Patty Hegwood, Director of Animal Care

Patty Hegwood came to Best Friends in 2005 from New Orleans, on the heels of hurricane Katrina, where she contributed to rescue efforts following the storm.

Together, with a veterinary business partner, she opened the first for-profit veterinary hospital in the state of Louisiana that encompassed animal welfare. They began the animal hospital in 1997 and served over 22 rescue organizations while delivering low cost spay/neuter and vaccine programs ---- saving the lives of thousands of cats and dogs. Her hospital spearheaded the very first feral cat spay/neuter program in the city which, continues to provide this service to thousands of cats every year.

Patty received her bachelor of arts and science from Louisiana State University and, coupled with ten years of business ownership, has gladly taken on all the challenges and rewards of helping run the nations largest animal sanctuary.

In her capacity as animal care director, Patty serves our sanctuary by proudly overseeing seven animal departments containing 10 combined species, a multitude of wildlife, the Best Friends clinic, volunteer department, adoptions and up to 1,700 animals cared for on a daily basis. It is always busy at Best Friends and according to Patty - it doesn't feel like work, it is a life-long-dream come true!