Hometown care, from someone who means it.
This practice was built on relationships, not transactions — because the best veterinary care starts with actually knowing the family on the other side of the exam table.
Your hometown veterinarian
Meet Dr. Holly
Dr. Holly Lamb Bethea, DVM
A Louisiana original
Dr. Holly Lamb Bethea, DVM, is a Louisiana native dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized veterinary care to the communities she serves. Born and raised in Sterlington, Louisiana, she attended A.L. Smith Elementary and graduated from Sterlington High School. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, then went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University.
Dr. Bethea brings warmth, expertise, and a genuine love for animals to everything she does. Her deep Louisiana roots reflect her commitment to caring for local families and their beloved pets.
Her path to practice
Dr. Bethea's passion for animal care began early in her career, working as a veterinary assistant in Monroe and West Monroe prior to veterinary school. Following graduation, she gained extensive and diverse experience as a small animal associate veterinarian, shelter veterinarian, emergency veterinarian, and relief veterinarian. Her career has taken her from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Houston, Texas, and back to north Louisiana, allowing her to develop a well-rounded and adaptable approach to veterinary medicine.
Why Sterlington
All roads led back home. After years of experience in practices across the country, Dr. Holly knew the kind of practice she wanted to build — one rooted in the community she grew up in, where she could serve the families and animals of northeast Louisiana the way they deserve to be served.
Outside the clinic
When she's not caring for patients, Dr. Holly enjoys traveling with her husband and two daughters, getting her hands in the garden, spending quiet time with her chickens, and cheering her girls on at their sporting events.
The people behind the care
Meet the team.
Jennifer Irvin
CVPM — Practice Manager
With more than 20 years in veterinary medicine, Jennifer has dedicated her career to caring for animals and supporting the teams who serve them. She holds a degree in Animal Science, is a licensed phlebotomist, a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, and a licensed wildlife rehabilitator — giving her rare insight into both the medical and business sides of care.
She's passionate about building strong teams, supporting pet owners, and making sure every patient receives compassionate, high-quality care. Outside the clinic, Jennifer enjoys time with her two boys and the great outdoors — hiking, hunting, fishing, and tending her plants.
Madelyn
Veterinary Assistant
Madelyn is one of Hometown Vet Animal Hospital's amazing veterinary assistants, and we're so excited for you to meet her! Originally from Swartz, Louisiana, she attended Ouachita Parish High School before graduating from Downsville Charter School. With years of experience in animal handling and care, she has worked closely with Dr. Holly Bethea at Monroe Animal Health Center and Melton Veterinary Hospital.
When she's not caring for your pets, you'll probably find her catching bugs and snakes, spending time with her two boys and her flock of chickens, or washing her big, beautiful — and very loud — truck. She has a healthy obsession with Randy Travis... and a slightly unhealthy obsession with one-eyed animals. Her one-eyed dog can often be found at the clinic bringing joy to the staff and clients.
Madelyn is known for her incredible work ethic, her willingness to take on any challenge, and her ability to make everyone laugh. She has a way of keeping our team grounded — even on the toughest days — and we're so grateful to have her as part of our family.
Allison
Veterinary Assistant
Meet Allison! We're so excited to welcome her to the Hometown Vet family. Originally from Farmerville, Allison graduated from D'Arbonne Woods Charter School and is currently studying Marketing at ULM. She also works as a veterinary assistant at Premier Pet Emergency, where Dr. Bethea had the pleasure to meet and work alongside her.
The best way to describe Allison? Sunshine-y. She's bright, bubbly, energetic, and an absolute joy to work with. Her positivity is contagious, and her genuine love for animals shines through in everything she does.
Outside the clinic, you'll find her playing the ukulele, singing, spending time with family and friends, going to concerts, or adventuring with her rescue dogs, Milky Way and Pluto (plus Pepper, the family dog that holds a special place in her heart). She has a soft spot for tripod pets and fun hats that are always in rotation.
We're so lucky to have Allison on our team, and we can't wait for you to meet her. Help us give her a warm Hometown Vet welcome!
Bailey
Coming Soon
Bailey's bio is coming soon — we can't wait to introduce her!
Our story
How Hometown Vet came to be.
Hometown Vet Animal Hospital was created because we recognized a need for a family-oriented, privately owned practice that would be deeply rooted in the community we serve. Our vision was to create a place where both our team and clients are valued, and where lasting relationships could be built over time. We are committed to fostering a workplace that is supportive, welcoming, and uplifting, and where every member of our staff feels appreciated for their dedication and hard work.
Our mission
Care built around your family.
At Hometown Vet Animal Hospital, we are committed to creating a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where pets and their owners feel valued, respected, and supported. Our team prioritizes client education, empowering pet owners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their pets’ health. We welcome clients from all walks of life and work closely with them to find personalized treatment plans tailored to their pet’s needs and their budget. Through compassionate care, transparency, and dedication, we strive to build lasting relationships and promote the well-being of every animal we serve.
Our culture of care
Supporting Each Other as We Care for Animals
We're committed to a workplace built on three values — because the way we treat one another shapes the care every patient receives.
Empathy
We lead with kindness — for the animals in our care, the families who love them, and the teammates beside us.
Respect
Every person and every patient who comes through our doors is met with dignity, without exception.
Support
We show up for each other. A team that feels supported gives care that feels supported.
Our commitment
The promise behind everything we do.
Patients like family
Gentle, unhurried visits where every animal is treated with the same care and patience we'd give our own.
Clients like neighbors
Honest advice and clear explanations — because good neighbors tell you the truth.
Team like best friends
A happy, close-knit team that loves coming to work, because that energy flows directly to every patient we see.
We can't wait to meet you and your pets.
Join our waitlist today and be among the very first families to walk through our doors when Hometown Vet opens in Sterlington.
No spam, ever. Just one message when we're ready to see you.