Animal Care Center & Pet Care Center

03/18/2025

Things to do to help ensure the safety of your pet:
-Keep Dangerous Foods Out of Reach
-Store Medications Safely
-Supervise Pets Outdoors
-Use Pet-Safe Cleaning Products

If you ever suspect poisoning, contact us or call the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) right away.

03/17/2025

🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀 We feel so lucky to have amazing clients who trust us with the care of their beloved pets every day. Wishing you and your furry friends a day filled with love, luck, and lots of tail wags! 💚🐾

03/16/2025

March is National Pet Poison Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about common household dangers that could harm your furry friends! 🏡🚫 From toxic foods to household plants and medications, keeping your pet safe starts with knowing the risks. If you ever suspect poisoning, contact us or call the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) immediately. 🐾

03/14/2025

Maizy and her tech, Cari, want to share a few tips on how to keep your pet safe during bad weather as tomorrow we are expecting some strong storms to pass through. Keeping your pet safe and comfortable during a thunderstorm is essential, especially since many pets become anxious or scared.

- Keep your pet indoors, away from windows and doors. Create a quiet, comfortable area where they feel safe.
- Sit with your pet to provide comfort during the storm. Your calm presence can help them feel more secure. Play calming music or use a white noise machine to mask the loud noises of the storm.
- Offer a special treat or chew toy to keep them occupied. The act of chewing can be calming, and it will distract them from the storm.
- If you have to take your pet outside during the storm, ensure they are safely secured with a leash and harness. Pets can sometimes bolt if they get scared!

03/13/2025

Today, we honor our four-legged heroes! 🐾💙 On National K9 Veterans Day, we salute the brave military and working dogs who have served alongside our troops with loyalty and courage.

03/11/2025

Even when your pet seems perfectly fine, early detection labwork can uncover potential issues lurking beneath the surface. Schedule their wellness exam and labwork today for peace of mind tomorrow!

03/10/2025

How much more relaxed can you get during your vet visit?

Max Elliot was all about the belly rubs! Isn’t he just a cutie?!

03/09/2025

03/07/2025

WE SEE EXOTICS! 🐦 🐢 🐰
Is your pet anything but ordinary? Whether you have a reptile, bird, amphibian, or pocket pet, we offer specialized veterinary care designed for your exotic companion!

Maverick here was nice enough to leave us a 5 star review! 😄

03/06/2025

Your pet deserves the best care at every stage of life. Early detection labwork is a vital tool for uncovering potential health issues early. Let’s keep them healthy together—call us today!

03/05/2025

Early detection through bloodwork is crucial because it helps identify potential health issues before symptoms become noticeable or severe. Here are some key reasons why early detection through bloodwork is important!

03/04/2025

While the parades are rolling, we’re still here for your furry friends! 🐶🐱 If your pet needs any care, don’t worry—we’re open and ready to help.

Enjoy the festivities and know that we’ve got your pets covered! 💜💚💛

02/25/2025

Happy World Spay Day!

Been thinking about spaying your animal? Here's your sign!

By spaying your pet, you'll help control the pet homeless crisis, which results in millions of healthy animals being euthanized each year.
There are also medical and behavioral benefits to spaying and neutering your animals.

If you think you are ready to take this step, call us today to schedule our next available appointment! 📞

02/23/2025

Happy National Dog Biscuit Day!

Today is all about celebrating our furry friends with tasty treats! We know how much our pups love a delicious snack – so we've got an easy, tail-wagging Peanut Butter Biscuit recipe for you to try!

Don’t forget to tag us when you share your creations! 🐶💬 And we'd love to hear – what’s your pup’s favorite homemade treat? Drop your recipes in the comments! 👇

02/22/2025

🐾🎉 Exciting News! Celebrating Dr. Bill Wheat! 🎉🐾

We are beyond proud to announce that our very own Dr. Bill Wheat has been honored as LVMA's Ralph C. Cooper Veterinarian of the Year! 🏆 This prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions to veterinary medicine, leadership, and dedication to animal welfare in Louisiana.

Dr. Wheat has dedicated over 40 years to veterinary care, public service, and community leadership. His impact in Louisiana is immeasurable, and we are honored to celebrate his achievements!

🐶🐱🐴 A Champion for Veterinary Medicine & Animal Welfare

✅ Founder of Animal Care Center (1983) & Pet Care Center (2002) – Providing top-tier veterinary care in our community
✅ President, Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (1993) – Leading advancements in veterinary medicine
✅ Instrumental in establishing the Tangipahoa Parish Animal Control Facility – Helping write ordinances to protect animals
✅ Advocated for veterinarians during COVID-19 – Ensured vets were classified as essential workers
✅ Defended veterinary licensure & fought against taxation on veterinary services – Protecting affordability and high standards
✅ Secured funding for LSU Vet School projects – Improvements to the Large Animal Hospital & LSU Diagnostic Lab
✅ Supported legislation for pet health insurance, wildlife rehabilitation, and equine industry protection
✅ Played a major role in preserving LSU’s “Mike the Tiger” tradition – Ensuring proper care and compliance with federal guidelines

🌟 A Leader in Public Service & Community Development

🐾 Louisiana State Representative (2020-2024) & State Senator for District 37 (2024-Present)
🐾 Serves on key committees, including:
• Agriculture, Forestry, & Rural Development (Vice Chair)
• Insurance
• Revenue & Fiscal Affairs
• Transportation, Highways, & Public Works

🐾 Advocated for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and business growth in Louisiana
🐾 Supported teacher pay raises, small business protections, and public safety initiatives
🐾 Fought for pro-business policies that help veterinary clinics & small businesses thrive

🏆 Honors & Recognitions

🏅 Ponchatoula Citizen of the Year (2011) – Recognized for outstanding service to the community
👑 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival King (2017) – Honored for his lifelong support of local traditions
💼 Chairman of the Ponchatoula Area Recreational Department – Oversaw local recreation development
🐾 Served on the Tangipahoa Mosquito Abatement Committee – Contributed to public health initiatives
🏦 Former Board Member at Florida Parishes Bank – Supporting economic growth in the region

🏡 A Family Man at Heart

Dr. Wheat and his wife, Andrea Hebert Wheat, have built a beautiful life together. They are proud parents of four children – Derek, Dana, Kristen, and Kellie – and grandparents to nine grandchildren.

When he’s not working, you can find Dr. Wheat spending time with family and friends at their camp on the Tangipahoa River.

🐾 A True Inspiration!

Despite his demanding role in government, Dr. Wheat STILL works as a veterinarian three days a week 🩺🐾 His commitment to animal health, public service, and community engagement is truly one-of-a-kind.

👏 Please join us in celebrating Dr. Wheat for this incredible achievement! 👏

We are beyond grateful to have such an exceptional leader, veterinarian, and advocate in our community!

Congratulations, Dr. Wheat! 🎉🐾

02/20/2025

It’s National Love Your Pet Day! 🐾♥

Valentine's Day isn't the only holiday this month to spread love. Comment a picture of your pet and one of the many reasons why you love them!

02/19/2025

Today is National Boston Terrier Day!

We want to see your Bostons in the comments 😍🐾😍

02/18/2025

Sam and Moon said to get your pets ready for some Mardi Gras fun! 🎭🐾 We’ve got a festive backdrop set up for adorable photos at our PET CARE location (Ponchatoula). During your appointment, be sure to snap a pic with your furry friend in the spirit of Mardi Gras! 💜💛💚