Forty Under 40: Lindy O’Neal

A small animal veterinarian and co-owner of two veterinary hospitals in Rogers, Lindy O’Neal enjoys surgery and emergency medicine and is devoted to the health of her profession through legislative advocacy and mentoring.

A native of Little Rock, O’Neal graduated from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Five years ago, she bought into a practice with two partners in Rogers, and they built a second facility from the ground up.

O’Neal practices fear-free treatment, a discipline focused on decreasing environmental stimulation and paying particular attention to an animal’s body language and how they are touched to decrease their fear, anxiety and stress. She aims for a family-friendly, comfortable environment in her practice.

Through the LSU Agriculture Mentor Program, O’Neal helps students understand their career choices and how to navigate first jobs, from writing resumes to negotiating contracts.

She allows current students to cycle through the hospital as externs, shadowing her for a few days or weeks — some can implement treatment plans and help with surgery. She also serves in a MentorVet program for new graduates and veterinary professionals.

O’Neal is a legislative advocate at the state and national levels through the American Veterinary Medical Association. She teaches an annual new delegate orientation for the AVMA.

O’Neal is also a panelist for Guiding Practice Success and enjoys sharing her experience to help other veterinarians succeed with their building projects.

She provides emergency medicine relief in Tulsa. She and her husband have three children and lead a young married couples’ group at their home through their church. She keeps honeybees and has a small cookie business for a creative outlet.