Compassionate primary and urgent care for large and small animals

About
We’re Different
- The clinic has been open and operational since January 1982 and was started by Dr. Tommy Richardson. It was taken over by Dr. Chis Merritt and has since transitioned ownership into the hands of Dr. Sarah Gilkerson who is also the main DVM.
- Dr. Gates and Dr. Gilkerson are the youngest veterinarians in the River Valley, affording them the most up to date knowledge in the industry.
- Dr. Gilkerson has worked as a high volume General Practitioner. She has also worked in emergency and urgent care clinics giving her extensive experience with a wide range of cases.
- Dr Gilkerson has a family legacy in Veterinary Care, to include her late uncle, mother, and father. She grew up surrounded by the clinic environment, learning to love the practice herself.

Easy Appointments
You can book online, or call the office to book your appointment.

Convenient Hours
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

Compassionate Vets
Dr. Gilkerson and Dr. Gates (needs more info than just their names?)
Services
What We Do
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Routine Wellness
Wellness care is preventative care such as vaccines for preventable diseases, medications for heartworm, deworming, and flea and tick preventatives.

Specialty Care
Specialty Care is services provided when a patient is ill, such as bloodwork, radiographs, ultrasounds, and hospital care.

Urgent Care
Urgent Care covers events that may be classified as emergencies including traumas such as a dog fight or being hit by a car, and acute illnesses like poisoning or infection that require immediate attention.

Reproductive Services
Progesterone testing, canine semen collection, canine vaginal artificial insemination, canine surgical insemination, and canine or feline cesarean section are available.

Boarding
Dog and cat boarding is conveniently available on site, allowing for quick medical intervention if it is ever needed.

Surgery
This includes elective surgeries such as spay and neuter, dental care, tumor removal, and orthopedics (available soon)
Emergency surgeries including cesarean sections, and abdominal/soft tissue surgeries are also offered.
Emergency surgeries including cesarean sections, and abdominal/soft tissue surgeries are also offered.
Locations
We serve Dardanelle & the River Valley
Since she is already providing the services, say “ Dr. Gates provides care to large animals including: Bovine (cattle), Equine (horses), Ovine (sheep), and Caprine (goats).
What People Say
Brandy Humphrey2025-03-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My sweet Sunni girl started having seizures out of the blue. Dr. G was able to see her right away and administer medication. Unfortunately, it didn’t work at first, and Sunni was more critical than we thought. Dr. G kept Sunni for a few days and was able up get her seizures under control. Dr. G went above and beyond in caring for our Sunni girl! She kept me informed, answered all of my questions truthfully, and never gave up on our sweet girl. Sunni is now almost 72 hours seizure free. She is getting stronger and acting more like her normal self. The turn around has been amazing! We are so grateful for Dr. G and the staff at Merritt Animal Clinic. They are professional, empathetic, and very knowledgeable practitioners. Thanks to Dr. G’s quick action and ability to determine the appropriate regimen of medication for my difficult to treat 3 pound maltipoo, we are looking forward to many more snuggles with our girl. I highly recommend Merritt Animal Clinic. Thank you again for saving my girl, Dr. G! -photo was taken the day after Sunni came home from the “hospital” She looks so good!! Julie Meimerstorf2025-02-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough wonderful things about Dr. G and their team when it comes to caring for my special needs cat, Steve. From the moment we walk in, I know Steve is in the best hands. Dr. G is always incredibly attentive to his unique needs, showing true compassion and expertise with every visit. They take the time to explain everything, ensuring I feel confident in the care Steve receives. Not only is the level of care top-notch, but the prices are also very reasonable, making quality veterinary care accessible. I am beyond grateful to have found such a dedicated and caring veterinarian—Dr. G truly goes above and beyond! Santiago Dominguez Fraire2025-02-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly place keep out pets healthy Sarah (Mustanger04)2025-02-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Easy to get appointment, quick service and friendly Lisa Duvall2025-02-06Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always a good experience here! Love the staff and thankful for them. Dr. Gilkerson is the best...love her! Love coming here! Lynn Ackley2024-12-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly and always professional, and speedy, always like when the appointment is on time Michael Beasley2024-12-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I take all Nine of my Chihuahuas here. And any puppies that I need checked .gr8 people and knowledgeable. Ty Merritt for helping our chi-furrrr-babies. windrider652024-12-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were traveling and had a concern about one of our kids, (dogs). They got us in the next day, the staff and DR were very good and compassionate. I was also very happy about the cost, it was very reasonable. D.R. Lane2024-11-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. New to area. First visit with new puppy. They were wonderful with her. Thank you, Merritt.