The largest family-owned practice in Acadiana
The same family has guided this hospital since it opened, and still sees patients today.
A veterinary practice shaped by generations
A Growing Hospital
Recently expanded with a new boarding facility and surgical suite.
AAHA Since Day One
Held to a standard fewer than 15% of practices earn.
Dr. Jim R. Carson IV
Carries the family's standard forward into modern veterinary care.
Dr. Jim R. Carson III
Built the practice's reputation for thorough, honest medicine.
Four decades of care, one family at the center of it.
Dr. Jim R. Carson III opened this hospital's doors in 1981, after earning his veterinary degree from Texas A&M in 1978. What he built was never just a clinic; it was a standard, compassionate care, close relationships, and a team that remembers your pet's history without needing to open a chart.
Today his son, Dr. Jim R. Carson IV, carries that standard forward as owner, alongside a team of associate veterinarians, technicians, and support staff who've made Carson Animal Hospital home for years, some for decades.
Our mission is to provide every pet with exceptional, compassionate care — combining advanced technology and current veterinary medicine to help them live long, healthy, happy lives. As an AAHA-accredited hospital, meeting the highest standards in veterinary medicine and patient care, we never take the trust our clients place in us for granted.
We envision a Carson Animal Hospital where every pet owner in Acadiana has a trusted partner in their pet's health — one that listens, explains every option clearly, and is equipped to handle both the routine and the most complex cases with the same personal care.
As the largest privately owned veterinary hospital in Acadiana, we've invested in advanced diagnostics and treatment options other area clinics simply don't offer — from laparoscopic surgery and endoscopy to advanced ultrasonography and dedicated cancer care. But what hasn't changed in more than four decades is our commitment to thorough, compassionate care: we take the time to listen, explain your options, and treat every patient like our own.
The people your pet will know by name.
Meet the people that bring the highest standard of care to your pets
Dr. Jim R. Carson III
Dr. Carson III graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978 and has been proudly practicing in Lafayette since 1981.
Dr. Jim R. Carson IV
Dr. Jim Carson IV’s passion for veterinary medicine started early—growing up coming to the clinic with his dad, who is also a veterinarian and still practices here today. Fueled by curiosity...
Dr. Emily Courville
Dr. Emily Courville is an Associate Veterinarian and Medical Director at Carson Animal Hospital, where she leads the medical team in delivering high-quality, compassionate veterinary care.
Dr. Kristy Frady Furman
Now in her eighth year with Carson Animal Hospital, Dr. Kristy Furman brings a passion for personalized veterinary care to every patient she sees.
Dr. Kelsie Marks
Dr. Kelsie Melancon Marks is a compassionate and dedicated veterinarian who knew from a young age that she was meant to care for animals.
Dr. Erica Fontenot
Her special interests include feline medicine and alternative medicine such as acupuncture and herbal therapy.
Dr. Ana Leah Meaux
Dr. Ana Leah Meaux has dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since she was a little girl growing up in Abbeville, Louisiana.
Dr. Briana Cutshall
Dr. Briana is a small-animal veterinarian with a passion for providing compassionate, thoughtful care for pets and the people who love them.
Meet Our Skilled Staff
Amy
Logan
Carla
Cecile
Tyler
Hunter
Brennan
Cierra
Lindsey
Emily
Lyndsi
Ed
Michell
Christian
Rayann
Bailee
