Ark Animal Hospital

Reviews 8

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Sarah Carvill

I cant say enough good things about Dr. Hoefer and the staff at Ark Animal Hospital. Everyone is friendly and kind; they greet my dog by name and know his quirks; they take time to make him feel comfortable before drawing blood, listening to his heart, or taking his temperature (even though that can sometimes take a while). Dr. Hoefer is incredibly thorough, and she talks you through where the symptoms point and how she comes to her conclusions. This process helps me remember subtle behaviors Ive witnessed that do or dont fit with what she is describing— and Dr. Hoefer is actually interested in that information and the other details I provide about my dogs condition, habits, etc.— even the little things. (I feel like that should be a given, but not every vet in Santa Cruz is so patient and careful.) Dr. Hoefer really is a scientist— shes interested in ALL the data, not just what supports her theory of whats going on. Another thing I really appreciate about Ark is that they will not hesitate to refer you to a specialist if its needed, or to an emergency vet if the situation is on the side of urgent and they cant squeeze you in. They usually have been able to squeeze me in, (which is a bonus!), but they wont be cagey about the best course of action just to get your business or for other reasons (which, again, should be a given, but that hasnt always been my experience). Dr. Hoefer really knows the medical resources for pets in the SC area and in Northern California generally, and if you move (which I soon will) or travel out of town with your pet frequently (which I do), shell tell you the best place to go. Bottom line: I feel like everyone at Ark really knows and cares about my dog and would treat him as though he were their own. Even if youre an East Side-r (like I am), its worth the trip to the West Side to have your pet seen there.

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H Grimes

After some disappointing experiences with other primary care vets in the Santa Cruz area, I was recommended this vet the old-fashioned way - by word of mouth from a friend. I have nothing but positive things to say about Dr. Hoefer. She is an outstanding vet and incredibly dedicated, honest, and a FANTASTIC listener. She truly cares about your pet and will go the extra mile to make sure they get the very best treatment. She will give you every detail about your pets condition and about every treatment option out there so the owner can make the most informed decision. While other vets may try to treat your pet anyway even if they dont feel like an expert on their condition and may not be the best vet for the job, Dr. Hoefer will not hesitate to refer you to a specialist. Shes clearly not in it for the money and truly wants what best for you and your pet. Shes both knowledgable and realistic. She wont try to pressure you into pursuing expensive treatments outside of your budget. After I finally found a vet I liked, I sadly had to move to the East Bay while both of my cats were in the middle of treatment. Despite not being a patient of hers any longer, Dr. Hoefer has stuck with me along the way, going out of her way to research and recommend vets in the East Bay, and continuing to offer her opinions and recommendations when I give her updates and consult her. She doesnt need to do any of this. Im not paying her and theres not really anything in it for her. Shes doing it because she cares and shes an awesome vet! I highly recommend Dr. Hoefer and wish I could have taken her with me to the Bay. Her staff are also great and prices are reasonable.

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Bonnie Weston

Dr. Christina Hoefer and her crew at Ark Animal Hospital are the folks you want taking care of your pets. If you live on the Westside of Santa Cruz, lucky you. If not, Ark Animal is well worth the drive across town. Ive lived in a multitude of cities over the years, nearly always with a cat or dog or both, so Ive dealt with many vets. The magic at Ark is that Dr. Hoefer is not only a very skilled vet, she is also superb at helping the pet parent understand whats going on. She not returns calls and initiates them. Between appointments she remembers the minutiae of your pets last visit or blood test or personality quirk. When my very senior dog developed a condition that baffled the specialists, she continued to check in with them regularly and then call me to be sure I understood what was going on. The experts were great, but I deeply appreciated insight and guidance from the "GP" who had known him and his quirks over the years.

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Madelyn McCaul

Dr. Hoefer, Darren, and all of the staff are first-rate veterinary practitioners, who take such wonderful care of both of our cats, and they have done so since each of the cats came to them as kittens. I would recommend the Ark Animal Hospital unreservedly. In addition to the fine, loving, preventive, and compassionate care provided by the vets, technicians, and receptionists/schedulers, Ark offers products to keep the cats identified (microchips and collars with tags), healthy (a variety of food products and nutrition counseling), and flea-free (several choices). I can also have their claws trimmed safely and comfortably (for both the cats and me). Hooray for Ark!

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Kelton McMahon

We are the first time parents of a new shelter kitten who was not eating or drinking well the first two days home. We called Ark Animal Hospital on a Sat and they got is in to see Dr. Hoefer within two hours of calling. The entire staff was welcoming and helpful. Dr. Hoefer spent a significant amount of time working with us to get the kitten eating again, which ultimately proved successful. The staff followed up twice afterwards to make sure the kitten was still doing well. We greatly appreciate all of the time and care given to us and our new kitten. We have made Ark Animal Hospital our primary vet clinic.

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Elaine Hander

Love Dr. Hoeffer & her whole team! Ive been bringing my animals to Ark Animal Hospital for more than 9 years. In addition to compassionate care, Dr. H is great about laying out options & consequences so I can participate in the decisions. Her staff are top notch, too. They connect us with great online tools and are always warm and welcoming both on the phone & in person. They always call to follow up after appointments--something I wish my human docs did! I drive for 30 - 45 minutes to bring my animals in. There are closer vets, but Ark Animal Hospital offers the complete package.

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Luanne Erickson

I believe in Ark Animal Hospital. Dr. Hoeffer is very thorough, very considerate and we have always believed in her. She has taken great care of our pets over the years and we have never once had reason to question her advice. Plus, the pets like her!! We will continue with her as our very wonderful veterinarian as long as we have pets. Darrin and the office staff are very friendly and helpful at all times. Ark Animal Hospital is a great place for your pet to get quality and loving care. Thank you, Ark Animal Hospital, for all you do for your patients and their families.

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Sharon Caiocca

All of the people at Ark Animal Hospital have been wonderful to me and my black lab, Yogi. Whenever I have needed an appointment quickly, they have always figured out a way to fit us in. Dr. Hofer is very thorough and makes sure that we receive a follow-up phone call the next day after our appointment to be sure everything is OK and going well. The technicians and administrative staff are very caring, warm and courteous people who you can tell love all animals. I highly recommend Ark Animal Hospital to anyone (and everyone) who has a pet.

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