Business Details
37 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Compassionate Veterinary Care in San Luis Obispo
Animal Care Clinic has been dedicated to the well-being of pets and their owners since 1989. Our team of veterinarians and veterinary professionals are committed to providing exceptional care through comprehensive training, including Fear Free certification and Cat Friendly practices. Accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association since 1992, we pride ourselves on being recognized as one of the top 5 AAHA accredited hospitals in North America. Our focus extends beyond treatment to wellness care, preventive services, and community engagement, ensuring a harmonious human-animal bond.With a state-of-the-art facility designed for comfort, we serve San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast of California, offering 24/7 emergency services and transparent communication. Our teams expertise spans internal medicine, surgery, dentistry, and behavioral care, reflecting decades of combined experience and a passion for veterinary medicine.
Services
Anesthesia
Behavior & Training
Cancer Care
Dentistry
Surgery
Preventive Care
Pharmacy
Diagnostic Imaging
Pain Management
End-of-Life Care
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer Fear Free certified care to minimize pet anxiety.
- Our AAHA accreditation ensures the highest standards of veterinary practice.
- 24/7 emergency services for urgent pet care needs.
- Experienced team specializing in dentistry, surgery, and internal medicine.
- Transparent communication and cost discussions before all treatments.
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association
- Fear Free Certification Program
- Cat Friendly Practice
What people say
Compassionate staff
Excellent care
Fear Free certified
Transparent costs
Emergency availability
Services
Dentistry
Our dentistry services focus on preventive care, teeth cleaning, and advanced oral treatments. Using ultrasonic scaling and titanium tips, we ensure thorough cleanings while addressing alignment issues or retained baby teeth. Surgical extractions and periodontic procedures are performed with minimal pain, though root canals are referred to specialists. Dental radiography since 1989 supports early disease detection, earning us recognition as the Central Coast's 'doggie dentists.'
Cancer Care
We provide chemotherapy with minimal side effects, using lower dosages and anti-nausea medications. Oncologic surgeries, including soft tissue mass removal, are performed in-house, while complex cases are referred to specialists. Our approach prioritizes quality of life, avoiding aggressive treatments without clear benefits. Dr. Markoffs personal experience with chemotherapy ensures empathetic, patient-centered care for pets and owners.
Behavior & Training
Our behavior services include puppy kindergarten, etiquette classes, and consultations for managing anxiety or unwanted behaviors. Drs. Evans and Meusel specialize in behavioral medicine, offering tailored strategies to address separation anxiety, inappropriate urination, and socialization challenges. Fear Free techniques ensure stress-free visits, fostering trust between pets, owners, and our team.
Surgery
From spays/neuters to complex soft tissue surgeries, our Ellman Radiowave unit ensures less painful, precise incisions. Minor procedures like wound care and mass removals are handled same-day, while orthopedic surgeries are referred during staffing limitations. Emergency surgeries, including foreign body removal, are performed in a sterile environment with continuous monitoring.
Preventive Care
Preventive care includes vaccinations, parasite control, and wellness exams to detect early disease signs. We educate pet owners on nutrition, dental hygiene, and breed-specific needs, emphasizing lifelong health. Regular screenings and tailored preventive plans extend pets' quality years, aligning with our mission to integrate pets into family lifestyles.
People
Dr. Bonnie Markoff
Owner and Founder
Dr. Markoff founded Animal Care Clinic in 1989 after graduating from UC Davis. Board-certified in Canine and Feline Practice, she specializes in internal medicine, oncology, and pain management. Her passion for veterinary family practice and Fear Free care has shaped the clinics compassionate approach.
Dr. Jennifer Evans
Veterinarian
Dr. Evans joined ACC in 1997, focusing on small mammal medicine and behavioral care. A UC Davis graduate, she emphasizes lifelong patient relationships and client education. Her dedication to compassionate care reflects ACCs commitment to both pets and their owners.
Dr. Richard Tao
Veterinarian
Dr. Tao specializes in surgery, orthopedics, and diagnostic imaging. With a background in physiology, he brings expertise from Los Angeles to ACC, prioritizing advanced care and client communication. His outdoor hobbies mirror his active approach to veterinary medicine.
Mercy McClendon
Practice Administrator
Mercy leads ACCs operations, leveraging her veterinary management expertise. Certified in practice administration, she focuses on team development and client advocacy, ensuring ACC remains a top workplace on the Central Coast.
Stephanie Ruggerone
Certified Dog Trainer
Stephanie offers behavior training and Fear Free-certified care. With decades of experience in animal control and obedience, she enhances pet-owner bonds through tailored training programs and compassionate support.
Questions
What services does Animal Care Clinic offer?
We provide wellness exams, dentistry, surgery, cancer care, behavior services, and 24/7 emergency care. Our Fear Free and Cat Friendly certified team ensures stress-free visits for pets.
Is Animal Care Clinic accredited?
Yes, we’ve been accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association since 1992 and are recognized as one of North America’s top 5 AAHA hospitals.
Do you offer emergency veterinary care?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency services for urgent pet care needs, ensuring immediate treatment for critical conditions.
How does ACC handle pet anxiety during visits?
Our Fear Free certified team uses specialized techniques to minimize fear and stress, creating a calm environment for anxious pets and their owners.
What payment methods are accepted?
We discuss costs upfront and accept major credit cards, cash, and pet insurance. Financing options are available for extensive treatments.
Can I refill my pet’s prescription online?
Yes, our online pharmacy allows convenient prescription refills, and we’ll assist with sourcing medications from other providers if needed.
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