Sarah has been my veterinarian for over 13 years. Ark veterinary practice has taken care of my two dogs and two cats for the last 2 years. One month ago today, my fifteen-year-old yellow Labrador had an emergency while we were out of town. Sarah answered her emergency line at 6 in the morning on a Saturday, and with pictures sent she was able to diagnose the situation quickly, and directed me towards the emergency vet in the town where I was. Unfortunately I needed to make a decision to euthanize my baby, Sarah consulted with me and the local vet at the hospital and between the three of us the decision was made. A sad situation, but Sarah had helped me to be ready for such a situation and helped me through it all. I am very grateful for Sarah and ark veterinary practice! read more

I have no problem with this vet, but it's very disheartening when vet was convinced my sister's dog had a big infection in her tummy and that she was not pregnant. Just check out the photos. She had 8 healthy puppies that arrive shortly after the visit read more

Sarah Lavelle, DVM - Ark Veterinary Practice - 8puppies - Veterinarians Near Me - Belgrade, Montana

For the last four years, I have had six dogs cared for by the team at Ark Vet. Their warmth of reassurance, quality of care, promptness of absolutely everything, and overall great vibe are wonderful. I feel that the vets here are top notch and smart. I feel no urge to look elsewhere and feel only positive feelings whenever I need to call them for help. I have not price shopped for comparison, but as far as I can tell, it is reasonable and as expected. I also use Embrace pet insurance, and the team at Ark Vet are very responsive in getting the insurance the information they need to process the claims. Basically, it's a great vet practice. Don't hesitate. Jim in Belgrade. read more

My second time here and spent $486 on a dental cleaning. Never saw the doctor not once. The first visit I brought 3 dogs spent over $600 bucks and 1.5 hours w the assistant and 5 min w doc. Whom was Very rude and abrupt. read more

If you love your animals, pass by this doctor and this practice. She doesn't respond to emergencies and only cares about her bottom line. I know it's hard to find a vet in this area but save yourself some time. Pass this sh*t show right on by. read more

Dr. Sarah and her staff are so friendly and extremely helpful and knowledgeable! Dr. Sarah has spayed our King Charles Cavalier, done ear surgery on our Cocker Spaniel and removed a very infected eye and growth on the back of our guinea pig. Sarah is very concerned for the animals wellbeing and takes all precautions necessary to insure the best, healthiest results with her procedures. She goes above and beyond for the pets and her clients! I cannot recommend her enough! She will forever be our veterinarian! We and pets are very blessed to have her as our vet. Thanks Sarah and the ARK team! You're the best!!! read more

I would never take another animal to this place again! They are way more concerned about upselling products than taking care of the issue you brought your pet in for in the first place. We brought in our dog who had been unable to move her tail for over a day and would cry out when you touched it. Our normal vet was booked for a week and a half, so we stumbled upon this place online. They got us in next day which was nice. We got a call the day of the appt asking if we would come in 30 min later because of an emergency and we said of course. Got there early, waited almost half hour to be called back but finally were. While in waiting room, we were asked tons of questions, most of which were in attempt to try and sell other products and services (ie: de-wormer, flea and tick treatment, heartworm treatment, nail trim, etc.) which I had already answered the day before when I set up the appt. Vet called us back and tried manipulating our very painful dog only to be growled at when she was digging into our dogs hips. She told me to place her head in my lap so she could try again and I said no thanks, didn't feel comfortable with that. Then she asked would we rather muzzle her or sedate her and I said I would rather not sedate if we don't have to. She said for us to think about it and she would be back. She never returned. Another gal came in and started with all the questions again... ugh! She left and said she would be back, we had hoped to work on our dog... nope! Came back again and asked if we wanted an estimate for sedation and x-rays and my husband said yes please, we were both feeling a little uneasy at this point. Probably another 10 min went by and the gal came back in and said she was still waiting for estimate and asked us to take our dog outside for a walk. I said no thanks cause it was freezing outside plus our dog was painful... jokingly asked why did she need the room and to my astonishment she said yes, we haver other appts. She said if its too cold we should wait in our car and they would call when the estimate was ready. We put our dog in the car and decided we were done. Went back in to see if I owed anything and waited for several minutes with no help. The vet came out in the lobby and was giving test results to someone with a bulldog that was hooked up to a bag of fluids hanging from the ceiling, even overheard her giving prices for ultrasound, etc. Didn't offer to help me or even acknowledge I was standing there. The front desk person finally came out and I told her we were leaving, we were displeased with being kicked out of the room and getting no help for our dog and she said we owed an exam fee of $57. I paid it, even though it did nothing for me or our dog and left. Had out dog seen the next day by another vet, dog was diagnosed with limp tail after brief neuro exam... no sedation, no x-rays. We were given muscle relaxers and steroids and sent on our way. Dog was feeling much better in less that 24 hrs. Don't trust these money hungry people with your precious animals, they should be ashamed of themselves. read more

Dr. Sarah Lavelle has been the primary care provider for my animals since 2017. Her staff has always taken great care of my pets. Recently I was vacationing in AZ with my 3 year-old Maine Coon in-tow. Kitty got sick and I was unable to get him in to an animal hospital or emergency center due to current Covid related staffing issues. Dr. Sarah called in a prescription to a local pharmacy and face-timed me though an exam and the needed procedure. Kitty is good now and It meant the world to me. Thank you Doctor Sarah! read more

Outstanding vet clinic! Everyone to friendly, helpful and professional. Dr Sarah is terrific. She is friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Their care of our Yorkie has been second to none. Our Yorkie is 13 years old and Dr. Sarah has cared for her all her life. read more

It astonishes me that there are so many positive reviews of this place, it honestly leads me to believe that they are fake. Dr. Lavelle came in and looked at my dog, just a general check up and some ear issues. Everything went smoothly and as I was about to leave, I asked if she could check his anal glands. She was very rude about it, literally rolling her eyes, but said she'd send someone in. A few minutes later, a young lady in street clothes came in. She asked if my dog needed his glands done. I said yes and she proceeded to look for gloves and seemed very lost. I was getting a little nervous and asked if she needed help. She replied that she was just doing a working interview and didn't know where some supplies were. Lavelle was going to let someone who doesn't even work for her do a procedure on my dog! I told the lady that I actually didn't want it done. She was very nice and said she would let the Dr. know. I walked into the lobby and Lavelle was waiting for me, hand on hip, visibly annoyed. I could tell she wanted to say something, and I just said I would be having the glands done when I took my boy to the groomer. She very smarmily said that groomers don't even know how to do it properly. I just paid my bill and left. I could feel her staring at me until she huffed and went into the back area. The office manager was very nice and apologetic. read more

Our dog had a very large growth on the side of her face. We took her to some different veterinarians that told us that it was too big and without chemotherapy, our dog would die. We were recommend to Dr. Sarah Lavelle. She took the time and studied several x-rays. After careful consideration, she decided to operate and removed her growth. No other veterinarian would touch it. She performed an incredibly difficult surgery flawlessly. Her skill level was absolutely incredible! Our dog is now happy and healthy. I believe that she is the best veterinarian I've ever seen. I'm not overstating the fact when I say that she is the reason our dog is alive and well. We will never see another veterinarian. She is absolutely extraordinary!!! read more

I suggest not going to ark veterinary practice in Belgrade and here are a few reasons why; my best description is 'practiced thieves,' they know how to talk fast and use medical terminology to manipulate you as a client for profit. You are paying $45 for a cheerful greeting that is it. She immediately started pushing de-worm pills of which is $20 for each pill when I could of bought a whole pack of de-wormer for that price. Then even after I told them I was on a budget they tried pushing $80 and another $50 unnecessary blood tests of which I wouldn't of known the prices if I hadn't of asked; I said no but she continued pushing me to at least get the blood drawn for later which would of been another unnecessary charge and another vet visit. This was all before she even knew that my cat had a bite wound on his leg of which she then charged me $20 for a simple wound cleaning of which I've been doing myself. At the end of the visit they said "we are going to GIVE you cleaning wipes for the wound," but at payment they charged me another $20. a bill that should of been $45 plus a $10 treatment turned into a $95 visit. I left the practice feeling used, raped and pillaged read more

Since working in the vet industry in Bozeman, many professionals and people told me to not go to Ark Vet. Many other reviewers stated the same thing. I wish I had listened to my gut. The owner and employees told me product was returnable-when nothing is returnable-you only get credit back. I called many times about the product they said was returnable and they refused to answer any of my calls. Finally I got the disputed amount for my bill returned to me through my credit card. There's a much longer story to this but I'm not going to waste your time-it's bad, real bad. I also told Ark not to do not do anything with my gecko other than exam it-and the next thing I know, without my consent, they have her soaking in a medicated bath and injected her. Then, they call me to ask me if I want pay for those services. The owner is a narcissist and thinks she does nothing wrong in her practice. BEWARE!!!! ALL THE BAD REVIEWS ARE TRUE!!!! read more

Was recommended to go here by many people after I adopted my adorable kitten Karma from Heart of the Valley. I'm very glad I chose this vet for Karma! They were very gentle with him when they were giving him all his vaccinations and made him feel like the most handsome guy in the room. He's a pretty awesome cat but they made the experience so much better by taking great care of him. The building is very clean and quiet, a nice environment for animals to be treated. Reasonably priced, and even with the discount I received from Heart of the Valley. We will be lifelong members of this practice. read more

I went to this clinic after having been warned that Dr Sarah was a rude condescending woman. I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt as her clinic has the latest business hours which works best for me most days. The person who warned me against this clinic told me that Sarah was more than rude and that the ways she spoke to her was appalling to say the least. At first I thought that she was wrong about Sarah, for like the first 5 minutes anyway. My dog has had ear mites the past week and the over the counter ear mite treatments you can buy at walmart aren't doing much good so I asked Sarah if she would have a look and prescribe treatment. She looked at me like I was an idiot and asked me who told me my dog had ear mites.. I told her we just could tell.. she's had them before. Then she told me that it was impossible... that ear mites don't exist.. that there is NO parasite in North America that live in a dogs ears. I was shocked.. My dog had been treated previously in her lifetime at a vet for ear mites.. Heck I even bought ear mite treatment at walmart last week.. now this woman is telling me I don't know what I am talking about.. they don't even exist?? But since I am no vet I believed her and thought I had learned something most my friends don't know.. since my visit with her this morning I did some research and ear mites DO exist just as I thought http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ear-mites-dogs#1 . At this point Sarah decided she needed to withdraw blood from my dog and so naturally I asked her, will it hurt? Her response was a cold glare and a threat "Don't speak to me right now I am busy with a delicate procedure" She wasn't in fact busy with the procedure yet and I wanted to ask my questions before the procedure NOT after. I was more surprised by the condescending tone she took with me than the fact that she REFUSED to answer a simple question. I responded that I was only concerned for my 'baby' and that I didn't understand why she couldn't answer my simple and valid question.. Her response "Would you like to leave the room?" her brows raised chiding me as though I were a small child and not her paying customer. I was absolutely dumbfounded at this point and felt my money would be best spend at a clinic where I felt more comfortable asking simple legitimate questions before someone jabs at my the neck of my family member with a needle and refuses to answer whether or not it will be painful. So I told her.. please just stop, and I will take her somewhere else. Sarah softened up a smidge at this point and explained that she NEEDED the blood drawn ASAP but that it could be frozen and sent somewhere else.. it would only take 15 seconds and so I asked again, will it be painful for her. Sarah's next snide remark was "Have you ever had your blood drawn? Did it hurt?" I couldn't even think to tell her.. yes I have but not from my neck! I told her okay draw the blood and she forced me to leave the room at that point. When she had the blood drawn (15 minutes later) she came into the lobby where I was waiting and told me she had the blood, I told her I would be taking it to another clinic and she replied "I would prefer if you did just so you know" Then she made a remark about the fact that my mother made the payment rather than me.. as if she thinks it's professional to make fun of her customers for their financial situation.. In short, I don't recommend the Ark Veterinary clinic to anyone. I mean, Dr Sarah doesn't even know what ear mites are!! She will be rude to you and then make fun of you as she takes your payment. Even my mother was appalled (and she is a sweet ol' gal who likes everyone). read more

We haven't made it to see Dr. Lavelle because of the first point of contact , her office manager, Amy. She has a very unprofessional manner and thinks she is also a trained vet, apparently. Unfortunately, this is the kind of thing one must look for in a vet, much like you would a child care provider. You must carefully examine all of the people your pets may come in contact with while in the professional's care. Please be careful with this business. read more

As soon as you pull up you can tell that these people love animals. Dr Sarah and her entire staff are very caring, compassionate and warm. They take the time to get to know you and your animals. They make my cats feel at home and go out of their way to help calm my high strung kitty. It might be a little out of the way but it is definitely worth the drive. read more

This woman went to my son's home to euthanize his beloved pet. He gave her his credit card number while thru were there for the $360 bill. I was there with Chase for support. 3 weeks later, I took my older dog to her for a checkup. He takes medicine for arthritis. She said she would price match with the online pharmacy where i had been getting his medicine. After 2 hours & in between other customers, I FINALLY left with meds. When I called the next week to pay the rest of the bill, I ask how much the medicine was since it wasn't listed on my reciept. Sarah got on the phone, said she called the pharmacy to price match(she didn't)& wouldn't give me her price. She said that I had wasted half an hour of her staff's time with my ridiculous question (2 of her"staff" later called to apologize to me for her behavior)& told me she just charged my son's credit card for my bill. I encourage you to check her prices BEFORE you let this "sweet, soft spoken" woman take care of any of your animals. And, BEWARE if you have other family members using her, don't ask any questions or she may charge them for your services. read more

Dr. Sarah has cared for our horses, dogs and cats over the years, making house calls and doing everything perfectly and professionally. She has always been such a lovely, gentle and caring person. Most recently she and her wonderful staff loved/cared for our new kitten, and were so good and responsive with every inquiry. I absolutely recommend Ark Veterinary. Best of the best. read more

Absolutely, hands down the BEST vet for ferrets in the valley. I was concerned that my newest ferret, whom I just adopted, was suffering from ear mites or something possibly bacterial cause a bunch of build up so, I called Ark and right off the bat, the receptionist was incredibly kind and got me in within two days of calling. Once I got there, the same gal greeted me and took down all of my ferret's (Maverick) info and made sure to get every detail. Dr. Lavelle was very sweet and very thorough with her examination! She walked me through the entire process and taught me how to properly clean his ears after ruling out ear mites, even going so far as to show me a model layout of their ear canals to help me understand how to do it at home confidently. She obviously knew her way around ferrets as far as handling, scrutiny, and how best to hold them to prevent mishaps and could rattle off proper dosages for Mavericks vaccines without batting an eye. Dr. Lavelle is also the only vet in or around Bozeman within a 100 mile radius that will take emergency visits or calls no matter what animal, where or the time. The reviews don't do Ark justice and I would highly recommend taking your animals here for quality care! read more

I am a single mother so I called ahead to get the price for a rabies shot. They gave me the price I went there and got my puppy the shot and they were going to charge me an additional $35.00 because the doc had to give the shot. I explained how I had called and asked the price and this was not the price I had been given. They said they would waive it this time. They later called me and asked me to pay the $35.oo.. Again I said they said they would waive it.. they told me they said they would just waive it until my next visit.. during this time I had lost my job.. I told them I was unable to pay the balance at that time and I would pay it once I got a job. My mom's old dog got sick this week I went with her to have her put to sleep. Mom and I laid Bandit down out side under one of her trees. When my MOM went in side to pay ( I stayed outside) they asked her to pay my balance as well and told her they were about to send me to collections... Not sure this is even LEGAL!.I had been recommending people to her before this hence the reason my mom was there. I will NEVER tell anyone to go there again and this story Will be passed around...Hope it was worth it read more