It has been an exciting few weeks at 54 Goodmayes Avenue. Since our official announcement in February that Animal Ark Veterinary Centre was under new ownership, we have been hard at work ensuring that this new chapter brings even greater possibilities to the pets and people of Ilford.
While our ownership has changed, our commitment to the community has not. We have remained open throughout this transition, ensuring that the pets who have relied on us for over 20 years continue to receive uninterrupted, high-quality care. Now, having completed our first month under this new partnership, we are thrilled to share what this independent revival looks like in practice.
A Growing Team: Familiar Faces and New Expertise
A veterinary practice is only as strong as the people within its walls, and at Animal Ark, we are proud to have a clinical team that blends advanced surgical expertise with a deep-rooted commitment to the Ilford community. As we celebrate our first month under new ownership, we are thrilled to introduce our three permanent, full-time veterinary surgeons.
Leading the team is Dr. Luis Velasco (BVSc MRCVS GPCert(SAS) PgC SAS), bringing a wealth of experience from hospitals across South Africa and England, Luis holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery, allowing him to perform complex procedures right here in the practice.
Luis focuses on soft tissue, oncological, and orthopaedic surgery, as well as veterinary radiology. He is particularly passionate about ensuring senior pets remain mobile and pain-free through multimodal relief and alternative therapies. Luis believes strongly in a personal approach to veterinary care, ensuring every treatment plan is tailored to the individual pet and their owner.
Joining our permanent veterinary team is Dr. Ri Apparicio (BVM BVS MRCVS). A graduate of the University of Surrey, Ri began her career in a demanding mixed equine and small animal practice before spending significant time at Mead 24-hour emergency hospital, where she honed her skills in high-pressure clinical environments.
Ri brings a specialised focus to the team with particular interests in emergency medicine, inpatient care, and surgery. She is also currently pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Ophthalmology, making her our go-to expert for all things eye-related. Ri is a passionate advocate for the independent, personal approach to care at Animal Ark, finding nothing more rewarding than seeing a patient recover and helping owners keep their pets happy and healthy.
Completing our trio of full-time surgeons is Dr. Ilhami Inan. Dr. Inan brings significant clinical experience to the team, further expanding the range of services we can provide under one roof. His presence ensures that our clients have consistent access to high-quality internal medicine and surgical care, reducing the need for stressful external referrals.
Our Dedicated Support Team
Our vets are supported by a familiar and passionate team of Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) and Client Care Assistants who ensure every visit is low-stress.
- Cat-Friendly Experts: As a recognised Cat Friendly Clinic, our nursing staff is specially trained in gentle handling techniques to reduce feline anxiety.
- Nurse-Led Care: Our team provides essential community services, including puppy and kitten health checks, vaccinations, and microchipping.
- Rehabilitation: Our staff also manages our on-site hydrotherapy and rehabilitation suite, which is vital for post-surgical recovery and senior pet wellbeing.
This blend of returning veterinarians and new experts ensures that while our ownership has evolved, the trusted, personal care you expect from Animal Ark has only grown stronger.
Community Benefits: More Than Just a Vet Clinic
Since reopening, we have focused on how we can better serve the wider Ilford community. Being part of an independent veterinary group allows us to offer services that a standard "small" independent simply couldn't:
24-Hour Emergency Peace of Mind
Accidents don't happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. Through our network, Animal Ark clients have direct, seamless access to the Mead 24-hour emergency hospital in Dartford. Your pet’s medical records are shared instantly across our secure system, meaning the emergency team knows exactly who your pet is the moment you arrive.
Specialist Care for Small Animals
Our facilities are purpose-built to cater to the unique needs of small animals:
- Cat-Friendly Excellence: We are a recognised Cat Friendly Clinic, with an environment specifically designed to reduce anxiety for our feline patients.
- Rabbit Care: We understand the specific medical and dietary needs of rabbits and provide tailored wellness checks.
- Puppy and Kitten Services: We give your newest family members the best possible start with dedicated health checks and vaccination programs.
Accessible, Extended Hours
We know the people of Ilford lead busy lives. To make pet care more accessible, we’ve extended our hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Convenient Parking: We have on-site parking and full disabled access, making those difficult trips to the vet a little easier.
Celebrating Our First Few Weeks: Special Opening Offers
To say thank you for welcoming us back, we are extending our opening offers for the next month. These are designed to help you get your pet’s health back on track without the financial stress:
- 25% OFF your first consultation (perfect for a "hello" and a health check).
- 25% OFF essential services: Including booster vaccinations, dental treatments, and neutering.
- The VIP Healthcare Plan: Join for a small monthly fee and get 10% off all treatments, plus free vaccinations and flea/worming care for the year.
The Power of Independence: Why DNA Vetcare is Different
At a time when many local vet practices are being bought by large, profit-driven corporate owned groups, Animal Ark has taken a different path. DNA Vetcare was founded by (and is still run by) two vets, Alan van Heerden and Dane Walker. Their mission is simple: to keep the "local" in local vetting while providing the resources and the benefits that come with being part of a larger, independent network.
What This Means for Ilford Pet Owners:
- Clinical Freedom: Our vets maintain their autonomy to recommend what is truly best for your pet. No inflated treatment fees, no preferred medication suppliers and no fixed consultation times.
- Fairer, Transparent Pricing: Without the pressure of satisfying external shareholders, we focus on providing value. This includes clear price lists and our VIP Pet Healthcare Plan, which saves owners an average of £187 per year.
- Reinvestment in the Community: Profits are reinvested directly into our Goodmayes Avenue facility - upgrading diagnostic tools and supporting the continuous education of our staff.
Looking Ahead: The Next 20 Years
Animal Ark has been here since 2002. We’ve seen puppies grow into seniors and kittens become the bosses of the household. By joining DNA Vetcare, we haven't changed who we are - we’ve simply given ourselves the tools to be better.
We invite you to come and see the difference for yourself. Whether you are a long-standing client or a new pet owner in Ilford, our doors are open.
Book Your Visit Today
Address: 54 Goodmayes Avenue, Ilford, IG3 8TW
Phone: 020 8599 8544
Email:
Book Online: Visit our Website
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