Care led by compassion, connection, and clinical excellence.
Founder. Veterinarian. Advocate for Fear Free Care.
Johanna Ecke, DVM, CVA, CVMP
Founder, Bayou Paws Veterinary Hospital
Certifications:
“I built Bayou Paws to bring compassion back to the center of veterinary medicine.”
After years in practice, Dr. Jo saw a gap between what veterinary care could be and what it often becomes under the weight of time and production pressures. She envisioned something different, a place where pets are treated with gentleness, clients feel heard, and care is never rushed.
At Bayou Paws, every detail reflects that vision. Appointments are longer so there’s time to listen. The environment is calm and thoughtfully designed to reduce stress for both pets and people. And the medicine? Gold standard, rooted in science and delivered with heart.
A lifelong connection to animals and community.
Dr. Jo’s journey began in Montana, rescuing stray animals (and even bugs) as a kid. Her path led her through Tulane University and Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and ultimately back to New Orleans, the city that captured her heart.
Since 2001, she and her husband, Eric, have built a life here filled with rescue pets, community ties, and now, a practice that reflects her values of kindness, integrity and connection.
“Bayou Paws is more than a hospital,” she says. “It’s a promise to provide the kind of care I’d want for my own animal, in a place where pets and their people can breathe easy, in the community I love.”
Built on trust, empathy, and understanding.
Dr. Jo loves watching her patients grow and witnessing the special bond pets share with their families. Her favorite part of being a veterinarian is the relationships she builds — with pets who grow up under her care and the families who trust her through every stage of their lives together.
Practicing Fear Free veterinary medicine is deeply important to her, and she takes special joy in helping patients with behavioral or anxiety challenges feel safe and understood.
Three core principles guide her approach:
Helping make each visit calm and comfortable.
Veterinary Assistant
With eight years of experience in veterinary medicine, Breane is passionate about client education and providing the highest standard of patient care. She values building strong relationships with both pets and their owners to help ensure every patient receives compassionate, personalized care.
Outside of the practice, Breane enjoys gardening, exercising, hiking, swimming, and spending time outdoors. Family is especially important to her, and she treasures time spent with her two nephews and her Great Pyrenees mix, Kano.
Veterinary Assistant
Chelsea has been dedicated to veterinary medicine since 2015, with a special focus on wellness care and preventive health. Known for her attention to detail and skillful patient care, she takes pride in helping pets stay healthy and ensuring every visit is as comfortable as possible. She is particularly passionate about animal health and has a special fondness for Mastiffs and their gentle, lovable nature.
Outside of the practice, Chelsea enjoys dressage, pottery, and tennis, which help keep her active, creative, and balanced. She is excited to bring her experience, compassion, and enthusiasm to the team while making a positive difference in the lives of pets and the families who love them.
Veterinary Technician
Jess brings a calm, compassionate, and experienced presence to the team. With a background in animal welfare, veterinary clinic operations, and client care, she understands the importance of helping families feel welcomed, informed, and supported throughout their pet’s healthcare journey. She is passionate about creating positive experiences for both clients and patients while fostering strong communication between families and the medical team.
As part of the hospital’s leadership and support team, Jess helps guide the client experience and ensure each day runs as smoothly as possible. She is especially excited to be part of building a practice where kindness, clear communication, and exceptional medicine come together to provide outstanding care.
Outside of the practice, Jess enjoys planning scuba diving adventures, particularly to destinations known for their beautiful reefs, marine life, and cenotes. She also shares her life with Nolan, her 15-year-old senior dog, who has fully embraced his well-earned old-man status and remains a beloved companion.
