Veterinary Team

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.

Dr. Ashley Tahir

Dr. Tahir joined the Louisiana SPCA team in 2012 after graduating from St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. In addition to working at the Louisiana SPCA, Dr. Tahir has also worked in private practice and runs a mobile veterinary clinic called Fur de Lis. Dr. Tahir has a particular interest in high volume spay/neuter. At home she has 2 dogs and 2 cats, including Q, a 15 year old cat rescued from an abandoned house in Michoud in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina