Business Details
46 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Ponchatoula, LA
Ponchatoula Animal Hospital has been a trusted provider of veterinary services since 1980, dedicated to delivering comprehensive care for companion animals in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and surrounding communities. Our hospital combines medical expertise with compassionate service, offering preventative care, surgery, dental treatments, digital radiography, and boarding facilities. Since our founding by Dr. Larry Ernst, we have maintained a family-operated ethos, supported by a team of skilled veterinarians and over 30 staff members.Our commitment to excellence has been recognized through multiple 'Best Veterinary Hospital' awards from The Daily Stars Best of Tangipahoa for 11 consecutive years. We emphasize personalized attention, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and tailored treatment plans to ensure pets lead healthy, enriched lives. Community involvement remains central to our mission, with active participation in local organizations and sponsorship of community events.
Services
Preventative Care
Surgery
Dental Care
Digital Radiography
Boarding
In-Clinic Diagnostics
Exotics
Prescription Refills
Emergency Services
Wellness Exams
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We've provided veterinary care in Ponchatoula since 1980 with continuous family leadership
- Our staff includes 8 veterinarians and over 30 support staff members
- We offer comprehensive services from preventative care to advanced surgical procedures
- Recognized 11 consecutive years as Best Veterinary Hospital by The Daily Stars Best of Tangipahoa
- Family-operated with community-focused values and personalized patient attention
What people say
Fast, friendly service
Very attentive staff
Clean facilities
Affordable care
Least stressful experience
Services
Preventative Care
Annual wellness exams detect early-stage diseases through physical exams and diagnostic tests tailored to your pet's life-stage. Our age-appropriate screenings include heartworm testing, parasite screenings, and blood work. Veterinarians assess species, breed, and environmental factors to recommend customized prevention plans.
Surgery
We perform soft tissue surgeries including spays, neuters, and growth removals, with selective orthopedic procedures. Comprehensive pre-anesthetic blood work and monitoring ensure patient safety. Each case receives customized anesthetic protocols based on species, breed, age, and health status with post-operative care oversight.
Dental Care
Complete dental services address periodontal disease through exams, cleanings, and extractions. Our high-power scaler removes plaque and tartar buildup while monitoring under anesthesia ensures safety. Educational resources help owners maintain oral health between professional cleanings.
Digital Radiography
Advanced digital imaging quickly diagnoses fractures, swallowed objects, tumors, and organ abnormalities. Low-radiation, non-invasive scans provide immediate, enhanced images for accurate diagnosis. This technology enables rapid assessment of respiratory issues, pregnancies, and urinary tract conditions.
Boarding
Climate-controlled facilities feature indoor/outdoor runs with Science Diet feeding and multiple daily exercise sessions. Staff monitor appetite and elimination patterns with immediate veterinary intervention if needed. Required vaccinations ensure safety for all boarding pets during owners' absences.
People
Dr. Larry Ernst
Founder
Graduated LSU School of Veterinary Medicine's inaugural class in 1977. Established Ponchatoula Animal Hospital in 1980 after US Army Veterinary Corps service. Member of Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Medical Association with community involvement in St. Joseph Catholic Church and Ponchatoula Knights of Columbus.
Dr. Bonnie Duhon
Co-Owner
Joined practice in 2004, became co-owner through dedication to client care. Recipient of multiple Best Veterinarian awards from The Daily Stars Best of Tangipahoa and Sophisticated Woman publications. Active in community organizations including St. Joseph Catholic School and Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. James Pete Hendry
Veterinarian
Veteran practitioner with 34 years of prior ownership at General Animal Hospital in Covington before joining Ponchatoula Animal Hospital in 2003. Provides surgical expertise while working part-time status since 2016 expansion.
Dr. Susan Akers
Veterinarian
Full-time associate veterinarian contributing to expanded services during the hospital's growth phase. Part of the 8-veterinarian team providing comprehensive care across multiple specialties with over 30 support staff members.
Dr. Alexis Caillouet
Veterinarian
Member of current full-time veterinary team serving Ponchatoula community. Works alongside 7 other veterinarians and 30+ staff members to maintain hospital's reputation for excellence in companion animal care.
Questions
When should I bring my pet in for concerning behavior changes?
Contact us immediately if you notice significant behavior changes. Early intervention improves treatment outcomes. Our veterinarians will assess symptoms and recommend appropriate action.
What emergency services do you offer after hours?
For emergencies outside regular hours, contact Sherwood South Animal Hospital (225) 293-6440, MedVet-Mandeville (985) 626-4862, or LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (225) 578-9600. We provide urgent care during regular business hours.
Do you offer dental care for pets?
Yes, we provide comprehensive dental services including exams, cleanings, polishing, and extractions. Our equipment includes high-power scalers and drills to address periodontal disease and maintain oral health.
What boarding options are available?
We offer climate-controlled indoor/outdoor runs with Science Diet feeding and multiple daily exercise sessions. Staff monitor boarded pets' health continuously. Vaccination records are required prior to boarding.
What diagnostic imaging services do you provide?
We offer digital radiography for rapid, low-radiation internal imaging. This non-invasive technology helps diagnose fractures, organ abnormalities, urinary tract issues, and respiratory conditions with enhanced image clarity.
