I have been a vet tech in the past working at numerous hospitals in town including the SPCA. Also, I have been a loving pet owner (dogs/cats) for over thirty years. Dr. Stone was/is the best doctor I have ever taken my pets to. He and the entire vet small animal hospital staff were always considerate of my attachment to my pets as well as my attachment to my wallet. Walking out of there, I always felt confident that my pets were well treated and that no unnecessary procedures were administered.

Unfortunately, I discovered a few days ago that the facility moved and is under the name Pet Care Center. I brought my cat in and was set up with a new doctor. The doctor did not discuss options only listing the tests and procedures she was going to start. More specifically, her bedside manner made me feel as if I had no choice. It is my experience on both sides of the veterinary scene that gave me the where with all to suggest that we proceed a bit slower, something that Dr. Stone and Co. would do without prodding. You never had to ask how much or what possible options versus outcomes were available. These are discussions that were initiated from the moment you entered the exam room by the doctor.

Money is a factor as it would be with any member of the family that suddenly needed medical attention or scripts. However it is still very little compared to the stress put on the patient and that is the true acid test of a doctors interest and respect for patient and owner.

I will not be going back to Pet Care Center. I will be tracking down Dr. Stone and if he is no longer practicing then I will follow his suggested replacement.

Let it be known that during Katrina, this hospital was booked to FULL CAPACITY with all the clients leaving town. Over 40 dogs and 36 cats. I know, I was one of the techs who was there!!! Dr. Stone and Dr. Watts both stayed behind as well while almost every other vet clinic in the city was, let's say, not making the best of the situation at all.

We lost power, no running water, no air conditioning!!! Fortunately, we had a diesle generator that powered fans and lights for us. Kennel cleaning was NON STOP. We played with the dogs in the hallways, they drank bottled water, and got looked at twice a day by the vets personally. 40 days while the rest of the city sat in the stinking bilge water, and all the other businesses around us were destroyed and looted, Veteran's stood it's ground. We gave NO ANIMALS to the SPCA, sending their owners to run up to Baton Rouge and sort through thousands of others. We Euthanised NO ANIMALS. No animals were even sick when they were returned!

So... Yes, the place is run down looking. The facilities haven't been remodeled since the 50's, I think. The X-Ray machine looks like it's from a Frankenstien movie set! But they get the job done there! Oh, and this being hurricane season.... Keep in mind who stood their ground when a Catagory 5 came tearing through!

Some pretty ignorant people are saying on this board that VSAH "doesn't care" or "is just in it for the money". I say to you, with all respect, SHUT your mouths, they care more than you could possibly imagine.

I recently brought both of my dogs and one cat to see Dr. Watts. He was extremely cold and rushed through the examination. Prices were extremely high and receptionist was rude. I have been a pet owner for a long time and have never been treated so coldly. Dr. Watts is in the business for the money unfortunately and not for the sake of the animals. DO NOT RECOMMEND!!!

THE DOCTORS AND TECHS ARE VERY NICE AND TOOK GREAT CARE OF MY BABIES. THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO OUR FAMILY.
THANK YOU,
THE GONZALES FAMILY

Dr. Homer Watts is a very caring and competent veterinarian. He is a man of senior years, but treats each of my pets like they are his only client. He is thorough and very accurate with diagnosis and treatment. He explains everything and always encourages questions and feedback. If you love your pet and want the best then you must go see Dr. Watts. You will be as impressed as I was the first time I met him. He loves people who love animals.