At Angel Animal Hospital, your pet’s care is supported by a dedicated team that takes the time to get to know you, answer your questions, and help make each visit feel welcoming. Our Pasadena, TX, veterinarians provide attentive medical care, while our bilingual support team helps clients feel informed and comfortable throughout their pet’s appointment. Whether you’re visiting for a wellness exam, ongoing care, or a new concern, we’re here to support your pet’s health with kindness and clear communication.
To schedule an appointment, call (713) 944-2424 or use our online form.
Meet Our Pasadena Veterinarians
Dr. Brittany Smith, DVM
Owner, Veterinarian
Dr. Brittany Smith first joined Angel Animal Hospital as a relief veterinarian in 2020 and became co-owner alongside her husband, Dr. Brian Smith, in August 2023. She graduated from Texas A&M University in 2007 and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012.
Her dream of becoming a veterinarian began when she was 6 years old and welcomed her German Shepherd puppy, Vonda, into her life. Today, Dr. Smith especially enjoys surgery and the opportunity to use her skills to help patients heal, recover, and enjoy a better quality of life.
One of her biggest pieces of advice for pet owners is to trust your instincts. You know your pet better than anyone, and subtle changes in their behavior, appetite, energy, or routine can be worth checking out. She also encourages families to stay consistent with preventive care, including regular exams, blood work, and heartworm prevention. When health concerns are found early, pets often have more options and a better chance at a longer, healthier life.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Smith loves spending time with her family. She and Dr. Brian Smith have two children, Jackson and Aria, who are the lights of her life, along with their Goldendoodle, Charlie. She also holds a special place in her heart for Franklin, her beloved cat and best friend, who passed away in 2022 after 15 wonderful years together.
In her free time, Dr. Smith enjoys cooking and watching horror movies. She and her husband also try to make it to the movies at least once a month.
Dr. Brian Smith, DVM
Owner, Veterinarian
Dr. Smith joined Angel Animal Hospital as an associate veterinarian in April 2022 and became an owner in August 2023. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012.
His love for animals started at a young age and grew into a lifelong calling. Before becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Smith worked as a veterinary technician under doctors who had also attended Tuskegee University. Their guidance helped shape his path in veterinary medicine and deepened his appreciation for the bond between pets and the people who love them. For Dr. Smith, helping animals feel better and seeing the relief it brings their families is one of the most rewarding parts of his work.
His wife, Dr. Brittany Smith, is also a veterinarian and co-owner of Angel Animal Hospital. Together, they share their home with Charlie, their Goldendoodle. Outside the hospital, Dr. Smith enjoys fishing, spending time outdoors, tinkering with cars, and occasionally trying his hand at woodworking.
Dr. Susan Potter-Francis, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Potter first joined Angel Animal Hospital as a relief veterinarian in 2014 and became a regular associate veterinarian in 2019. She had always wanted to attend veterinary school, but after hearing how difficult it was to get accepted, she chose a different path at first. After graduating, getting married, and moving to Louisiana, she found herself bored and began volunteering at a small mixed animal practice. There, she fell in love with caring for animals of all kinds and decided to return to school, earning her DVM from Texas A&M University in 1990.
Dr. Potter has special interests in internal medicine, geriatric care, dermatology, radiology, and dentistry. She has been involved with several professional organizations throughout her career, including the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, the Harris County Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Association, where she is a current member. As a veterinarian, she especially enjoys helping people, pets, and her coworkers, and she loves that the work is never boring. From Mastiffs who swallow a whole bite of ice cream, spoon and all, to cats who play with fish hooks, there’s always something memorable happening.
Dr. Potter is married to her husband, Robert, and they have three wonderful adult children, five grand-dogs, and three grand-cats. Their pets include Trinity, a sweet Border Collie; Ramona the Pest, an older kitty also known as “Mommy’s Little Princess”; and Twirtle, a red-eared slider. In her spare time, Dr. Potter enjoys sewing, knitting, gardening, sunshine, reading, traveling, and visiting her kids. Some of her favorite books include James Herriot’s stories, My Friend Flicka, The Redhead and the Roan, and Champion Dog: Prince Tom.
Dr. Jay L. Gotcher, DVM
Former Owner, Relief Veterinarian
Dr. Gotcher has been a veterinarian at Angel Animal Hospital since 1992 and served as the clinic’s owner from 1998 to August 2023. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M University in 1980 and is affiliated with the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.
To stay current in veterinary medicine, Dr. Gotcher enjoys attending continuing education meetings each year. Throughout his career, he has especially valued the professional relationships he has built with his clients. He also finds great satisfaction in working through challenging medical and surgical cases and helping pets get the care they need.
Dr. Gotcher and his wife, Deborah, have five children and eight grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and genealogy research.
