We are a friendly, compassionate team dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond.
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Hi! I’m Dr. Courtney Wheeler, the practice owner of River Road Veterinary Hospital. I’ve dreamt of becoming a veterinarian since I was a child, dressing as a veterinarian to my school’s Career Days and spending as much time as I could with animals until I was able to attend Ross University of Veterinary Medicine. I graduated with High Honors and completed a year of clinical rotations at Colorado State University. I’ve enhanced my patient care by becoming certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture – Ask me about this therapy at your next visit!
In 2022, I was able to make my dream a reality with the purchase of River Road Veterinary Hospital and have been working diligently to refresh and progress our already wonderfully established practice with the most innovative and progressive veterinary medicine available.
My husband Chase and I welcomed our sweet baby boy, Carver, into our family in 2022. We live with our yellow labs, Cadeaux and Cheerio, and our kitties, Monte and Misty. I spend my free time with friends and family, out in the New Orleans local community, and also love equestrian sports, particularly show-jumping, with my horse, Safira!
On a personal note, I would like to thank our incredible clients for supporting Chase and I in this time of growth. As a New Orleans native, I’m thrilled to pursue my goals in providing our community with top-tier veterinary care. Together with our family partnered business, Pawlins, I believe we are bettering the lives of pets and their people.
My name is Dr. Ben Brignac and I’ve had the privilege of practicing at RRVH since 2019. Growing up here in New Orleans, I spent my summers volunteering at a local animal rescue and working as a veterinary assistant until traveling to St. Kitts and attending Ross University of Veterinary Medicine and completing my clinical rotation at Colorado State University to receive my doctorate in veterinary medicine.
I enjoy community events, spending time with my dog Hazel, practicing yoga, traveling, Mardi Gras, and Saints football. Working with animals has been a passion of mine from a young age and I feel blessed to have made my aspiration to become a veterinarian a reality. It is incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to help pets live their happiest, healthiest lives. Every day I appreciate getting to know my clients and witnessing the positive impact we can make on the bond they share with their pet. I’m proud to practice here at RRVH and hope to meet you and your pet soon!
Hello! I’m Dr. John Trahan. I was born here in New Orleans and grew up in Metairie. Growing up, I was always an animal lover and especially loved to visit the animals at the zoo. After getting my Animal Science degree at LA Tech, I went on to complete my veterinary degree at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. I then moved to Phoenix, AZ, for a small animal internship, and stayed there until I moved back home to Louisiana in 2022.
I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine and have a special interest in soft tissue surgery, dermatology, and internal medicine. More than that, I truly value building relationships with my patients and their families. I love getting to know each animal’s personality and quirks, and I take pride in being able to provide compassionate care to them throughout their lives.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me hanging out with my wife, Ankitha, and our dog, Ruxin. He’s the best of boys! I also love spending time outdoors – whether it’s fishing, hunting, or traveling. I’ve been practicing my cooking skills lately (and the eating skills too, of course!) I’m a huge sports fan and love playing all kinds of sports, as well as cheering on my favorite teams – like the Saints, Pelicans, and LSU. I root for all Louisiana teams I see!
In the Spring of 2023, I joined the team at RRVH. I look forward to growing with this amazing hospital and caring for your pets!
