Generations of Care: Mother-Daughter Veterinary Team Sustains Rural Acadiana

In a community where veterinary care is scarce, the Simons’ work sustains the health of animals, the livelihoods of farmers, and the traditions of rural Acadiana.

When Dr. Jackie Simon graduated from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 1988, she returned to her hometown of St. Martinville, La., prepared to serve her community. Two years later, she opened Country Place Veterinary Clinic, becoming the only veterinarian for miles around—a role she has filled for more than 30 years.

In 2019, her daughter, Dr. Megan Simon, followed in her footsteps, bringing her own LSU Vet Med degree and a passion for large animals, exotics, and avian medicine. Together, they grew from a one-woman veterinary practice into a family provider of services for their rural community. In 2025, the duo welcomed another LSU Vet Med graduate, Dr. Tori Olivier, who had long hoped to join the clinic.

Today, they remain the only veterinarians in the community, caring for animals of every size and species. With the support of 11 veterinary technicians and staff members, they treat dogs, cats, cattle, horses, goats, birds, reptiles—even peacocks and petting zoo animals. “If it can fit through the clinic door, we will look at it,” Dr. Jackie said with a smile. For livestock and exotic animals that can’t make the trip, the doctors take their care and well-equipped vehicle on the road, from Morgan City petting zoos to Jefferson Island’s Rip Van Winkle Garden peacocks and farms in between.

Their work often means answering calls when owners have tried everything else and an animal’s condition has worsened. “There’s no one else around to take care of them,” Dr. Megan explained. She and Dr. Tori travel to farms at least once each week treating cattle, horses, and bulls—work that keeps Acadiana’s agricultural backbone healthy and strong.

Affordability and honesty guide their practice. “I always start by asking a client—for example, if it’s a goat—'Is this animal a pet or livestock to you?’ The answer shapes the treatment plan,” Dr. Jackie said.

Beyond clinical work, both veterinarians support local agriculture and animal health initiatives. They issue health certificates for livestock shows, teach animal care to petting zookeepers, and continue Dr. Jackie’s longstanding commitment to education supporting animal health. She taught “Healthy Heart” classes, part of an American Veterinary Medical Association campaign, which educated children about heartworm prevention through school visits and essay contests themed “Why my dog has a healthy heart,” important messages in a region fraught with deadly and preventable heartworm disease.

For Dr. Jackie, the inspiration to become a veterinarian began in childhood when she lost a calf during a difficult birth. For Dr. Megan, it grew from 4-H poultry projects that sparked her love of avian medicine. Now, the two share not only a calling, but also a workplace. “We respect each other’s opinions,” Dr. Jackie said. “I’ve done things a certain way for years, and Megan brings new approaches.” Dr. Megan added, “We actually listen to each other.”
The walls of the clinic are lined with photos and certificates that tell the story of generations of animals—and families—who have relied on their care.

From turtles and geckos to cattle and horses, their work has helped shape the story of a rural parish itself, a country place where families and animals grow up together under their care.