Patty Hegwood, Director of Animal Care

Patty is the Director of Animal Care for Best Friends.  Her goal is to create a hub where all species are treated with regard.  Every day, Patty looks forward to serving the sanctuary and all of its occupants: two-legged, four-legged, feathered and hoofed.

Since Patty was five years old, she has picked up, fixed up and found homes for homeless cats and dogs in her neighborhood.  In 1997, she founded Ark Animal Hospital, Inc., in Jefferson, Louisiana, with Dr. Rollie Norris.  Together, they opened the first for-profit hospital of its kind in the state of Louisiana.  Ark Animal works closely with over 20 humane organizations doing low-cost spay/neuter surgery at a very high volume.  The hospital's highest feral spay days reach 80 ferals in a single day.  Ark Animal is a full-service hospital and all humane programs remain intact as they continue to do their part in the quest for no more homeless pets.

A native of New Orleans, Patty is a graduate of Louisiana State University.  She lives with her husband, Jason, their daughter, Hannah, 12 cats and five dogs.