Animal Ark Veterinary Centre

- Several positive reviewers describe kind, professional care, with staff helping worried owners feel calmer, pets being seen promptly, and cats and dogs seeming comfortable during visits. - Communication and explanations are a recurring theme: some owners say options and treatment plans were explained clearly, including a major dental case, while others say advice felt rushed or dismissive. - A number of negative reviews focus on cost and treatment recommendations, with complaints about unnecessary tests or invasive procedures being suggested; one positive reviewer, by contrast, said options were explained clearly and the cost felt reasonable.

Animal Ark Veterinary Centre in Goodmayes is a Linnaeus-owned practice offering emergency cover, dentistry, vaccinations, treatment planning and end-of-life support, and it is also noted as a veterinary nurse training facility. Recent feedback is mixed: some owners describe clear explanations, kind staff and caring support at difficult moments, while others raise concerns about costly recommendations, communication and appointment handling.

Services

•Emergency and urgent care: the practice is listed as offering emergency cover, with reviews also describing urgent presentations such as accident-related care and an injured stray cat being brought in.
•Dentistry: includes dental work and extractions; one recent reviewer said their dog had all teeth removed and felt the procedure was explained well.
•Routine and preventive care: vaccinations are mentioned, including discussion around a puppy’s first jabs, alongside general consultations and ongoing treatment planning.
•Consultations and treatment options: several owners mention discussions around treatment choices and care plans, although views differ on how clearly these were explained.
•End-of-life care: reviews describe supportive handling during a dog’s final visit, with time given for goodbyes and help from the nursing team.
•Training environment: the clinic is noted as a veterinary nurse training facility.

Pricing

No published pricing information is currently available for this clinic.

People

•Victor (vet): praised for trying hard to help an elderly dog and for support during the dog’s final illness.
•Ri: thanked by name for being especially sympathetic and reassuring during a stressful visit.
•Nursing team / vet nurse: highlighted for compassionate end-of-life support and for giving an owner time to say goodbye.
•Reception/front desk team: reviews mention both friendly, welcoming interactions and a stricter approach to late arrivals.

Reviews

Google rating: 4.3/5 from 783 reviews. Recent feedback shows a clear split between owners who felt well looked after and those who were left unhappy with communication, costs or how difficult situations were handled.

•Several positive reviewers describe kind, professional care, with staff helping worried owners feel calmer, pets being seen promptly, and cats and dogs seeming comfortable during visits.
•Communication and explanations are a recurring theme: some owners say options and treatment plans were explained clearly, including a major dental case, while others say advice felt rushed or dismissive.
•A number of negative reviews focus on cost and treatment recommendations, with complaints about unnecessary tests or invasive procedures being suggested; one positive reviewer, by contrast, said options were explained clearly and the cost felt reasonable.
•Reviews also mention service handling and complaints, including praise for no-wait appointments and supportive end-of-life care, alongside criticism of a strict late-arrival policy, slow complaint responses, and some very serious allegations around clinical care and responsibility in urgent situations.

Reviews for Animal Ark Veterinary Centre

Note: Showing the 10 most recent Google reviews out of 783 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.

Rebecca Clarkson

3 weeks ago

A kind, wonderful vet practice which alleviated all my worries and treated my little dog promptly. A huge shout out to Ri who was so sympathetic with me bursting into tears. A tissue and a hug later and all was sorted. Thank you.

peter Metcalfe

4 weeks ago

BQVL

1 month ago

They lost a wounded cat and took no responsibility. We brought a stray cat, Charlie, who had a large chunk of its head bitten off with a major gash on its cheek. They were informed of the severity of the situation as well as the fact that Charlie was scared and skittish. They were also informed that Charlie wasn’t in a cage as it was a stray. Charlie was in the backseat and as we got to the vet, a member of staff came out and was told not to open the car door as he was on edge and would run. Bet you you’d never guess what they did. Anyways, they opened the door, he ran and escaped. They then proceeded to say that it wasn’t their responsibility as he wasn’t in the building, guess their car park isn’t enough as well as their hands opening the door. Fortunately, we managed to get him back. He was lost at 9am, we got him back at 9pm. We also managed to catch another cat who was lost behind the vet (funnily enough) and now both of them are with Spacehive Help Voluntary Cat Rescue, who helped us catch them. In conclusion, I understand that they’re a business and have a job to do, but in Layman’s Terms, it’s to tend to and care for animals. And from our point of view, there was no care, no empathy, no responsibility or accountability. The neighbours and other business in the area helped ten fold in comparison to what this animal practice caused and left. Neighbours also informed us that it’s the 3rd time something like this has happened, but I can neither deny or confirm the truth behind that, but I’m leaning towards it being truth after literally experiencing it yesterday.

Eesaa Longden

Alexis

This is the WORST vet I’ve ever been to, they ran loads of unnecessary tests when the issue with my pet was simple and straightforward. Took her to another vet who identified the issue immediately and gave treatment for it, don’t waste your time or money on this good for nothing vet. They do not care about your pet, just their wallets. I sent a complaint email which they took over two weeks to reply to, but when I cancelled my pet contract with them, they were very quick to send me multiple emails throughout the day, demanding I send the remaining balance. I hope this “business” gets shut down.

Peter Braiden

3 months ago

Great care for my dog who unfortunately had to have all his teeth out, explained everything well,all staff very professional no complaints, thanks very much

Noor Fatima

I booked an appointment in advance there was no wait. The doctor and staff are amazing and super sweet my cat felt very comfortable.

Japan Switch

Don’t bring your pet to this practise, we’ve lost a pets eye because of malpractice and we’ve lost two animals, both died due to neglect. The Animal Ark is owned by Linnaeus which is a company owned by the Mars Group. On another note did you know some vets have contracts where they get a percentage commission from the bill they produce. Do some reading up, ask questions when you become registered with a vets practice. Read the other reviews I’m not alone.

Elev8

4 months ago

Extremely disappointing practice. On two separate occasions I was pushed straight towards unnecessary, invasive and very expensive procedures with barely any explanation. It came across as money-driven rather than focused on my dog’s actual needs. Both times I went elsewhere for a second opinion, and both times it was confirmed that the extreme treatments suggested here were not required at all. That alone says everything. Communication was rushed, dismissive, and felt like a box-ticking exercise. I sent a formal complaint which they have completely ignored, yet they were very quick to chase payment. That sums up the priorities of this clinic. After these experiences, I have zero trust in this practice and will never return. If I could give 0 stars, I would.

Barra

Arrived 15 minutes late to the appointment to be met with a front desk who insisted that they only allow a 5 minute grace period and their consultation times only last for 15 minutes, so they wouldn’t see my pet even though I offered to wait to be seen. Unbelievable considering we’re dealing with animals, should my pet check his watch to make sure hes around on time or should I keep him locked in the house overnight against his will so we dont miss animal arks sacred 5 minute time window. Ive been a client since they opened, being the only vets serving the immediate area since the goddards closed, and seeing other reviews it seems some management change has happened in the last 1 or 2 years to the detriment of this practice and I can see that my disappointment is not isolated to just myself but many others feel let down too. In effect I wasted my trip and arranging everything around this appointment and was offered no understanding or flexibility regarding the situation (as they dont know or seem to care what people have to go through to both afford these appointments and reach these appointments) by the receptionist except a blank stare and being told to rebook if I wanted another appointment. This is all in addition to them trying to squeeze money out of us by forcing paid check up appointments, even when owners dont deem them necessary; for them to offer a prescription for basic flea drops and even charging to give the prescription for those drops. This isnt the first time I’ve had problems with this practice as in the past they’ve given wrong diagnoses for another pet all while paying for the privilege of the consultation and wrong medication. All in all I have to seriously think twice about whether I want to remain with this practice especially if the staff are not welcoming or compassionate in an environment such as this one