Dr. Elyse Kent received her degree as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in1980 and completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at a prestigious private specialty hospital in West Los Angeles in 1981.
In 1985, Dr. Kent founded the only veterinary hospital devoted exclusively to cats in Los Angeles County. Westside Hospital for Cats (WHC) was located on 14th St. in Santa Monica, in a converted home. It remained the only feline specialty hospital in the city for more than 25 years. After 15 years, the practice outgrew the tiny house and was moved four miles east to Dr. Kent’s “dream facility’ on Cotner Ave. in West Los Angeles. The impressive two story feline veterinary center was opened in September, 200O. Equipped with cutting edge medical equipment and innovative cat condos, which allowed for a clear view to the treatment area, along with a spacious grooming area designed just for cats, the hospital was soon bustling with kitty activity. In the Cotner facility, Dr. Kent served as clinical teacher/mentor for veterinary students from across the United States. For the past decade, students from Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona have participated in four-week clinical rotations at Dr. Kent’s practice as their primary source of clinical experience in feline medicine and surgery.
Dr. Kent moved her Westside practice to the current Marina del Rey location in December 2013, where she joined with Dr. Elston as co-owner and primary on site veterinarian. The former Cat Practice, at the current location, was merged with WHC to form T.H.E. Westside Cat Practice. Dr. Kent and Dr. Elston are both board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP), Certified In feline practice. They welcome difficult diagnostic cases and offer a wide array of specialized medical services.
Dr. Kent has served as Feline Regent and President of the ABVP, and as an Executive Director on the board of The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).