Dr. Tracy Acosta
Practice Owner, Founder
Dr. Tracy Acosta’s passion for animals has been a lifelong affair. Growing up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, her childhood was enriched by the love and responsibility of caring for her neighbor’s show Golden Retrievers—a trust that sparked her realization that veterinary medicine was her calling. With a maturity beyond her years, Dr. Acosta embraced this path early, pursuing her undergraduate and DVM degrees through the prestigious Early Entry Program at Mississippi State University. Her education, grounded in the discipline and values of her Catholic schooling, laid a firm foundation for both her professional and personal successes.
Advising new puppy and kitten owners is one of Dr. Acosta’s greatest joys. She firmly believes in starting pets and their humans on the right paw from day one, crafting a roadmap for a lifetime of health and happiness together. Whether discussing proper nutrition, socialization, or behavior tips, she’s in her element connecting with pet parents and building lifelong bonds with their furry family members.
At home, Dr. Acosta’s life is just as full of wagging tails and unconditional love. Married to her childhood friend who she’s known since the third grade, she and her husband share a home with three beloved rescue dogs: Sheldon, Howard, and Penny—affectionately named after their favorite characters from The Big Bang Theory. Each pup brings their own unique charm to the household, a testament to her belief that even the most overlooked pets can become cherished companions.An accomplished author, Dr. Acosta penned the book Your Dog’s Life: Your Complete Guide to Raising Your Pet from Puppy to Companion early in her career, inspired by her widely read, nationally syndicated newspaper articles. Beyond her veterinary pursuits, Dr. Acosta finds joy in travel, particularly to Italy, where she indulges in the culinary delights and spiritual enrichment that resonate deeply with her.
Dr. Allie Abell
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Abell is a dedicated and compassionate veterinarian who brings both skill and heart to her work. A graduate of St. George’s University, she is no stranger to our hospital. Many clients may recognize her from her time at Acosta Veterinary Hospital, where she spent three years working alongside our team as a veterinary assistant while attending veterinary school.
We’ve had the privilege of watching Dr. Abell grow into the thoughtful, knowledgeable veterinarian she is today, and we are proud to welcome her back in this new role. She is passionate about providing thorough, personalized care and building lasting relationships with the families she serves. Your pets are in excellent hands with Dr. Abell.
Dr. Ellisa Brown
Associate Veterinarian
When Dr. Brown was in the sixth grade, she was tasked with writing a paper on a career that she was interested in. After researching veterinary medicine, she knew she’d not only found the perfect topic for her school paper, but also a field she knew she’d one day work in. Not only did she ace her assignment, but she discovered her true calling in life!
Dr. Brown’s journey began in high school, when she landed a job cleaning kennels. Being exposed to the “messy” side of animal care only solidified her goal of one day becoming a vet. Several years later, Dr. Brown graduated (alongside Dr. Acosta) from Mississippi State with her DVM, officially fulfilling her dream.
Clinically, Dr. Brown has a special interest in feline medicine. She has a certain knack for dealing with “spicy” kitties, using a variety of calming methods to win them over and set them at ease. She even had the opportunity to treat one of the tigers from the Grand Casino magic show. What she discovered was that he was really just a big cat!
At home, Dr. Brown’s hands (and heart) are full with her four fur babies, including two dogs (Oreo and Tater), and two cats (Silk and Rose). Oreo is a sweet old lady while Tater, a Goldendoodle, is a bundle of energy. Silk’s favorite activities include soaking up some love and napping in the sun. Rose enjoys chin scratches—that is, when she’s not experiencing a case of the zoomies.
