Dr. Mary Benson

I was born and raised in the New Orleans area. After graduation from St. Mary’s Dominican High School, I attended the University of New Orleans and received a joint Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology from UNO and the LSU Medical Center. Before the development of heartworm preventative medication, I witnessed first hand many dogs suffering from heartworm disease, including two of my own. While in graduate school studying clinical chemistry, heartworm preventative was developed, and from then on my dog, Brandy, took her pill every day. This demonstrated the power of preventative medicine to me and I was inspired to become a veterinarian and make a difference in animals’ lives. After graduating from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, I relocated to the Chicago area, where I served my clients and patients every day at Best Friends Veterinary Center. After my two daughters completed their education, I sold my veterinary practice and returned to my hometown of New Orleans. I now practice Relief Veterinary Medicine for other practices, both in Louisiana and in Massachusetts, where I spend my summers. I am a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA), and the Southeast Louisiana Veterinary Association (SLVA). In addition to preventive medicine, I particularly enjoy internal medicine, soft-tissue surgery, and dentistry. Pets are part of their human family, and mostly, I want to help her patients be as healthy and happy as possible.

I live with my husband, Chuck, and my two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named Oliver and Tiffany. I recently lost Jenny, my 37 year-old Blue and Gold Macaw. When not seeing patients, I enjoy bicycling, boating, traveling, and rooting for my two favorite football teams-the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints!