there is something special about helping the special needs, senior and geriatric populations that really moves me. As veterinarians, there is so much we can do by just taking some extra time and consideration to tailor our treatments for patients in their respective life stage. This is particularly true for our special needs and gentle senior pets”

Dr. Block received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. He received Acupuncture Certification at The Chi Institute in Ocala, Florida in 2012 and Canine Rehabilitation Certification from The Canine Rehabilitation Institute in Coral Springs, Florida in 2014. He continues to pursue ongoing training from both institutes in these areas.

“When I decided to make the academic and professional commitment to pursue Veterinary Medicine, the realization that I could spend every day of my life making a positive impact on the lives of animals and people became my underlying driving force. Today, I feel honored and privileged to be a part of such a unique and fulfilling profession. I am deeply committed to continuously expanding my skills in both conventional and alternative medicine so I can offer the highest quality of care to my patients and clients”.

After launching his career in emergency medicine and general practice at Knowles Animal Hospital in Miami, Florida, Dr. Block relocated to New York City where he practiced general medicine, surgery, and integrative therapies at The Worth Street Veterinary Center, a premier provider of veterinary services to the Tribeca, Soho, and Financial District communities. Water4Dogs – Canine Rehabilitation Center, which he acquired in a partnership in 2013, became one of the most recognized veterinary rehabilitation facilities in the country. With its state-of-the-art underwater treadmills, custom-designed hydrotherapy pool, and multi-functional agility course, Water4Dogs, under Dr. Block’s medical direction, developed into the most comprehensive stand-alone veterinary rehabilitation practice throughout the Greater New York City area. It is referred to by leading veterinarians, veterinary surgeons, critical care centers, and animal rescue organizations in the region.

Outside of the office, Dr. Block enjoys running, biking, hiking, yoga, live music, art, but most of all, spending time with his wife Jill, two-year-old daughter Violet, and their furry family members.



Dr. Melanie Thomas has been practicing Veterinary Medicine in South Florida since 2010. Dr. Thomas received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and then went on to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, alongside Dr. Block. 

After graduation, Dr. Thomas returned to South Florida to start her professional Veterinary career. She began with a rotating medicine and surgery internship at Coral Springs Animal Hospital, busy multi-disciplinary practice with emergency, general medicine, and a number of specialty services.  Her internship gave her a valuable first year to expand her knowledge and training and prepared her to practice advanced, high-quality medicine. 

After practicing at Aventura Animal Hospital in North Miami, she returned to Coral Springs Animal Hospital as an associate veterinarian from 2013-2020. During that time, she further advanced her clinical skills and became one of the most tenured Veterinarians at one of the most nationally recognized practices in the country.

While at Coral Springs Animal Hospital, Dr. Thomas became a fear-free certified Veterinary practitioner, committed to reducing the stress of veterinary visits on patients and developing a comprehensive approach to behavioral concerns. She was a part of many different investigational and promotional drug studies as well as several volunteer teaching opportunities. She has also traveled outside of the country teaching on the medical needs of police canines.

Dr. Thomas’s enthusiasm for the unique bond between pets and their families is matched by Dr. Block, making the decision to join his team an easy one. She enjoys helping caregivers make proactive decisions regarding their pet’s preventative care and consulting on the nutritional needs of pets. She is looking forward to working with Dr. Block to expand her canine rehabilitation training and further incorporating those skills into daily practice.

“My favorite thing about being a Veterinarian is definitely teaching. Whether I am teaching a veterinary technician about a medical condition or explaining the value of preventative dental care to a pet owner, I enjoy sharing knowledge that will ultimately benefit patient health. Knowledge truly is powerful.”  (Dr. Thomas)

During her personal time, Dr. Thomas enjoys cooking, visiting the beach, and spending time with family.  Her husband Brandon and two rescue dogs keep her quite busy, as does her love of plants. She is excited to be a part of West Delray Veterinary’s commitment to providing excellent veterinary care. Welcome Dr. Thomas to the team!

Dr. Nicole Patterson grew up in Lake Worth and is so happy to finally be back in the area. She went to the University of Miami for her undergraduate studies. She graduated from UM in 2006 with departmental honors in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Business. During her time at the University of Miami she was involved in research on corneal healing at the Bascom Palmer Eye institute.

Her passion for science and animals led her to a career in veterinary medicine. She graduated with honors from University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. After graduation Dr. Patterson completed a rotating internship at Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. During this time she trained under specialists and gained extensive experience in emergency medicine. In 2011, after completing her rotating internship, she was offered a position as an associate veterinarian at the practice. As a hybrid practice offering both general practice and specialty care, she was able to develop her surgical skills and expand medical knowledge over her 11 years practicing there. Dr. Patterson is beginning her training at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. She is excited to add this new set of skills to offer her patients.

“I truly love being a general practitioner. No two days are the same when it comes to being a veterinarian. I enjoy the relationships that are formed not only with my patients, but with clients as well. Providing high quality care for my patients and clients is my number one priority.” -Dr. Patterson

During her free time Dr. Patterson enjoys checking out new restaurants and activities in the area with her fiance Jon and daughter Olivia. Dr. Patterson has 2 terriers, Roscoe and Pepper, who she got from a local rescue group.