Surgery went extremely well, Jeter is running and playing like in younger times. Soon to have the other side done

MY DOG DIED On Wednesday, July 16, 2026, at approximately 11:00 a.m., I took my 2-year-and-9-month-old French Bulldog to CareVet at Skylark because he appeared to have pain in one of his back legs. We explained everything that had happened and provided the veterinary team with all the details about his condition. When we arrived, my dog was able to walk normally, including from the parking lot into the clinic. After examining him, the veterinary team gave him an injection for pain relief. They then told us they wanted to sedate him because he was difficult to keep still during a spinal examination and X-rays. We also informed them that our dog had consumed a large amount of water before the examination. We were instructed to return around 4:00 p.m. to pick him up. When we returned, our dog's condition had changed dramatically. He was completely paralyzed, and his eyes were severely swollen and bright red. I immediately asked the veterinary assistant why he looked like that. I was told that he had become stressed during the sedation and X-ray process. The following morning, at approximately 9:00 a.m., we returned to the clinic and asked to speak with Dr. Southwell. He also questioned why our dog's eyes were so red, even though I had already raised that concern. He administered fluids and a Diazepam injection before sending us home. Around 11:00 p.m. that same night, our dog's condition continued to worsen, so we rushed him to the University of Florida Emergency Veterinary Hospital. The emergency veterinarian examined him and expressed serious concern about his neurological condition. What I cannot understand is why CareVet at Skylark never informed us that something serious may have occurred during the sedation or recovery process, or that his condition required immediate emergency neurological evaluation. Instead, we only learned how critical his condition was after taking him to another veterinary hospital. Those first hours were incredibly important, and I will always wonder whether earlier recognition, communication, and referral could have made a difference. My dog walked into the clinic that morning. He left the same day completely paralyzed and fighting for his life. Despite every effort by the emergency team to save him, he passed away in the early morning of July 18, 2026. My French Bulldog was only 2 years and 9 months old. He had never been seriously ill and was always a happy, loving, and playful dog. He brought so much joy to our lives, and we are heartbroken by his loss. This was one of the most painful experiences my family has ever endured. Based on what we experienced, I cannot recommend this clinic. I hope no other family has to go through what we did. Rest in peace, my little angel. You will always be loved, forever missed, and never forgotten. read more

I find this Veterinarian practice to be a caring knowledgeable place. The staff remembers the pets ( those that go more often anyways lol) are reasonable in price per say. Doctors are nice caring & show concern about your pets issues. The vet staff makes my pets comfortable in their presence . Nice little practice. read more

Friendly staff. Reasonable fees, good location and parking, knowledgeable vet, great service.

Staff is very welcoming and nice. They really show they care about your pets. I would definitely recommend it.

What an amazing place with such wonderful helpful people. They helped me save a ton of money with just a few minutes of their time. Thanks a ton and would recommend their honesty over any other clinic in the Ocala area. read more

Skylark Animal Hospital - Veterinarians Near Me - Ocala, Florida

I would not recommend this facility. I had been taking my fur babies from 2018 until 2023. In the beginning they were always attentive to my babies and Dr. Nelson was always gentle with them. Once they were purchased both positive and negative changes were made. My female fur baby was due to deliver in Oct. 2023, 3 puppies. I have never gone through this process but was up for the challenge. She successfully gave birth to 2 out of the 3. The first one was curled up in a ball and his oxygen was cut off for too long. I made a minimum of 3 calls looking for assistance during this process (the doctor never returned any calls) and thankfully I got answers through the vet techs. I mistakingly believed that my fur babies were "like family" to Skylark but that isn't their priority any longer. I never received an apology or follow up call from anyone. My daughter even spoke with the office manager and it was still unacknowledged as a priority. It was extremely disappointing and upsetting to realize this but I have moved my babies to a different facility/vet as a result. I made a request of THREE attempts to get records transferred and that also went unacknowledged! It was only done after the new vets office called and requested them on my behalf. Does any part of this sound like my babies were "part of their family?" I DO NOT recommend this vet if you are interested in your fur babies "being part of a family" mentality. As this is no longer their first priority. read more

Absolutely LOVE Skylark Animal Hospital. We have been using their services since we moved to Ocala in Feb of 2022 and are grateful for their excellent care. The doctors are incredibly knowledgeable and caring. Their passion shows! Also always a pleasure to speak with Francis when you call, in and the entire team is always friendly and happy to see our dogs. read more

Omg I have officially found my new vet. The staff is friendly!!! The Veterinarian there was knowledgeable and made me fell at ease that he knew what he doing. I did not feel like just another $ the truly care about the fur babies!!!! Thank you for being exactly what I have been looking for and caring about my precious fur baby! read more

I've been taking Mau here for a few years. They've changed. They knew she was scared of towels. In the past both doctors have treated her without the need to put a towel over her head. You can't come at an animal like a pit crew comes at a race car. It scares them. Then add insult to injury by putting a towel over her head. A few months ago I brought her in just for a nail trim the tech that did that said she was very good. read more

Moved here last year and very satisfied with this veterinary clinic. Nice staff and very helpful and knowledgeable Vet.

The staff makes you feel like you're family . They treat your pet with respect. My pup loves them .

Unfortunately the first time I came here was a true emergency. Dr. Hendon was very quick to assess that my furbaby was in dire need of a blood transfusion. He did not hesitate and quickly administered a full transfusion from his own personal canine to mine. This absolutely saved her life and I continue to be grateful for his job well done. Since then another one of my furry friends has periodically seen Dr. Nelson. When he handles this small canine he does so ever so gently & tenderly. On occasion he has even cradled her. You can see the passion in his eyes. Giving an exam means a full & total exam like I have never seen from any other clinic. Though their pricing is slightly higher than some others it is worth it to know they're receiving the best care possible. I would highly recommend this long time clinic to anyone. read more

Skylark Animal Hospital - Christmas tree-2016 - Veterinarians Near Me - Ocala, Florida

I'll attempt to make this concise as I tend to become too specific at tines. Long story short, I began utilizing Skylark since they first opened their doors. My Mom also took her fur baby to Skylark as well. Flash forward a lifetime, having my own family, additional fur babies, relocating to different residences, I tried the services of four other Vet's in the area. At the end of 2018, I had an abysmal experience with another Vet in regards to end of life care of my chronically ill Dachshund. When I began building my fur family back to it's norm (generally three Miniature Dachshunds at a time), I immediately went back to Skylark. My girls and I have been quite pleased! After all those years away, it felt like coming back home! The same warm, compassionate, professionalism one expects when they turn over the care of a loved one to another! I'm anticipating another move in the next couple of years, perhaps a bit further away from my current location. Regardless where we land, we'll make the trip to Skylark! read more

We got my sister from Ft. Lauderdale an eight week old puppy and needed to have her checked by a vet and get her first set of shots. Because of the Coronavirus, a lot of vets were only taking emergency cases. We had never been to Skylark, but they were very willing to see the puppy. We waited in the car while they did a wellness check, gave her the needed medications, and within 15 minutes brought her back to the car. Megan, the tech, was extremely pleasant and we were very pleased with their service. Their prices were also very reasonable. We would not hesitate to recommend Skylark Animal Hospital. read more

The first time my 4-legged children saw Dr. Nelson,he was at a different facility in Palatka and was beyond impressed with his gentle handling of my little "girls" , care and knowledge. I was also disheartened when he left. I say this because it has taken me a long time (years) and research to find him again and I'm thrilled. I cannot say enough good about the care both he and his wife give to their patients. It is obvious that there is a genuine love of animals and not just "in it for the profit". The care given at Skylark is worth the price. Thank you! read more

Skylark Animal hospital is a wonderful full service hospital we have used over the past 23 years. We recently went on vacation and boarded our fur baby at Skylark. During an examination Dr Nelson discovered a mass in Freebie's abdomen. Dr Hendon did a terrific job on her splenectomy and mass removal, and Dr Nelson removed her stitches today. Dr Nelson laid down on the floor to remove the stitches so Freebie would feel comfortable. The quality of care demonstrated by this hospital is great and I would recommend them to any animal lover. read more

The receptionist Megan, at Skylark Animal hospital in Ocala is insensitive and doesn't listen. I called on a Monday because my dog was not eating. She was previously eating Science diet ID rx. I tried to get it approved via chewy and I called Skylark animal hospital to let them know that chewy is trying to get this approved. I said I could bring her in if I need to for the prescription. She said I didn't need to. Another 5 days go by, the dog has eaten very little so I call again. This time I spoke with a not so nice girl, Megan, who was stuck on the idea that I only wanted to get the dog food and thought I was making up that my dog was sick. I explained my dog has eaten very little in the last three days. She gave me an appt for 5 days later.! Ultimately I ended up at UF ER where my dog died 6 hours later. The vets are good but the problem is getting past someone like Megan to see them. I called this morning because I got a puppy and she has bloody diarrhea. This girl wont give me a appt until next week! This could be parvo on a 8 week old puppy. I said cant one of the techs just do the parvo test? At least if we know its not parvo I can treat the symptom and wait for an appt. the techs are the one that do the test anyway when you are there, again she refused to let me through the door for an appt until next week. I strongly suggest not bringing anymore pets to anyone reading this review. SHe had the nerve to tell me that she got my Missy's paper work from UF and she is so sorry for my loss. My dog suffered because of her preconceived notion that i was only trying to get dog food. This girl needs to not triage any pets over the phone. She is judgmental and detrimental to peoples pets and to the practice. The only way I would ever consider bringing a pet there again is if she is no longer working there. I am so devastated, I am posting this review every where I can. My daughter has many followers on IG and she is going to post for me, as well has her followers so expect some hate from people for killing my dog. read more

Very nice and caring when it comes to my furbabies. Awesome staff. We are new patients with 4 dogs.

We took our older chocolate lab to Skylark for an issue with his eye on 11/27/2012. His eyes were cleaned, a test done and meds given...Dr. Hendon stated that he also had a hip issue and had been in pain for a long time, placing guilt on us for not taking care of dog...he said he would give us meds (Rimedyl/Carprofen) for his pain and left the room. I was in tears thinking our dog had been in pain, however he never showed any signs of pain. A very young, inexperienced helper came back with meds and walked us out. One week later our dog was paralyzed in back legs, could not go potty and was near death....we were hours away from putting him down. Please do not give your dog Rimedyl/Carprofen, not one single pill until you research, esp large breeds older dogs, please. They should be telling you about side effects and doing blood work prior to giving meds!! A call to the asst vet(?) to inform them was met with "don't think so", "what do you want us to do", "Dr. will call you back"....never got a call back, they know they were wrong! Be very aware before taking any animal to this clinic!! They just want your money. Thankfully our dog is recovering! read more