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 Owners Marlena Smith, DVM and Heather Hester, DVM with the help of associates Steve Whitaker, DVM and Katherine Maples, 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 wife Kathy, some of you may remember her practicing at the clinic. She has since retired and I still make appearances twice 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 ever since. We decided to sell the practice in 2012 to the talented and caring Dr. Marlena Smith. My wife and I are the proud parents of three children and two wonderful grandchildren. Every day we go home to 3 loving dogs; Carly, Gage and Gia. Outside of the clinic I like to spend my time traveling, babysitting the grandkids and attending church services.

Dr. Katherine Maples
COMING SOON

Our Support Staff

Victoria
Receptionist
COMING SOON

Nicole
Veterinarian Technician
I started working here February of 2015 and it has been such a joy ever since. I have always dreamed of working with animals and it finally came true. I have a wonderful husband, a beautiful daughter, a handsome bonus son and 3 fur babies. I dedicate my life to my family and I am so thrilled to have the pleasure of working with animals on a daily basis.

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 outdoors and gardening. My 17 year old growing boy keeps me busy with baseball games. I have one loving senior dog named JJ.

Samantha
Veterinarian Technician
I became part of the Lake Worth family in January 2018. I have always had a great deal of love for animals. Growing up on a farm in Pulaski, WI, I had donkeys, cows, pigs, many cats and dogs. When I turned 18 I joined the US Air force as a Security Forces Member. When I got out of the service I still knew I wanted to work with animals so I enrolled in a Veterinary Technology Program and graduated with my Associates in Veterinary Technology in June of 2017. I plan on taking my VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam) to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician and one day return to school to get my Bachelors in Veterinary Technology. While in the service I met my husband, of seven years, Joshua and together we have three beautiful girls: Jalynn (7), Alexis (4), and Hailey James (2). In addition to our girls we have two fur-babies: Dallas born January 2019 and Daisy born March 2012. Animals have always been in my life and I plan on helping and caring for them for the rest of my career.