Ark Animal Clinic

07/21/2020 Just had the worst Vet experience of my life here. My poor pupper is traumatized by how they handled our visit today for yearly vaccines and check up. My dog Buffy has always been skittish of strangers and nervous about going to the vet. I got her when she was 4 months old from the humane society. We rarely go to the vet, except for yearly vaccines. They always come in the exam room, check her out and give her the shots. Sometimes they have trouble because she is scared and nervous about it, but it's always been fine... Today they took my dog in the back without me. I was only told it was "for a minute to get her weight". They had my dog for at least 10 minutes in the back. I started to get worried. They tried to give her her vaccines away from me, thinking she would be less nervous without me there. However, they didn't explain this to me until after they did this and had scared her to death! She peed and defecated on herself, she was shaking, whining, had bloodshot eyes. My poor baby! Why wouldn't they ask me first? Or professionally explain their thinking beforehand? I wasn't told until after they brought her back to me, terrified and traumatized. They actually had me give her the last vaccine myself. She was fine for me, though still shaken up from the experience. And at this point, I'm crying. Then I was told to get her put on anxiety meds. I was told I should have socialized my dog more. I was told my nervousness makes her nervous, and that I'm the problem. I was told "I'm sorry. We thought she might do better without you" to which I said, shouldn't you have asked me first? or at least told me the plan?!! I should not have let them take her in the back. I should've spoke up my concern for that before they did it. I know a skittish dog makes it hard for them to do their job, but I don't understand why I wasn't consulted or told before they did this. I'd also like to add that today the staff was unpleasant, insensitive, and seemingly uncaring. I would not trust them to care for a plant.

For newcomers to this office, all animals wait in the large, open clinic together.  I had my cat in his
carrier on my lap while a rottweiler dog owner sat next to me. I like dogs a lot and both were friendly, but my cat was VERY nervous!  Once in the examining room, all of my cat's general shots and weight were done outside the examine room
and then he was brought back to me.  When the vet entered the room, he said everything was fine.  He never introduced himself.
My cat was 1yr old, so I asked how his health was progressing and he shrugged and said fine and he may get bigger.  He was not very personable.  From my past experience having both cats and dogs, they usually check the vitals in front of me, listening to the heart, feeling over the body, looking in the ears and teeth, a general wellness exam.  None of this was performed.  For me, I expected more and this was also my first visit. When I checked out the front desk, I had to ask the vet's name: Erick Hess.  Perhaps he was having a bad day, but I will not be returning.   

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They are a nice bunch of people and they do a really good job. What stands out about them is the fact that they do what they say and that they care. We have never had any trouble with anything and they are very good with all sorts of animals. They have two vets, two office personnel, a lady that does the grooming and probably at least four assistants. Between me and the household we have probably taken there ten animals over the years and they've always done an excellent job. Their price is medium range for the area. They have a hot line so if you call after office hours, they will have somebody come and take your animal if it is an emergency. So their response is excellent.

Dr. Hess checked the spot, prescribed the spray and was told that if it didn't get better after a couple of weeks, Bailey will be given a steroid shot. It did get better after two weeks.

when I called the receptionist told me, the doctor is on vacation and I should call back for appointment when he comes back she did not know his schedule.

.They have always been very responsive to our pet and she gets her teeth cleaned tomorrow. They are really good they really are.