Business Details
46 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinary Care Provider in Ponchatoula, LA
Ponchatoula Animal Hospital has been a family-owned and operated veterinary practice since 1980, dedicated to providing expert care for companion animals in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and surrounding communities. Our full-service hospital offers preventative care, surgery, dental services, digital radiography, boarding, in-clinic diagnostics, and specialized care for exotic pets. With a team of experienced veterinarians and over 30 support staff, we prioritize compassionate treatment and personalized attention for every patient.Our commitment to community involvement and continuous facility improvements, including expansions in 1995 and 2016, reflect our dedication to excellence. Recognized as Best Veterinary Hospital by The Daily Stars for 11 consecutive years, we combine professional expertise with a warm, family-oriented atmosphere to ensure pets live healthy, enriched lives.
Services
Preventative Care
Surgery
Dental Care
Digital Radiography
Boarding
In-Clinic Diagnostics
Exotics
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- Family-owned and operated since 1980 with deep community roots.
- Full-service hospital offering preventative, surgical, and exotic pet care.
- Team of experienced veterinarians and over 30 dedicated support staff.
- Recognized as Best Veterinary Hospital for 11 consecutive years.
- State-of-the-art facility expanded in 2016 to enhance patient care.
What people say
Fast, friendly service
Very attentive to concerns
Affordable and clean
Least stressful experience
Professional and warm atmosphere
Services
Preventative Care
Our preventative care focuses on early disease detection through annual wellness exams tailored to your pet's life stage. We assess species, breed, and age factors to recommend customized prevention strategies and diagnostics. This approach ensures pets receive timely vaccinations, parasite screenings, and nutritional guidance to maintain optimal health.
Surgery
We perform spays, neuters, growth removals, and foreign object extractions with advanced anesthetic protocols. Pre-surgical blood work and continuous vital monitoring ensure safety for pets undergoing procedures. Our team creates individualized anesthetic plans considering each patient's unique health profile and surgical needs.
Dental Care
Comprehensive dental services include cleanings, extractions, and periodontal disease management using high-power scaling and polishing equipment. We address symptoms like bad breath and eating difficulties while emphasizing the importance of regular oral care to prevent systemic health issues in pets.
Digital Radiography
Our digital radiography provides rapid, high-resolution imaging for diagnosing fractures, internal obstructions, and organ abnormalities. This non-invasive tool allows immediate image enhancement and analysis, enabling accurate diagnoses for conditions affecting bones, lungs, and abdominal organs.
Boarding
Our climate-controlled boarding facilities offer indoor/outdoor runs with Science Diet feeding and multiple daily exercise sessions. Staff monitor pets' health continuously, with veterinary intervention available if needed. Reservations are recommended during peak seasons to ensure availability for your pet's stay.
People
Dr. Larry Ernst
Founder
Graduate of LSU School of Veterinary Medicine's first class in 1977, established the hospital in 1980 on family property. Expanded the facility in 1995 and 2016 while maintaining part-time surgical practice.
Dr. Bonnie Duhon
Co-Owner
Joined in 2004, became co-owner through dedication to patient care. Voted Best Veterinarian multiple times by The Daily Stars and Sophisticated Woman magazine. Oversees daily operations and client relations.
Dr. James 'Pete' Hendry
Veterinarian
Retired practitioner who rejoined in 2003 after 34 years of private practice in Covington. Brings extensive experience in general veterinary care and mentorship to the team.
Dr. Susan Akers
Veterinarian
Full-time associate veterinarian providing comprehensive care with focus on preventative medicine and client education about pet health maintenance and disease prevention.
Dr. Alexis Caillouet
Veterinarian
Part of the full-time veterinary team specializing in exotic animal care and diagnostics. Committed to staying current with veterinary advancements through continuing education programs.
Questions
What veterinary services do you offer?
We provide preventative care, surgery, dental services, digital radiography, boarding, in-clinic diagnostics, and exotic pet care.
Do you handle after-hours emergencies?
For emergencies outside regular hours, contact Sherwood South Animal Hospital, MedVet Mandeville, or LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
What boarding options are available?
Our climate-controlled facilities offer indoor/outdoor runs with Science Diet feeding and multiple daily exercise sessions for dogs and cats.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (985) 386-9441 during business hours or visit our website for appointment requests.
Are vaccinations required for boarding?
Yes, all boarding pets must have current vaccinations to ensure the safety of all animals in our care.
Do you accept walk-in visits?
While we prefer scheduled appointments, we accommodate urgent cases and walk-ins as our capacity allows.
