Short version : Pulls costs for procedures out of a hat - does not give clear or concise estimates even if requested and if questioned on cost differentials or itemization - they flat out refuse with the excuse "they don't know what they will be doing so they can't charge for it until it is done" ??? seriously. . .? (as I hold in my hand written estimates for the same procedure from three other orthopedic surgeons) Makes you pay in full high end of the "estimate" BEFORE the surgery, and then tweeks the bill so that the high end is billed as final even tho there were no complications and "everything went smoothly with no issues" Hmmm- they do this surgery all the time yet can't give me a written estimate BEFORE the surgery because "they don't know what they will be doing so they can't charge for it until it is done" I shoulda ran right then and there. GROSSLY inflates charges for procedures, materials, or drugs. ($241.00 for 28 Rimadyl pills -- YES i said $241 for 28 basic anti inflammatory pills -- available thru vet supply for $68 for 75 pills - thru costco for slightly more) --gotta make that high end stick. Hey, what's the big difference between $4800 and $5300 ... right? it's only $500 bucks . . . no biggie. (sarcasm) Charge as much as possible for doing as LITTLE as possible, and if questioned goes into full attitude mode and never does answer the question. Makes it up as they go along. The particular surgery my dog had was the first time it had been done at Yokayo, even tho I was led to believe this is a common surgery. As an added extra bonus where I'm thinking there is an actual orthopedic SURGEON doing this very invasive bone cutting surgery, it's actually regular vet Merrit who did it. Blames all direct communication with them as the fault of somebody "not on their staff" Won't call in prescriptions to outside pharmacies because "it takes too much time" Are you kidding me? I just gave you 5300 hundred dollars, I'm 220 miles away, my dog is in severe distress and you can't take five minutes to make a call? Unbelievable. Charges for things they don't do. (charged $798 for 12 digital xrays, 10 were taken - two of which ended up in the long run costing me an additional $420 by the time you factor in fuel, time, and lost work) Note - Digital xrays are nearly pure profit. There is no film, chemicals, processing or hazardous waste fees as associated with regular film xrays, and the time it takes to get the xray exposure is a fraction of what film takes - it took them less than five minutes to get one xray of each knee. Of a dog they claimed was "difficult to handle". There is no discount on digital xrays like there is on film. Every one in the series is the same price, whether you get one xray or 20. Again -- There is no film, chemicals, processing or hazardous waste fees as associated with regular film xrays. Eight hundred bucks for maybe ten minutes of work - more than half that time being with an animal unconscious from anesthesia. Lies about who does what as far as MAJOR surgery is concerned, then insist YOU "misunderstood" what they _meant_ when you catch them in said lie. I'm EXPECTING Orthopedic SURGEON -- I'm GETTING dr. Merrit. Gives potentially harmful and damaging advice based on complete lack of examination, then gives you attitude because you call them on their incompetence. It took my dog a full two days (plus day of surgery) to come completely out of the effects of anesthesia. I've had many dogs go under for various procedures - I have NEVER had one take so long to clear it. Can you say anesthetic overdose? If you are looking for a vet you can trust - run FAR FAR FAR away from this place. They will lie straight to your face, and make you think they are doing you a favor. I regret with every fiber of my being ever walking through the door of this place. read more

I have been taking both my cats and dogs, several who have already passed away, and now my current dogs to Yokayo Veterinay Center for approximately 20 years now. When I have had to put down my cats and dogs in the past I have never felt embarrassed about my very evident grief and tears in the office. They have always treated me with sincere compassion, kindness and patience. They send a sympathy card for every pet that passes away. The health care received by my pets has always been exceedingly high quality. I truly feel the wellbeing of your pet is always top priority with the doctors and staff. The receptionists have always been helpful to answer questions and very courteous whenever I have made a trip to their office. Prices are probably equal to most veterinary offices. I think we all have to understand that the health care industry is expensive, for both humans and animals. I've never felt they were there to price gouge people. I have always felt that they are there for one purpose. They love animals and that is why they are there. They are trying to keep your pets healthy and alive for as long as is possible. They want to save our beloved pets lives by giving us good service and exceptional health care at all times. I think I would be doing anyone a great service by recommending Yokayo Veterinay Center for all of their pets health care needs. Sincerely, Linda Sue Anderson, Ukiah, CA read more

Wish I could give 0 stars. I just got off of the phone with the manager who ironically is named "Bliss". They sent me a bill after I paid in full. Turns out they over charged me for 3 shots instead of 2 after the fact. When I mentioned to "Bliss" it was better to let $19 go instead of sending a bill to a brand new client and announcing that you are disorganized and made a mistake, she argued with me in a defensive, aggressive and rude tone stating that it wasn't a mistake the computer did it. Then I said so are you saying this is a computer mistake? She then basically said everything I had said which is a person made the mistake. When I asked why are you arguing with me when we are saying the same thing she became more rude. Don't defend your mistakes and be angry with a customer who is politely telling you you made a mistake. I wasn't planning on coming back because the male vet who saw my small dog traumatized her. Instead of grabbing a flashlight to look in her very small mouth, he used his hands to violently pry open her locked tight mouth. She winced in pain (never happened in the vets before). She now after 11 years wont let me brush her teeth and was hiding under the bed from me for 2 days. NEVER happened before in 11 years with 5 other vets. HORRIBLE place. HORRIBLE customer service. HORRIBLE record keeping. HORRIBLE manager. HORRIBLE abusive vet. read more

Yokayo Veterinary Center is absolutely the best place to take your loving pets. They are extremely knowledgeable and very kind. The entire staff always takes the utmost care of my two blue heelers and have always done an outstanding job! My oldest who is almost 8 years old underwent surgery for his back leg earlier this year. He was having trouble running around our ranch but after the surgery, he acts like he is three years old again and is able to run and enjoy the country side. My dogs love everyone there and everyone there is as sweet as they can be to my babies. I wouldn't go anywhere else!! 8/8/2017 My now 8 year old male blue heeler is recovering from another surgery for his other back leg. I made the decision to operate again because the first surgery went so well and made him act so much younger. I am positive that after he fully recuperates from this surgery, he will be running all over the ranch again. There is no better staff or surgeons that come in to help anywhere else. They have treated my family better than most anyone else every has. We feel very fortunate to have this veterinary clinic in the area. They are the BEST!! read more

Yokayo Veterinary Center and their staff have been completely helpful with my foster work for Anderson Valley Animal Rescue. They are accommodating and caring, always thinking of the welfare of the animal in their care. Years and years ago Yokayo Vet helped me out (in a HUGE way) with a puppy who had a broken leg. I will always remember the calm care and assistance they provided to me and my puppy in a time of desperate need. Years later, I trust this office to be honest and helpful. I particularly appreciate Dr. Raymond and his understanding and care. I am glad each time I bump into him, that he asks me about a particularly difficult 'case' he helped me out with on one of my current dogs. I highly recommend this office for their honest dedication to the animals - in particular their gracious assistance with spay and neuter of cats, feral and non - thank you muchly Yokayo Veterinary, thank you muchly. read more

I am very grateful for Yokayo vet center. When our dog was really ill we started going to the center. He was 14 years old and we found out he had lupus erythematosus. The skin at the inner corner of his eyes & along his lower lip turned into large bleeding sores. They took a biopsy & gave us the diagnosis & treatment plan which I followed exactly. The sores slowly healed & have not returned in 3 years. I am very pleased with the center's care & each time we go in for yearly checkups, Rusty is very comfortable going in, whereas before he dreaded seeing the doctor. The front office staff is kind & caring despite being very busy. The entire atmosphere has been to me one of great help, compassion, care, & love for the animals they treat. You all make life easier because of what you do & how you do it. Quality of care means everything. Thank you very much. read more

I have never posted a review for anything. I generally do not like my opinion noted electronically. But I saw that my vet had only 3 stars and I am compelled to share my experience. I have been using this vet for 2 years. After many bad experiences with other vets who miss treated and held prejudice against my large pit bull upon sight. The entire staff at Yokayo has treated my dog with love and respect on each visit. Most recently he had a foxtail imbedded in his cheek that had caused an infection. Dr. Farr operated that day removed the foxtail and sent him home with great instructions. When I was not able to come in to have the drain removed after his surgery Dr. Farr even helped me via email to ensure the removal was done properly! Above and beyond her job, I am always so happy I am with them! read more

I wanted to express my gratitude to Yokayo vet for a long time. Just yesterday my dog BK was scheduled for a fat mass removal. The surgery was successful thanks to the doctors and staff who made his stay as comfortable as they could. The staff is always friendly and very helpful. In the past 4 years my dog had two leg surgeries that were very successful as well. They always seem to give us a fair price, whereas other places are seemed more expensive. It might not be the most up to date modern facility but to me it is more important to have a caring staff and great doctors,than paying for a more fancy place. I have been bringing my animals there since the last 4 years and never had a bad experience. Keep up the good work, and thank you for truly caring and loving what your doing,it really shows! Anja K. read more

Dr. Merritt has taken excellent care of all of our dogs. Our one dog, Lilli, developed idiosyncratic vertibular syndrome one night at the age of 14. The vet on call didn't know if she'd make it though the night and thought that maybe she'd had a stroke. We asked that Lilli be given a sedative so we could take her to Dr. Merritt the next day. When Dr. Merritt looked at Lilli, he knew exactly what she had because he had a dog in college which had had the same thing. He told us how to treat Lilli and with his direction we did what he said. Lilli lived to be 19. Our chocolate lab, Scout, had the same thing at age of 14. This time we knew what to do with Dr. Merritt's care. Scout lived to be over 15. We are so grateful for the expert and wonderful service from Dr. Merritt. read more

I've been bringing my pets to Yokayo Veterinary Center for over 30 years. I feel that I've developed a real working partnership with the veterinarians and staff over that time. They really care about my family of pets, and they always listen and value my input. The veterinarians have always taken the time to thoroughly explain any conditions or treatment. We've had to make the hard decision on numerous occasions, when we had exhausted all options, to have a beloved pet humanely euthanized. When it was possible, they even arranged to come to my home to minimize my pet's discomfort with the procedure. I really appreciate that! I've even known them to shed a few tears with me! I will continue to consider them my family veterinarians! read more

My dog and cat are both rescued animals who get a bit skiddish at the vet. I think it is just the stress of being touched by people they don't know. Being new to the area, I brought my dog here, but made an appointment wiith another vet for my cat. I thought i would test out both facilities and then decide who to use long term. The service here was much better. They gave my dog her favorite treats and let me comfort her while she got her shots. The other place had a nice building but they wouldn't let me comfort my cat during procedures and in the end, they were not able to do them without drugging my cat. I just took her home instead. Yokayo is much better than thier competition. I recommend going here. read more

I've been to vets in all corners of the state of CA, but few compare to the care my family receives at Yokayo. I first brought in one of my cats whose recurring eye injury/illness had been misdiagnosed by 3 other vets in San Diego. Dr. Merritt immediately knew what he was looking at in my boy's eye, and since then he has had no recurring issue in over a year! I also want to give a shout out to Brooke and Jennifer, who have made me feel like family ever since I walked thru the doors @ Yokayo. It's because of their Excellent Customer Service and the Dr's Knowledge that I recommend Yokayo Vet Center to anyone looking for Quality and Caring Vet Services in Mendocino County. read more

Excellent service every time I've been there but way over priced. I understand you get what you pay for, but seems like every time I have taken my dog in for a recurring yeast infection in the ears they always want to do lab work which costs me almost $200 on top of the visit and medications. It's not a new issue, she suffers from allergies so the medication basically needs to be refilled when she has a flare up. I don't mind paying the visit, but irritating when I leave there with the exact medication she got the previous time. Also feel like they push the merchandise they sell there which is also quite expensive. read more

I just want to start off by saying that the staff at Yokayo Veterinary Center have an awesome sense of humor and are very family oriented. Every time I visit I have my grandchildren with me and the staff give out coloring books and crayons to keep the kids occupied and happy while they give great care to our animals. Recently we had our 8 year old collie dog in on emergency and they took very good care of him (we thought he wouldn't make it.) He is recovering well and we couldn't thank them enough for all their care and compassion! read more

This is the best of the best. Your animal's life and well being is a priority. They also take the " parents" emotional well being into consideration as well. I will recommend it to anyone. They were there when I needed them most,when one of my babies passed. I had a huge bill and they allowed me a line of credit. I played them off early but still had faith in their abilities so I allowed them to take care of my newest addition. I love all of the staff. read more

This is Pam and I've been bringing my dogs to Yokayo Vet Ctr. for over 25 years. They are a very professional establishment that genuinely cares about their customers and their pets. Have had dogs with rattlesnake bites and they were there to assist immediately no matter what time of day. Their customer service is second to none. You know that the staff and Veterinarians love animals and genuinely care with a great deal of knowledge. Highly recommend! read more

We've been going to Yokayo Vet Clinic for over 50 years. I remember going there with my mother when I was just a kid (don't remember the name back then). Obviously I have stuck with them for good reasons. I find their front desk staff to be consistently friendly and the docs knowledgeable and willing to hunt down info when something is out of the ordinary. Most of the docs are good about not over treating. read more

We have been with Yokayo Veterinary Clinic for years, and through many different pets I must add. The reason... it is simple, Frank Merritt . His accurate diagnoses, his honesty, and the fact that he truly cares. To be honest, there was a time we shopped around to see what was available, and those expierences just calling other places, wow, brought us right back . Great place Great people. read more

We want to say Thank you to Dr. Farr and the entire staff at Yokayo Vet Center. Thank you for what you do and to do it with such compassion day in and day out. Thank you for helping us with our beloved pet! I know Yokayo maybe a few dollars more then the vet down the street. But they are worth that extra penny and so much more. I would recommend Yokayo Vet center to anyone who asks! read more