Welcome to Best Friends Animal Hospital
Your Veterinarian in Ozark, MO
Call us at (417) 581 3647

Dr. Carmen Watchinski grew up in Columbia, Maryland until she attended William Woods University in Fulton, MO. She graduated with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri - College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Dr. Carmen started at a mixed animal practice until she came to Best Friends Animal Hospital in 2017. She still enjoys doing mixed animal work, especially working with cattle, in her free time. Dr. Carmen especially enjoys doing surgery. She also loves to read, ride horses, and spend as much time outside as possible. 

Dr. Heywood is a Springfield native. She graduated from Drury University in 1988 then proudly served in the U.S. Army Military Police Corp (K9). Dr. Heywood then attended and graduated from Western University Veterinary Medical College in California. After living in Fairbanks, Alaska for many years she decided to return to Missouri to be closer to family. Dr. Heywood has a special interest in Veterinary Dentistry. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her Aussie (Sydney), kayaking, and attending any events in which her amazing nieces are performing. 

Lauren has worked at Best Friends Animal Hospital since May of 2017. She started as a kennel technician and now works as a receptionist and veterinary assistant. She has grown up in the Ozark/Nixa area and is a 2018 graduate of Ozark High School. Lauren is currently a full time student at Ozarks Technical Community College. She has always had a passion for animals and loves the opportunity of working with them here at Best Friends. She loves spending her free time with family, friends, and her two pups, Nakai and Bella.

Kelly has been a receptionist at Best Friends Animal Hospital since 2009. She was born in southwest Missouri, where she grew up on a dairy farm. In her free time she enjoys crafting, attending her grandchildren's sporting events, and spending time with family. 

Dr. Sean Hufham grew up in Rogersville, MO. He attended Missouri State University and went on to the University of Missouri - College of Veterinary Medicine for his DVM degree. He has worked at Best Friends Animal Hospital since he graduated in 2015. Dr. Sean particularly enjoys working with clients and patients for routine care and those with chronic conditions such as skin and ear problems, diabetes, thyroid problems, heart disease, and kidney disease, among others. In his free time Dr. Sean is an avid sports fan and enjoys the outdoors, especially kayaking. He also enjoys playing with his Border Collie, Maple. 

Rechelle has worked at Best Friends Animal Hospital since June of 2014 as both a veterinary assistant and receptionist. She is a southwest Missouri native and graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management. In her free time she enjoys hiking and hunting with her husband.

Leslie started with Best Friends in August of 2019 as both a veterinary assistant and receptionist. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and time on the river. 

Abbi started working at Best Friends in 2019. She graduated from Ozark High School and is attending MSU. She enjoys going to the beach with her family, spending time with her German Shepherd Luna, and most of all her job at Best Friends. 

LeAnn is originally from Springfield and has been in the veterinary field for over 20 years. After getting married, she moved to Georgia where she worked in general practice for several years and in 2004 obtained her license as a veterinary technician. In 2005, her family moved to Colorado where she worked in a wonderful emergency practice for 8 years. Family brought them back home to Springfield in 2013. LeAnn loves the quiet and beautiful outdoor life that the Ozarks has to offer. She is a novice knitter who finds much joy in the local yarn shop! She spends her down time with her husband and daughter, their five kitties, two dogs, and back yard chickens. 

Kinadie started at Best Friends in May of 2021. She is currently attending Missouri State University in pursuit of a major in Animal Science and a minor in Agronomy. She has a cat named Baretta and enjoys spending time with family and friends.