Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions for Ark Animal Hospital
This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which our website collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users ("User") of the this website ("Site"). Users are not required to supply personally identifying information while browsing our website.
Personal identification information
We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. We only collect personal identification information when Users fill out our online forms, and only in connection to establishing them as clients at our veterinary practice for the purpose of providing veterinary services and goods. When a User fills out our forms, they will be asked for name, email address, mailing address, and phone number, and for authorization for us to send SMS text messages to any provided mobile phones. Additional information collected pertains to pet(s) that veterinary services are being requested for. Users may visit our Site anonymously. SMS text messages may be sent to Users seeking to set up an account with us. A link to our online client form is sent in the message.
Non-personal identification information
We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about User’s means of connection to our Site, such as web page impressions, search terms, and search source utilized and other similar information for search console performance and optimization only.
Web browser cookies
Our Site does NOT use "cookies" to enhance User experience.
How we use collected information
We may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes:
· To establish new customers
We will need your information to set up an account in order to provide veterinary services. This information is provided directly in our online client form.
· To improve customer service
Information you provide helps us respond to your customer service requests and support needs more efficiently. This includes follow up visit surveys.
· To send periodic emails
We may use the email address provided in our client form to send information and updates pertaining to their pet. It may also be used to respond to User inquiries, questions, and/or other requests directly or with our Send Us a Message form.
· To send SMS messages to your mobile phone
We send appointment confirmations, appointment reminders, medical service reminders for pets of established clients, as well as real-time direct text messages. SMS messages are sent to respond to inquiries or requests. SMS messages are sent to Users seeking to become established clients.
· To offer access, if desired, to our online pet pharmacy
Our online pharmacy, Covetrus, will send promotional emails periodically.
How we protect your information
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. We do not have access to any passwords created for our pet pharmacy or patient portal. We do not store any financial or transactional data.
Sharing your personal information
We may share information with third parties for marketing or other purposes. We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business, such as our online pet pharmacy or patient portal to administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out patient reminders for medical services, newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your permission by providing your email address. We do not share, sell, or rent your mobile information with third parties or affiliates for marketing, promotional purposes, or newsletters. Your information will only be used for the purposes described in our privacy policy in connection with our client communications partner AllyDVM.
Electronic (Email) communications
If User decides to opt-in to our mailing list filling out our client form and by providing their email address, they will receive emails that may include their pet’s medical service reminders, company news, updates, related product or service information, etc. We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your permission. You may opt out at any time to these emails by clicking on the link to unsubscribe at the bottom of the email. You can re-subscribe at any time by accessing your patient portal information and enabling email communications.
Electronic (SMS texting) communications
Our client forms, which are voluntarily completed when setting up an account with us, will collect telephone numbers. If you provide a mobile number for contact, we ask your authorization to send text messages. We send text messages in direct communication; to respond to requests, to send appointment reminders and confirmations, and to send upcoming medical service reminders. You may opt out at any time to automatic and direct SMS text messaging by replying STOP to the message. For help, reply HELP. You may also opt back in by sending a direct text message with the word “START” to our mobile number.
Third party websites
Users will find links to our online pet pharmacy (only for active clients), our patient portal provider, or other content on our Site that links to the sites and services of other companies that offer rewards and coupons for products that we offer. These website links are for User’s personal use only and our company has no specific affiliation with them or any endorsement. We do not control the content or links that appear on these sites and are not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from our Site. In addition, these sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing. These sites and services may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to our Site, is subject to that website's own terms and policies.
Terms and Conditions relating to SMS
1. Ark Animal Hospital will be sending appointment confirmations, appointment reminders, medical reminders (for example, for vaccines due), as well as real-time text messages to Users that have established a client account with us. SMS text messages may be sent to Users seeking to set up an account with us. A link to our online client form is sent in the message.
2. Users can cancel the SMS service at any time by replying to text with "STOP" to the text number. After you send the SMS message "STOP" to us, we will send you an SMS message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. If you want to join again, send us a direct message with the word “START” to be re-subscribed.
3. If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program, you can reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance, or you can get help directly by sending an email message to us at toarkahsd@gmail.com.
4. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages
5. As always, message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. Message frequency varies. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider.
6. If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our privacy policy listed above or contact us via information provided in our Contacting us section.
Changes to this privacy policy
We have the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an effective date. This policy will be reviewed annually. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about our Site. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.
Your acceptance of these terms
By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.
Contacting us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this Site, or your dealings with this Site, please contact Ark Animal Hospital, 6171 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92111, telephone number 858-277-3665, or by email: toarkahsd@gmail.com.
This document was last updated on March 5, 2026
