Business Details
42 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Exceptional Veterinary Care in San Diego
Ark Animal Hospital was founded in 1984 by Dr. John Hetzler, with the vision of providing honest and compassionate veterinary care. In 2015, Dr. Lianne Chu took over ownership, continuing this legacy while integrating advancements in veterinary medicine. Our team prioritizes building strong relationships with clients, offering tailored medical recommendations that consider both the pet's needs and the owner's financial constraints. We strive to maintain optimal health for pets through preventive care, diagnostics, and treatment options that enhance the human-animal bond. Our staff is committed to ongoing education and utilizing modern equipment to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective care.We emphasize transparency in communication and affordability, ensuring all clients receive value-driven services. With decades of combined experience, we provide emergency care, dental services, and specialized treatments while fostering a welcoming environment for pets and owners alike. Our focus on continuous improvement drives us to adopt new medical approaches that alleviate pet suffering and improve outcomes. We value client feedback, offering follow-up communications to ensure satisfaction and trust in our care.
Services
Pet Examinations
Dental Care
Emergency Services
Cold Laser Therapy
Online Pharmacy
Vaccinations
Surgery
Dermatology
Internal Medicine
Microchipping
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have over 4 decades of experience in veterinary medicine.
- Our team offers personalized care tailored to each pet's needs.
- We provide affordable treatment options for all clients.
- Our facility features modern diagnostic and treatment technologies.
- We offer 24/7 emergency care coordination with specialty hospitals.
What people say
Ongoing excellent care
Knowledgeable and caring staff
Reasonable pricing structure
Proactive follow-up calls
Pets loved by staff
Services
Pet Examinations
Regular pet exams ensure early detection of health issues and preventive care. Our comprehensive evaluations include physical assessments, vaccination updates, and tailored health advice. We focus on maintaining long-term wellness for pets of all ages, from puppies/kittens to seniors, while educating owners about optimal care practices.
Dental Care
We provide full dental cleanings, x-rays, and periodontal treatments under anesthesia for patient safety. Our services address tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. We offer preventive care education and refer complex cases to veterinary dental specialists, ensuring pets maintain healthy mouths and avoid systemic health complications.
Emergency Services
Critical care is available during regular hours with coordination for after-hour emergencies at specialty hospitals. We handle trauma, poisoning, severe illness, and surgical needs during business hours. Our team prioritizes rapid assessment and stabilization for life-threatening conditions while maintaining coordination with 24/7 facilities.
Cold Laser Therapy
This non-invasive treatment reduces inflammation and manages chronic pain through photo biomodulation. Sessions last 1-8 minutes while owners comfort their pets during treatment. We use this technology for post-surgical recovery, arthritis management, and soft tissue injuries, offering a drug-free pain relief option.
Vaccinations
We administer core and lifestyle-appropriate vaccines to protect against preventable diseases. Our protocols follow AAHA guidelines while considering individual risk factors. We provide rabies certificates for travel requirements and conduct health assessments before vaccinations to ensure patient safety and optimal immune response.
People
Lianne Chu
Veterinarian
Dr. Chu joined Ark Animal Hospital in 2008 and became owner in 2015. She continues Dr. Hetzler's legacy of compassionate care while integrating modern veterinary practices. With over 17 years of San Diego clinical experience, she prioritizes client education and affordable treatment options.
Laura Oh
Veterinarian
Dr. Oh provides comprehensive veterinary care with a focus on preventative medicine. She joined Ark Animal Hospital to deliver personalized treatment plans while maintaining the clinic's commitment to client-centered care and community pet health education.
Jessica dos Santos
Veterinarian
Dr. dos Santos brings specialized expertise in internal medicine and diagnostics to Ark Animal Hospital. She works closely with pet owners to develop comprehensive treatment strategies, emphasizing the importance of early disease detection through routine screening and advanced diagnostics.
Heather Heath
Hospital Manager
As Business Manager, Heather oversees clinic operations while maintaining client relations expertise developed since 2008. She ensures smooth coordination between medical teams and pet owners, focusing on creating stress-free veterinary experiences through organizational excellence.
Kiersten Kara
Registered Veterinary Technician
Kiersten provides technical support across all departments, maintaining AVMA-accredited standards in patient care. With extensive experience in veterinary nursing and client education, she assists in diagnostics, treatments, and post-visit follow-up to ensure consistent care quality.
Questions
Do you offer emergency veterinary services after hours?
We provide emergency care during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, we coordinate with four local specialty hospitals including VCA Emergency Animal Hospital in Mission Valley.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept Care Credit and major credit cards. Payment is required at the time of service, including non-refundable deposits for health certificate appointments.
Can I schedule appointments online?
Yes, our website offers online scheduling with 24-hour confirmation. New clients must complete registration forms prior to first visits through our Patient Center.
Do you provide pet dental care services?
We offer comprehensive dental cleanings with x-rays, periodontal treatment, and anesthesia monitoring. Complex extractions are referred to veterinary dental specialists as needed.
Are follow-up consultations included in treatment costs?
Yes, we proactively provide post-treatment follow-up communications to monitor recovery progress and address any developing concerns without additional charges.
