Meet Our Vets

Veterinary Team

Our veterinarians are some of the best in New Orleans. They take pride in providing affordable, high-quality care to the animals in our community!

Dr. Kerry Backsen

Dr. Kerry has been practicing veterinary medicine for 9 years and has been the anchor of our shelter clinic since starting at the Louisiana SPCA. A native of Metairie, Dr. Kerry studied veterinary medicine at LSU. Dr. Kerry has just one dog at home, Lolly, who she fostered before adopting. Dr. Kerry’s knowledge of general veterinary medicine is augmented by additional education in veterinary forensics, which she employs to assist our Humane Law Enforcement team during instances of cruelty and neglect.

Dr. Adrianna Smith

Dr. Smith recently joined the Louisiana SPCA’s Community Clinic team after working in private practice for 4 years. Born in Chicago, Dr. Smith is a graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and is currently working on her Veterinary Acupuncture Certification. She is able to perform acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine as an alternative to traditional Western medical approach.

Dr. Jayme Lauderdale

Dr. Jayme Lauderdale is originally from Arizona and has been practicing veterinary medicine for 10 years after attending Colorado State University. Dr. Lauderdale is one of our lead surgeons and can spay/neuter dozens of animals per day. At home she has two dogs currently, both adopted from a shelter in Arizona

Dr. Gina Cheuk

Dr. Cheuk began practicing veterinary medicine in 2005 and has a special interest in exotic pets and dentistry. Originally from New Orleans, she attended veterinary school at LSU. Dr. Cheuk’s own pets include a dog, 3 chickens, and 2 cats.

Dr. Gene Jessop

From working with NASA primates to volunteering with Olympic equestrian horses, Dr. Jessop has improved the well-being of countless animals during his 50+ year veterinary career. Dr. Jessop has been the anchor of our Community Clinic’s surgery team for the past 10 years and spays or neuters up to 40 animals per day. In this photo he holds a replica gold medal awarded to him by the Olympic Committee in appreciation for his volunteer role with equestrian horses during the XXIII Olympic Games in Los Angeles, an experience which he draws inspiration from to this day. He lives by the words “Give something more than you take” each day.

Can you believe there are veterinarians across the country that have never seen a case of Heartworm disease before? Heartworm disease is rampant in the south and the Greater New Orleans region is no exception. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and heart of cats, dogs and other mammals. All cats and dogs are susceptible to infection. Heartworm disease is completely preventable and treatment is safe and inexpensive! Some treatment options include chewable tablets, topicals or injections.  The key is to provide Heartworm preventatives properly and on a timely schedule each month.

Online Pharmacy

Did you know you can order your pet’s medicine and have it delivered right to your door?

Did you know a $50 donation can provide annual vaccinations for a shelter dog