FAIRMOUNT ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Fairmount Animal Hospital
Historical Owner Firsts
Fairmount Animal Hospital has a history defined by two significant "firsts" among its leadership, representing both African American and immigrant pioneering in the veterinary field.
Dr. Carl M. Cousins (1976–1994) and Dr. Jean-Noel Eynard ( current veterinarian)
Opened in 1976 at 2315 Fairmount Avenue in Philadelphia. Fairmount Animal Hospital was established at the urging of the local community.
Two Historic "First" in Philadelphia:
Contrasting with Early History: Although Dr. Augustus Nathaniel Lushington was the first Black man to earn a V.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania (1897) and briefly practiced in the city, Dr. Cousins’ Fairmount and Haverford hospitals represented the first modern, long-term private veterinary practice ownership by a Black veterinarian in the region.
Dr. Carl Cousins, first African American veterinarian to own and operate a private practice within the city of Philadelphia
Community Foundation:
He established the Fairmount Animal Hospital in 1976 at the direct request of local Fairmount residents who lacked neighborhood veterinary services.
A Training Ground:
Under Dr. Cousins, the hospital became a premier clinical training site where many young African American veterinary students received their first hands-on mentorship in private practice.
Dr. Carl M. Cousins passed away on December 4, 2016, at the age of 84
Dr. Jean-Noel Eynard (2002–Present), first French immigrant PennVet graduate to own and operate a private practice in Philadelphia.
In 2002, Fairmount Animal Hospital entered a historic new chapter under the leadership of Dr. Jean-Noel Eynard. He is recognized as the first French immigrant from France and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (PennVet) to own and operate a private veterinary practice in Philadelphia.
His stewardship brought stability after a period of uncertainty ( 1994-2002) following Dr. Cousins’ retirement in 1994, when the hospital was managed by non-veterinarians and faced the risk of acquisition by a corporate chain. To safeguard the hospital’s independence, Dr. Eynard established SAVUPET, LLC, creating a professional “safe haven” for the practice. By restoring veterinarian ownership, he preserved Fairmount Animal Hospital’s legacy as a locally owned, neighborhood historical veterinary landmark in Philadelphia.
Notable Service:
Under Dr. Eynard's leadership, the hospital has received various accolades, including being named among the "Top 10 Best Philadelphia’s Veterinarians" in 2013. Dr. Eynard also served as the personal veterinarian for a former Philadelphia Mayor and their family.
International Expertise:
Originally from Nice, France, Dr. Eynard began his career with a French Baccalaureate in Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He brings a global perspective to his practice, holding a prestigious membership in the British Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) and professional veterinary equivalencies in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. This international background ensures world-class standards of care for every patient at Fairmount Animal Hospital.
Modern Stewardship:
For over 25 years, Dr. Eynard has served as the hospital administrator and Chief of Staff.
He has maintained the hospital as one of the few remaining independent, non-corporate practices in the city. Continued Legacy: Today, the hospital remains a historic cornerstone of the Fairmount community, continuing the mission of neighborhood-focused care first established by Dr. Cousins.
Modern Continuity
Enduring Legacy: Today, under the leadership of Dr. Jean-Noel Eynard, the practice continues as one of the longest-running veterinary clinics in the area, having served the Fairmount community for nearly 50 years.
Integration and Community Welcome
Dr. Eynard's public messaging focuses on a positive transition, expressing pride in continuing the legacy of Fairmount Animal Hospital after over 25 years. His successful integration into the community is highlighted by his long tenure and the practice's continued operation as one of the few remaining independent hospitals in the city.