Larry Ernst, DVM
Dr. Larry Ernst was born and raised in Ponchatoula, Louisiana growing up on his family’s dairy farm. He attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond for his undergraduate pre-veterinary studies, and it was here that he met his wife, Mary. Dr. Ernst completed his veterinary education earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1977. He has the distinctive honor of being a member of the first graduating class of the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, Dr. Ernst served for three years in the US Army Veterinary Corps in Virginia. It was at this time that Dr. and Mrs. Ernst adopted their only daughter, Sarah.
In 1980, Dr. Ernst returned to Louisiana and established Ponchatoula Animal Hospital on the land where he grew up. Operating from the start as a family run clinic, Dr. Ernst was the sole veterinarian with several family members working by his side. In 1995, the physical size of the clinic doubled with the construction of an addition. After 25 years of being the only doctor at the hospital, Dr. Ernst brought two additional veterinarians on board. As of 2018, Ponchatoula Animal Hospital has grown by leaps and bounds, and the staff hosts three additional associate veterinarians.
Dr. Ernst is a member of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Florida Parishes Veterinary Medical Association. He is an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church serving as a Lector and a Eucharistic Minister. He is also treasurer for the Ponchatoula Knights of Columbus.
During his leisure time, Dr. Ernst pursues gardening, fishing, and an occasional game of golf. He is enjoying semi-retirement and spending time keeping up with his three grandchildren and their kittens.