Slidell Veterinarians
At Slidell Veterinary Hospital, our dedicated team of Slidell, LA vets is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care for pets of all ages. We understand that your pet is a cherished member of your family, and our goal is to ensure they receive the best medical attention possible. Whether your pet needs a routine wellness exam, dental care, or advanced medical treatment, our experienced Slidell, LA vets are here to help with personalized and comprehensive veterinary services.
With a focus on preventive care and client education, our Slidell, LA vets take the time to build lasting relationships with both pets and their owners. We believe in open communication, tailored treatment plans, and a stress-free environment to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Our veterinarians stay up to date with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine, utilizing modern technology and evidence-based treatments to provide the highest standard of care.
At Slidell Veterinary Hospital, we go beyond treating illnesses—we are here to support your pet’s lifelong health and well-being. From puppy and kitten care to senior pet wellness, our team is dedicated to guiding you through every stage of your pet’s life. We understand that each pet is unique, and we take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and develop customized care plans to meet your pet’s specific needs. Get to know our skilled veterinary team and discover the compassionate professionals who make Slidell Veterinary Hospital a trusted name in pet care.
Blaine J. Firmin, DVM, Owner
A Metarie, LA native, Dr. Blaine J. Firmin credits the time he spent during his childhood on both his maternal and paternal grandparents' farms with motivating him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. "Between the two farms, they raised quail, ducks, chickens, hogs, cows, and horses," he recalls. "The farms taught me the care and respect it took to raise animals. I just used my education to go one step further."
Dr. Firmin served for six years in the United States Navy on the nuclear cruiser USS California. After the Navy, he attended the University of New Orleans, where he was a pre-med and biology major. Following his junior year, Dr. Firmin was accepted to Louisiana State University's School of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated in 1994 with his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and purchased Slidell Veterinary Hospital in 2005.
For Dr. Firmin, it's the problem solving aspects of veterinary medicine that he finds the most rewarding. "Everyday is a new challenge and totally unique, so you have to make the solution fit the individual patient," he says.
Dr. Firmin is a member of the Southeast Louisiana Veterinary Association (as well as its past president), the Florida Parishes Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association. His professional interests include orthopedics, ophthalmology, and ear surgery.
When not working at the hospital, Dr. Firmin stays active in veterinary organizations. He also enjoys fishing and woodworking. He has two sons: Christian, who graduated from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and is a successful veterinarian in Las Vegas, and Jacob, who is currently attending high school. He recently became a grandfather to a beautiful baby girl. He has four pets at home: Stanley and Jessie, two golden retrievers, and Marley and Mya, two friendly cats.
Robert C. Gros, DVM
Dr. Robert C. Gros has been an associate veterinarian with Slidell Veterinary Hospital since July 2008. Originally from New Orleans, Dr. Gros wanted to become a veterinarian ever since a compassionate veterinarian treated and saved his first puppy from distemper, even though Dr. Gros had very little money for payment.
While curing illness and returning happy, healthy pets to their parents are his greatest sources of satisfaction, it was Dr. Gros's brush with local fame that is one of the most memorable of his veterinary career. "Joey Heatherton, a singer and actress, flew into New Orleans to play at the Blue Room with a Yorkie puppy in her coat pocket," he recalls. "On arrival, the puppy started having seizures due to hypoglycemia. On an emergency call after midnight, I treated and saved her puppy. The incident made the paper. In the article she said, 'A very cute veterinarian saved my puppy.'"
Dr. Gros earned his bachelor's degree in veterinary science from Louisiana State University. He went on to Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, where he earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1972.
Dr. Gros is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (past president), the Southeast Louisiana Veterinary Association, and the South Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association. He is also a past member of the Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission and an alternate delegate representing Louisiana in the American Veterinary Medical Association. His areas of professional interest include soft tissue surgery and dentistry.
In his spare time, Dr. Gros enjoys travel, photography, boating, and fishing. He and his wife Gerri have two daughters, Stephanie and Kimberley, and four grandchildren. They also have a cat, Jumper.
Maria Delaup, DVM
Dr. Maria Delaup joined Slidell Veterinary Hospital in November 2021, becoming an asset to our team immediately. As a child growing up in Sweden, she has always wanted to work with animals and has always been fascinated with "how things work" like anatomy and physiology. Before becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Delaup worked at a racetrack as a groomer/stablehand, a trail guide with horses, and as a small animal veterinary assistant.
Dr. Delaup earned her DVM at the Louisiana State University's School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Some of her veterinary interests include general practice, senior care, acupuncture, and conditioning/sports medicine.
To Dr. Delaup, the most satisfying moments of being a veterinarian are "the investigative process of finding a diagnosis and tailoring a treatment plan to each unique case, as well as meeting people and pets from all walks of life."
At home, Dr. Delaup and her spouse Rick, who is a documentary filmmaker, have several wonderful pets: Maple (mini horse), Walter (mini horse), Batman (large pony), Bookit (Border Collie), Olive (mixed breed dog), and Little (mixed breed dog). In her free time, she enjoys dogsports like herding sheep, agility, and obedience, riding and driving horses, hiking and trail running with her dogs, and generally anything outdoors!