Laura Ward, MA

APOP Director of Operations

Laura Ward is Executive Director and Director of Operations for the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). She earned her master’s degree from the University of Georgia and began her career as a medical speech-language pathologist before transitioning into veterinary healthcare and pet wellness.

Laura was co-owner and Hospital Administrator of Seaside Animal Care, an award-winning small animal hospital, and co-owner of DogGone Healthy, a pet health center focused on the social, emotional, nutritional, and physical well-being of dogs and cats.

She has served in an executive leadership role with APOP since 2006. Her work focuses on improving the health and well-being of animals and the people who care for them, with a particular interest in One Health approaches to pet obesity prevention, education, and care.

Laura also serves in a leadership role with the World Pet Obesity Association (WPOA), an independently operated organization focused on advancing clinical standards and care for obesity in companion animals.