Dr. Anne Laurent

Medical Director

Anne E. Laurent, D.V.M is a 2002 graduate of Louisiana State University. She spent 7 years in private practice in Covington and Morgan City. Dr. Anne then spent 8 months working in an emergency in Metairie before opening Best Friends Animal Hospital on February 1, 2010.

Dr. Laurent is originally from Alexandria and now resides in Houma, LA with 7 of her very own best friends. Her Special interests include small animal internal medicine, dermatology, and soft tissue surgery.

“My favorite part of each day is seeing the happy reunions between pets and their family.” After a pet who has been very ill is finally well enough to go home, Dr. Anne says, “I never get tired of seeing the unconditional bond that exists between humans and their pets.”

Dr. Regan Gonzales

Veterinarian

We are excited to announce our newest addition to the Best Friends Animal Hospital team, Dr. Regan Gonzales! Dr. Regan grew up in Saint Amant, Louisiana where her love for animals began. At the age of 4, she dreamed of being a “creature catcher teacher.” Dr. Regan went on to complete her undergraduate and veterinary medicine educations, both at LSU, where she graduated in 2019. She developed special interests in surgery, dermatology, and clinical pathology. While at LSU, Dr. Regan played trumpet in the Golden Band from Tigerland for 4 years. She also has been a pianist for 11 years.

When Dr. Regan isn’t seeing patients, she and her fiance Scott spend their time traveling to major league baseball stadiums around the country. Together they have one cat named Yuki.

We are excited about the new skill set Dr. Regan will be offering to our practice.

Charity

Practice Manager

Charity is our Hospital Manager and has only been with us for 2 years, but it feels like forever. She literally handles every problem without batting an eye. Although she is soft-spoken, she can handle the weight of the world and not flex a muscle. She is a great listener and gives the best advice. You can oftentimes find her in her office talking to herself, but that is completely normal, right? If we were to compare Charity to an animal she would be a Besenji, the barkless dog.

Allie

Veterinary Technician

Allie has been a veterinary technician for 84 years if you ask her, but in reality, it is has been 14. She has been a big part of our Best Friends team since 2009. Most days Allie can be heard from anywhere in the hospital telling stories and singing country tunes. While she can make you laugh with her outlandish and witty comments, she is very adept at making clients feel at ease. If we were to compare Allie to an animal, she would be an English bulldog for her fun quirky personality that keeps winning everyone’s heart over.

Cherisha

Veterinary Technician

Cherisha has been with us for 5 years as a veterinary technician. She is a southerner that does not like seafood but we try not to hold it against her. She is an extremely hard-worker that is known for the loving compassion she shows our patients. A lot of times we refer to her as the “mom” of the bunch; she is always taking care of us. If we had to compare Cherisha to an animal she would probably be a Chow because of her protective nature and loving devotion to her family.

Marlena

Veterinary Technician

Marlena has been a Vet Tech with us for 3 years. She came to us from the streets of Long Island, New York with a background in emergency medicine. She is a true Italian through and through, with a spicy attitude and gooey marshmallow center. We believe her likeability and delightful charm is what wins over the hearts of our patients and clients. If you don’t see Marlena at the clinic she is most likely snuggling under a blanket somewhere as a Greyhound would.

Rachel

Head Customer Service Representative

Rachel is our Senior Front Desk Administrator and has been with us for 3 years. She is known as “The Best Friends Encyclopedia” because she literally knows everything about anything. She is first to get here and does not leave until the job is completed; sometimes we have to kick her out in the evening. Her commitment to our clients and patients makes her an irreplaceable part of our team. If we were to compare her to an animal, she would be a cat because of her independent – outgoing personality which makes her a joy to be around.