About Us

Lake Worth Animal Clinic is proud to serve the Fort Worth Texas area for everything pet related. Our veterinary clinic and animal hospital is run by Owner Emil Banoub, DVM with the help of our associates Marlena Smith, DVM, Heather Hester, DVM and Steve Whitaker, DVM. Our team of doctors keep everything running smooth day to day and treat each patient with top rated care. All of our doctors are licensed, experienced Fort Worth veterinarians. We are committed to educating our clients on how to keep your pets healthy year round with annual wellness visits, good nutrition and preventative care. Lake Worth Animal Clinic stays on top of the latest advances in veterinarian medicine. Above all remembers that your pets need to be treated with loving care in every annual visit, procedure, or surgery.

Our Doctors

Dr. Marlena Smith
I grew up in a small town in Texas and currently live in Mineral Wells, Texas which is about 45 miles west of Fort Worth. I am U.S Navy Veteran. After receiving my Bachelor's degree from Tarleton State University, I received my Doctorate degree in veterinary medicine from Texas A&M University. I worked in several different small and mixed animal practices before becoming owner of Lake Worth Animal Clinic in 2012. I also trained in veterinary acupuncture at Chi Institute of traditional Chinese Medicine in 2015. I am married to my wonderful husband, Phillip, who is a rancher, and we have a beautiful daughter, Audrey. We have 2 dogs, crazy Ruthie Jo and Lexie, and a small flock of chickens. When I'm not at the clinic I enjoy hiking, yoga, gardening, and spending time with my family.

Dr. Heather Hester
My husband Levi and I currently live in Millsap, Texas (a very small town just 35 miles west of Fort Worth). We welcomed our first handsome baby boy Jack, December of 2017. We have 3 dogs; Gus, Utah, Lady and a one-eye cat named Sully. I received my Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Tarleton State University in 2008 and went to veterinary school at Texas A&M University. I graduated from veterinary school in 2013 and started working at Lake Worth Animal Clinic. I became part owner of Lake Worth Animal Clinic in 2015. I was trained in veterinary acupuncture at the Chi Institute in 2015. I enjoy traveling, running, and spending time outdoors with my family on our small farm.

Dr. Steve Whitaker

I currently live in Fort Worth with my beautiful Kathy, some of you may remember her practicing at the clinic. She has since retired and I still make an appearance once a week. We met while attending vet school and have been married over 40 years. I graduated from Texas A & M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983. We opened Lake Worth Animal Clinic shortly after graduating and I have been proudly serving this area since. We decided to sell the practice in 2012 to the talented and caring Dr. Marlena Smith. My wife and I are proud parents of three children and four wonderful grandchildren. Every day I go home to 3 loving dogs: Gracie, Gage and Gia. Outside of the clinic I like to spend my time with the grandchildren, traveling and attending church services.

Dr. Emil Banoub
I was born and raised in Egypt. Got my bachelor of veterinary medicine in 1999 from Cairo University in Egypt.
I spent 1 year doing a small and large animal rotating internship. I practiced veterinary medicine with large and small animals for 10 years in Egypt. During that time I finished my master degree in microbiology.
I moved to Canada (Montreal) in 2011, completed all board exams and got my license to practice veterinary medicine in Canada and USA in 2015. Started practicing veterinary medicine with small animals and some exotics (Guinea pigs, Hamsters, other rodents and rabbits) for 2 years In Montreal/Canada.
Moved to Texas and joined Banfield as a associate veterinarian in 2016.
I got accredited in 2022 from USDA to perform official services and inspection for interstate and international movement of animals and with Cooperative State-Federal animal health.
I have a special interest in Dentistry, internal medicine and Surgery. Also is passionate about preventative medicine for dogs and cats.
I am married and have 4 kids.
We have one dog and 4 cats.
I enjoy spending time with family and friends and watching TV. My favorite sport is swimming and playing soccer.

Our Support Staff

KAYCI
Receptionist
I am new to the veterinary field, but I have always been passionate about animals and caring for their needs. I currently live in Azle, TX with my husband Danny and my son Jacob. I have three dogs, a cat, and a bearded dragon. When I'm not at the clinic I enjoy crafting, gardening, and spending time with my family and friends.

Georgia
Practice Manager
I came to work for the clinic in 2005. My compassion and love for animals along with caring doctors and staff has kept me here. Everyday is a new day and you never know what to expect, it truly keeps me on my toes. I enjoy spending time being outdoors and gardening with my husband Kevin. We have one dog Waylon and 2 cats Bruno and Lola.

Mica
Veterinarian Technician
Coming Soon!

Mireya
Veterinarian Technician
Coming Soon!