I am very disappointed with my experience at Live Oak Veterinary Hospital and would not feel comfortable recommending this practice based on what happened with my dog Murphy's surgery. We traveled specifically to see Dr. Luce because Murphy had a tumor with suspect cells, and our local vet was unclear on the next steps. During our initial visit, we specifically asked whether Dr. Luce would be performing the recommended surgery, and he confirmed that he would. That was extremely important to us, and he knew it. When we later scheduled the surgery before an upcoming trip, we offered the dates that worked for us. At no point did anyone clearly tell us that choosing one of those dates meant Dr. Luce would not be performing the surgery. Had we been told that, we would have proposed other dates and been flexible. At that time, nothing was more important to us than making sure Murphy's surgery was handled properly. After the surgery, we learned that a different veterinarian had performed the procedure. We had no relationship with that veterinarian, had never met her, and only found out after the fact that Dr. Luce was not involved. For a major surgery involving a tumor with suspect cells, I believe that should have been clearly disclosed before the procedure. What made the situation worse was the response we received afterward. Rather than acknowledging that communication should have been clearer, the response felt dismissive and blamed us for the scheduling. It also included statements we strongly dispute, including the suggestion that our travel plans were more important to us than who performed Murphy's surgery. That is absolutely not how we felt. If we had been told Dr. Luce was unavailable on the proposed dates, we would have adjusted. We also had concerns about the incision closure, including an area with excess skin at one end. In addition, our local vet requested Murphy's records multiple times, and the transfer was very slow. We did eventually receive the records, but not until more than two weeks later. Scheduling issues and miscommunications can happen. What I am most disappointed by is the lack of transparency before the procedure, the poor communication afterward, the delay in records, and the lack of accountability. Based on this experience, I would not feel comfortable recommending this practice. read more

My dog had an abscess and cracked tooth. Nice people really descent prices. I was a very good experience

Dr Luce and his staff are all very attentive and caring. The communication from Dr. to tech to owner is phenomenal and very much appreciated. I received a call back from Dr. Luce about my dogs labs the next day and an official plan started. read more

I had a hard time getting my cat an emergency appt in town for his teeth. Live oak was able to see him the same day I called and moved around staffing so he could have dental surgery the very next day. Dr. Webster is new, she's wonderful, and you can tell she really loves animals! I am happy I was able to find her for my cat! They also called today (his surgery was yesterday) to check and make sure he's eating and healing well. I'm very happy with the care we received. Everyone in the office was also very kind! read more

We love Live Oak Veterinary Hospital. Our dog, Lily, has been a patient of Dr. Luce and his amazing staff for two years. Dr. Luce is amazing and so caring. His staff is wonderful and also very caring. We would not take Lily anywhere else!!! read more

Dr Luce is amazing. He has taken care of many of our animals but he keeps having staffing problems at the front desk. They're very rude condescending and insensitive. My husband is one of the most kind patient men in the world and they make him so angry he wants to go to another vet. But we love Dr Luce so we stay, very frustrating most of the time I would give them five stars and I don't give five stars to anyone but on this particular visit I would give them one read more

Very sad time in our lives, had to put one of our best friends down recently. Found out the vet we'd been using previously had gone in to retirement and was looking for someone new. Checked Yelp for reviews and was torn between two. So happy with choosing Live Oak and Dr. Luce. Went in bawling our eyes out and left with a peaceful heart, thanks to everyone in the office! If I have to go I would not mind in the least bit to go just like my Suede dawg... Thank you EVERYONE at Live Oak Vet xoxox read more

See all

We have been taking our german shepherd to Live Oak for many years (and still continue to drive 1 hour just to come here). We have never had problems with any staff or any accommodations. We recently had to put our cat down (she had never been to this vet) and I called (very emotional- obviously) asking for a same day immediate appointment to have out cat put down and the lady was extremely helpful, understanding and made me feel at ease. When i got to the appointment they directed me into the special room and Dr Luce and his staff were very well supportive and made this difficult situation feel better for me. They also sent us a sympathy card and our cat's paw print. I will continue to come to Live Oak and am very happy with them! read more

Live Oak Veterinary Hospital - Veterinarians Near Me - Sonora, California

See all

I think Dr Luce and his staff are kind and very helpful. I have been going to to Dr Luce since I met him at Twain Harte Vet. I left Twain Harte Vet a few months after Dr Luce left because of bad medical care. I was so happy when I learned Dr Luce had opened Live Oak Vet. My two dogs are healthy and very happy Thank you all read more

The worst vet experience we have ever had. We recently moved and switched here for my two small dogs. In the three years I've owned my boys, I have never seen them so upset. The problems started before the appointment when we unable to transfer their medical records. First we tried to fax, then email, then we went in and emailed it in front of them to ensure they were able to receive them. Once that had been done, we STILL received an email stating they were due for vaccinations they are not due for. For example, they are up to date on rabies, something confirmed by the county when they had their licenses transferred. But we still had to explain multiple times that they had their rabies up to date. Apparently the records were never reviewed or added to their system. I should've seen the huge red flag. When we were seen by Dr Dudley (who didn't introduce herself) she had no idea about their medical history and I had to pull the information up on my phone to show her. Despite this, she repeated incorrect information about their previous tests results and I had to keep showing her the same page. She then tried to explain to me what future tests we would need with "this is too confusing, it's frustrating to explain." She mixed up the information between my two boys (one has a lump in his leg, she looked at the wrong dog for the lump). They were unable to take a blood draw from one and said he needed sedation which has NEVER been even mentioned before by their old vets. He returned with a brown stain on his leg they couldn't explain. Her attitude throughout was also unacceptable. She complained we were holding her up and also scoffed when I said "he usually puts a muzzle on fine" and snapped at me "you muzzle him at home?" My dogs have never been so freaked out and upset. I had to actually leave the room to put one's muzzle on because he was so afraid of her, which has also never happened. It was just awful. At every step. We have never experienced anything like it and I wish I had called it off halfway through when she was unable to even check their teeth. I am also so upset by the experience that I'm shaking. My dogs were shaking, whining, thrashing around, and panting which is totally unlike them. They're shelter dogs so have seen vets at a shelter, vets in my old town , etc and they have never ever been like that before. I feel like I've betrayed my dogs by putting them into the hands of people so incompetent who manhandled them (with a flashlight which has also never happened before!) and were unable to do their basic job for a physical exam. I would not recommend coming here for anything dog related. My mum has been with her cats and saw a male vet, she had a great experience. But I can only speak to what happened today which was totally unacceptable on every level. I feel I have a duty to let anyone looking know what we experienced so you can avoid it. read more

Dr. Luce is a very competent kind and caring doctor. It is a shame that his staff is lacking in normal courtesy. They never answer the office phone during business hours, have inconsistent days and times of appointment availability. We were repeatedly told incorrect information. Our paperwork was lost, and billing was a nightmare. Business manager, Eve, and Bethany were especially horrendous to deal with. It is sad to think that such a fine Vet will be driven out of business, by his incompetent and venomous staff. Stay away from this clinic! They have lost the care of our precious dogs. read more

As an update. My dog does not have hypothyroidism. The correct tests showed she does not need any medication. My other dog, Live Oak insisted growths needed to be removed and needed surgery were just cist (pimples) popped by another vet. No surgery needed. Both of my dogs were severely miss diagnosed. Not to mention I paid for 2 visits for my breeding pair after his team said he did that but he didn't. I've asked for refunds for the visits and for the wrong testing that was done. They do not respond or send me refund. Be aware read more

I was in for a visit on June 24,2020. I was very disappointed. I had been in for routine dog care this day and 2 weeks previous; and the same thing. No masks worn by guests or health providers. Very disappointing ! Even the County Sheriff in the crowed lobby with no mask. Social distancing not really being practiced by anyone working for Live Oak, or visiting. I was so uncomfortable second time I just left Did not Check out. read more

Thank you so very much for getting my Hammy in this morning, I'll let you know how he's doing..I also appreciate that you do not force dogs to get their nails trimmed...I don't want him to be stressed out at the vet..Great place, clean, nurse was super thorough, the nice young lady at the desk put up with me, I was so stressed all weekend, then driving down the mountain..I appreciate it you guys so much! Highly recommend..Please thank the doctor for me... read more

Dr. Luce and his team are amazing. My dog hurt her leg and I was able to get an appointment right away. They stayed after hours to help take care of my dog and went the extra mile to make me feel like my dog was genuinely taken care of. I later found out it was Dr. L's bday, and they had dinner plans after closing tonight. However, I never felt rushed to leave. They stayed longer and made sure we were taken care of. Dr. Luce also gave me a lot of good information, and the team was well organized and friendly. I would highly recommend coming here. read more

I moved to Sonora in February and selected this vet based on a personal recommendation from a neighbor. Dr. Luce is great, and my actual appointments with the vet and vet staff have been great. My problem is with the actual office. I have an 8 year old dog who needed teeth pulled and new puppy. Every single time I have called the office, I have to leave a message. No one ever answers the phone. I then have to leave a message and they have to call me back, in one case trying to schedule teeth work, it was a week before we connected and confirmed my appt with a $50 deposit and I lost the appt I wanted on a Friday. I am also not good with the pay $50 to hold your appointment. AND you have to call back to confirm your appointment for EVERYTHING. I have never missed an appointment or even re-scheduled. Why do I as a customer have to pay this inconvenience price of mandatory phone calls (where no one answers) and a deposit because some people fail to show up. I am a busy person and I dread dealing with the office. If you have "customer service representatives", assign out the alphabet by client last names, and have people answer the phones (because that is the only way you can confirm an appointment or pay a deposit, there is no online experience, not text confirmations, and no email listed on the website.) The system can not possibly be efficient for the staff either... they just apologize for the phone tag game. Frustrating. I am only posting here, because other busy people probably feel the same, and there was no one to complain to today and no email address to write to... and the poor "receptionist" is probably having a bad day... because she is working alone. read more

Bethany is rude and unprofessional. After speaking to her multiple times about a particular issue there was absolutely no communication or follow up. Upon receiving my cats vet records I noticed her "communication notes." Her notes were rude, unprofessional, and full of errors. I'm honestly embarrassed for this clinic. Don't waste your time. You will be happy elsewhere, so will your pets. read more

Dr. Luce used to be one of the best vets and his office was once one of the best offices in town. USED TO BE. Now they have an absolutely abhorrent front desk staff with extremely poor customer service. There is constant miscommunication....or NO communication at all. Save your money and take your pets elsewhere. You and your pets will be happier. Trust me. read more

Dr. Luce at Live oak Veterinary Hospital is truly the best veterinarian I have ever known. We followed him from Twain Harte Veterinary when he opened his own practice and couldn't be happier. He and his kind, caring, and professional staff ALWAYS take wonderful care of our two dogs and two cats. I feel they love our pets as much as we do, I wouldn't take them anywhere else. read more

We brought both our dogs here for a year and a half without issue. Normal vaccines and heart guard type stuff. However, our English Bull Dog recently came down with a hacking cough and some vomiting. Paid for the blood work/Xrays and visit and was told he might have some kind of bronchitis type issue with his lungs. The Dr. Gave him something to settle his stomach which worked for over night but the cough returned and we were back at square one. The Dr. Called and said if he didn't start getting better after Sunday to call him back and he would figure out what to do next. Sunday was horrible and when I called Monday they said he was in surgery and would return call later. After (2) more calls and no call back we were starting to get upset. Monday came and went without a call and when I called Tuesday morning they were'nt answering their phones. Reception finally called back after I left a message stating to have his file ready for me to be picked up so I could take him someplace else. Funny how they charge an extra 10.00 dollars because of the corona virus issues for tech's to do some work, but their so busy they can't answer their phone. By the way, everyone has been dealing with the virus issues, losing jobs, unemployment and what not. But you want an extra 10.00 to have someone give a vaccination shot. When I went to pick up my dogs bloodwork and Xrays they said they would need to email the xrays, never told me anything about that until I got there. Had over 3 hrs to call me and ask where to email them to. Just more unprofessionalism. Blaming a new desk person was there only answer. They said Dr. Was to busy and had a late day is why I didn't get a call back, really? You could have called me from your car on the way home and said anything, we were very worried about our dog! You could have called before your front desk received my message stating we're going someplace else. You tell the front desk to apologize, but you don't? I would never do that, ask someone else to talk for me. Terrible last 5 days and I'm so upset with them it's unbelievable.. will let everyone I know up here to stay clear. Unprofessional is putting it lightly... front desk a joke. read more

We have taken our dogs and cat to Dr. Luce for several years. We have also boarded our dog there when we went on vacation. We love Dr. Luce and his wonderful staff. The vet techs and receptionists are great too! read more

Establishing good healthcare for pets in Sonora is a challenge. I switched from a horrible experience in Jamestown to Live Oak on a referral from a friend I trust and I'm not sure they are much better. I have a cat with feline asthma and spent a lot of money at Live Oak. My cat has been on Prednisolone since October. It is not intended to be used long-term and can result in substantial side effects. I had to push for a prescription for an inhaler and Albuterol and they charged me just shy of $300 for both, saying they would call me when they came in. After 2 weeks I called and left a message. They did not call back. After another week I requested a refund and a prescription so I could get it from another source. They sent me the prescription and told me I could pick up a hard copy if I needed it. I ordered the stuff online (total cost just over $100) but Live Oak would not verify the prescription over the phone when the pet pharmacy called them. Now I have to leave my house and pick up the hard copy to snail mail to the pharmacy. So, they do not care about my cat's health or my health during the pandemic. The front office staff does not wear masks and they don't require visitors in lobby to wear them either. I have no idea when they will refund my card. When I asked about that they only told me they are holding a credit on my account. I asked them to refund the card but haven't seen any evidence they will. I wouldn't recommend this vet. read more

I took my cat to see Wendi for his first time after I thought he got into a cat fight. I'd previously taken him to a vet I've gone to for 14 years who had confirmed his wounds were from a cat fight but wasn't satisfied with his treatment and he wasn't healing. Wendi took her time to look and feel over every inch of him and check out his mouth and ears which i really appreciated since the previous vet did not. She gave my cat a different diagnosis (allergic reaction) and medicine and he improved within 2 days. Staff were all super nice and I'm happy I switched vets read more

I recently moved to Sonora, and needed to renew a prescription for my dogs. I scheduled a visit, which I was able to achieve for the following day. Dr. Luce and all of the staff were pleasant, professional, and all services were completed timely. I feel confident that I've made a good choice for the care of my senior dogs. read more

I drive up from the Bay Area just so my two dogs can be treated by Dr. Luce. He is smart as a whip and takes great care of my fur babies. He is kind, compassionate and understanding. One of my dogs has cancer, and Dr. Luce didn't judge when we told him we didn't want to spend a ton for treatment for an 11 year old rescue dog. He found an appropriate treatment that is cost effective but also makes our Mia comfortable, and actually has a chance of causing remission of the cancer without invasive surgery. Dr. Luce is a wonderful vet and has excellent staff to boot. read more

See all

Dr. luce is a great vet I've been taking my dogs there since he opened and my cats and we're all healthy does a great job explaining everything to you fair prices just all around and he has great help read more

We started taking our mini dachshund here three years ago and it was one of the best decisions we made. Dr. Luce is amazing! He is compassionate, extremely knowledgeable and excellently skilled. The administrative side led by Eve, is fabulous, Bethany, Samantha, April, Vanessa, Anna (from a while back) and the whole gang! And the technician staff is great, Kyle, Ashley, Livy, Bailey, Michelle, and many that i have yet to meet but they are present helping where I cannot see, have all been caring, competent, and full of heart for our special needs dogs. The staff has been extremely attentive with calls back and picking up the phone. Dr. Luce is exemplary getting back during non-office hours. They have two rooms that are designed for comfort to be used for grieving the loss of a fur baby, which is such a thoughtful and sacred space. This is a team that works incredibly hard for the well being of the animals and their humans! We feel so blessed having this Veterinarian practice available to us! read more

We were vacationing here from WA state and were looking for a vet In the area to take our dog to. They squeezed me in 3 times. Found DR. Luce to be very nice and good about calling me etc. My baby got worse over weekend so I called and we were able to just drop her off on our way out of town. We had errands to run so it worked out. We got her back with meds. Very happy with the service. Staff and Dr. Luce so nice and accommodating. Great communication, even called me back on a Sunday. We are so grateful to them and our fur baby is getting well. Nice clinic. If we lived there he would be our vet. Thank you so much!!!! read more

My review reflects the same words "James D." has below. In addition to his poor reviews which were accurate for my dog (pt of his for 2 years with Addison's disease), I had made a formal complaint to the AMA. It was so bad and almost fatal that I made complaints for Malpractice, Negligence, and Incompetence. I am still in the process of hearing back from the board after sending documentation which can take weeks. I've also had the unpleasant experience with the Property Manager. She was very confrontational and condescending to cover herself and Dr. Luce from their mistakes made. His staff, however, is great and never had any bad experiences. I would take this review seriously as it almost cost my dog's life. IF it did, I would win this case in civil court 100% and his practice would be closed. read more

I came into this hospital to have my dog looked at because he wasn't feeling good and my vet in Arnold was closed. When we got there we were greeted and felt welcomed. We were then taken into the room and were explained everything that was going to happen and what my dog had to get done and it all went well. We ended up having to put my beautiful boy down but the doctor was very nice about it and let us be there when it happened. I would highly recommend him he knows what he is doing and will go out of his way to make you feel welcomed. He even came in on his day off to have a private consultation for my dog! I couldn't thank him enough for being a great doctor and for making sure we were comfortable the whole time. read more

Our dogs are always happy to see Dr. Luce. He has a terrific bedside manner and explains everything thoroughly. We couldn't be happier with the professionalism, service and care. The staff is knowledgeable and caring. Dr. Luce is an excellent surgeon and has dealt with some complex situations, offering practical solutions where even Davis vets couldn't come up with a good answer. The facility is spotless and state of the art. Yet, we've found that the services are very reasonably priced and Dr. Luce doesn't over-treat or bill unnecessarily. In short, we get great value as well as top quality. Highly recommend Live Oak to our Bay Area friends. They are delighted to spend a lot less for quality vet care and enjoy coming up to Sonora for fun. Update: Our bitch had a growth removed before Christmas and the tissue was sent to a lab for analysis. Dr. Luce knew we were concerned about the possibility of malignancy. He received the results while he was out of the country on vacation and took the time while he was gone to call us with the good news that the tumor was benign. We couldn't be happier with such exceptional service! (If only our human doctors did as much!) read more

I love taking our two pups to Live Oak Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Mitch Luce has performed several surgeries on my Yorkie. He has a great bedside manner and has always been compassionate to both my dogs and also to my husband and I. He was so nice and caring when he had to put our two cats and two dogs to sleep. Old age catches up to our pets way too soon. I would definitely recommend Dr. Luce for any pet owner. I also think his Vet Assistant Heidi Woods is great. We've known Heidi for 13 years. You couldn't ask for a better Vet Hospital than Live Oak Vet. read more

Dr. Luce is the most competent veterinarian I have ever met. He is so knowledgeable and talented. I was told that my dog had knee problems by my usual vet and that he needed surgery. Basically they told me good luck and to figure it out. I called around looking for quotes and directions from other vets and could not get a straight answer from anyone. I brought my dog into Dr. Luce and his team and I instantly felt better. I was given a direct answer with supporting information as well as a fair quote. My dog has since healed perfectly and I am so happy! Thank you, Dr. Luce! read more

My husband and I are very impressed with this veterinary group! They are so compassionate and caring. The love they showed to our little dog, recently, was so appreciated. Dr. Luce quickly responded to our phone call, within minutes and on Sunday! We especially like the fact that he takes time to answer our questions, explaining things thoroughly and in a way that we are able to understand. He never makes us feel as though he is in a hurry. He gives suggestions as to how we can better care for our pets, yet doesn't push us to do things that are not necessary. His quiet and soft-spoken demeanor helped our pet to relax and feel more comfortable. It is obvious that he and his entire staff are in this profession because they love animals and care for our furry family members as if they were their own. We highly recommend them. read more

Live Oak has been our vet since 2016. We have two small dogs and we feel that Dr. Luce and his whole staff are all compassionate, kind and proffessional. Their clinic very, very nice and always clean. Also their services are affordable. We would highly recommend to our friends and family! read more

Our dog was suffering from congestive heart failure. This clinic's techs need some serious training or they need to go back to flipping burgers as it seems that is all they are qualified for. We scheduled our dog to be put down because he could hardly breath. The first attempt was botched, as they blew out his vein. They then attempted to inject straight into his chest, which was also botched. He was still alive licking the wound on his leg and wagging his tail 5 minutes after he was supposed to have peacefully passed. Finally a competent vet properly let him go peacefully. My mother came home hysterical, as she watched all of this happen to the dog she has loved for 11 years. Hearing her describe this to me while braking down into tears half way through was probably one of the most blood boiling things I have ever experienced. If I owned this clinic someone's job would be on the line. Absolutely pathetic performance. We will never be taking any of our animals here again. I honestly pray that karma catches up to these techs that pretend to be qualified in something they clearly are not! read more

Wonderful and attentive staff... and it sure doesn't hurt to visit their beautiful, clean and fresh office space! So happy to have switched vets, since our previous office was lacking in so many ways. You won't regret bringing your pets to see Dr. Luce and Co.! read more

These folks helped my sweet puppy a few times. My boy Moose has some very specific health needs and a delicate heart. They are always great with him and patient with me when I'm feeling nervous. They helped Moose again today when I woke up this morning to find I had a very sick pup on my hands. I'm so grateful you guys!! Moose says thank you as well. :) read more

I can not say enough good about this facility. They answer questions, arrange appointments very quickly and then explain the testing or procedures and ensure you are completely aware of the treatments and estimated costs. All options are explored and if he is not comfortable providing the treatment he will tell you so and help find a recommended vet for the job. We are always greeted on arrival, informed of a wait if any the staff treats the animals as if they were their own. The only complaint I personally would have is that Dr Luce treats only small animals, no large or exotic both of which I have along with the dogs and cats. read more

I highly recommend Dr. Luce and his staff at Live Oak Vet. I recently had to put down my old cat and Dr. Luce and his staff made it so loving and comfortable for us. They have a special room set up with a couch for your animal to rest on. They did not hurry me in any way and were so kind and supportive. I truly appreciated the gentle and caring care that my loving cat and I both received. I also take my Labrador retriever there and cannot be happier with the service and care. read more