Business Details
11 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Veterinarians in Sonora, CA
Since our founding in 2015, Live Oak Veterinary Hospital has been dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care for dogs and cats in Sonora, CA. As an AAHA-accredited animal hospital, we combine state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care to meet the diverse needs of our patients. Our comprehensive services include wellness exams, dentistry, diagnostics, surgery, and boarding, all tailored to the unique needs of each pet. Led by Dr. Mitch Luce, a veterinarian fluent in Spanish, our team prioritizes personalized care and client education.We maintain a separate cat-friendly exam room and surgical suite to ensure comfort for all patients. With extended weekday hours and Saturday availability, we strive to accommodate the schedules of busy pet owners while upholding the highest standards of veterinary medicine. Our commitment to local communities extends through emergency preparedness and partnerships with regional pet owners.
Services
Wellness Care
Dentistry
Diagnostics
Surgery
House Calls
Euthanasia
Cat Boarding
Dog Boarding
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital with state-of-the-art technology
- Spanish-fluent veterinarian available for non-English speaking clients
- Separate cat-friendly exam rooms and dedicated surgical suite
- Personalized vaccination and parasite control plans for each pet
- Experienced surgical team with advanced monitoring protocols
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
What people say
Kind person
Cares about clients
Super friendly staff
Treat us like family
Honest and understanding
Services
Wellness Exams
Our annual wellness exams for dogs and cats include comprehensive nose-to-tail physical evaluations. We assess dental health, skin conditions, and detect early disease signs through blood work and X-rays when needed. Senior pets receive specialized bi-annual exams to address age-related changes. Our team provides tailored vaccination protocols and parasite prevention plans based on each pet's lifestyle and health requirements.
Pet Dentistry
We offer complete dental services using advanced imaging and anesthetized cleaning protocols. Our dental suite features digital X-rays for accurate diagnosis and specialized tools for scaling, polishing, and extractions. Every procedure includes pre-anesthetic blood testing and continuous vital sign monitoring. Home care guidance focuses on VOHC-approved products and brushing techniques to maintain optimal oral health between professional cleanings.
Diagnostic Imaging
Our on-site diagnostic capabilities include digital radiography and ultrasound technology for accurate internal examinations. Board-certified specialists interpret complex cases while maintaining same-day service availability. The ultrasound suite provides real-time organ visualization with sedation protocols ensuring patient comfort. Digital X-rays offer enhanced image quality and immediate specialist consultation through secure electronic sharing.
Veterinary Surgery
Our surgical suite handles routine and complex procedures including spays/neuters, tumor removals, and orthopedic repairs. Board-certified surgeons collaborate with primary veterinarians for specialized care. Each operation follows strict safety protocols with IV fluid therapy and multi-parameter anesthesia monitoring. Post-operative care includes pain management plans and follow-up evaluations to ensure proper healing and recovery.
Pet Boarding
Our climate-controlled boarding facility offers separate dog and cat accommodations with varied run sizes. Dogs receive twice-daily exercise and supervised play while cats enjoy dedicated condos in quiet spaces. All guests must present current wellness exam documentation and vaccination records. Staff provides personalized care with opportunities for family members to bring comforting items from home during their pet's stay.
People
Mitch Luce
Owner
Dr. Luce graduated from Washington State University's Veterinary Medicine program in 1997. He speaks Spanish fluently and has special interests in ultrasound diagnostics and orthopedic surgery. Dr. Luce enjoys triathlons, snowboarding, and cooking.
Natasha Webster
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Webster earned her DVM from Iowa State University in 2025. She focuses on cardiology, dermatology, and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Webster has worked with wildlife and exotic animals globally.
Justin Uhl
Veterinary Orthopedic Specialist
Dr. Uhl completed a surgical residency at University of Minnesota and specializes in orthopedic and minimally invasive procedures. He has particular expertise in surgical oncology and neurologic operations.
Eve Sheehan-Smith
Practice Manager
Eve earned a BA in Public Relations and has over 20 years' experience in veterinary practice management. She oversees daily operations while caring for multiple rescue animals.
Questions
What veterinary services do you offer in Sonora?
We provide wellness exams, dentistry, diagnostics, surgery, house calls, euthanasia, and boarding for dogs and cats.
Are your vets available during evenings and weekends?
Our animal hospital is open Monday-Thursday 7:30am-5:30pm, Friday 7:30am-5pm, and Saturday 8am-3:30pm.
Can I board my pet at your Sonora facility?
Yes, we offer climate-controlled boarding with separate spaces for cats and dogs. Reservations are recommended.
Do you accept Spanish-speaking clients?
Yes, Dr. Mitch Luce is fluent in Spanish and provides veterinary care to Spanish-speaking pet owners.
What surgical capabilities do you have?
Our surgical suite handles soft tissue procedures, orthopedic surgeries, and specialized operations under monitored anesthesia.
How do you handle senior pet care?
We recommend bi-annual wellness exams for senior pets with specialized diagnostics to monitor age-related health changes.
