OFFICE HOURS URGENT CARE

Need immediate care? We handle urgent cases Mon-Fri during office hours. For after-hours ER, please contact a 24/7 facility.

📞 CALL 615.778.0880

General Practice Board-Certified Specialist for Dogs & Cats on Staff

The Same Doctor Every Visit - 30 Years of Independent Excellence in Franklin

Led by a general practice board-certified specialist for dogs and cats. No rotating doctors who don’t know your pet’s complete history—just independent, elite-level care for your pet’s everyday wellness.

After Hours Emergency?

See our referring emergency veterinarians.

New Accepted Payment Methods

Enjoy faster, contactless payments with Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Key Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Neighborhood Vet

"Not all veterinary care is created equal. Ensure your pet gets dedicated, expert care."

From board certification to dedicated surgical anesthesia specialists and exotic pet expertise, knowing who cares for your pet makes all the difference. At Animal Ark Animal Hospital, we bring nearly 30 years of local commitment, continuous care with the same doctor, and same-day urgent care availability.

🔍 Explore the 6 Questions Every Pet Parent Should Ask

Happy Pets, Happy People

See what our clients are saying about us!

Daniel Ameneiro

2 days ago

Dr.Chen was wonderful with my turtle! She was very gentle, caring, and knowledgeable. She took the time to explain everything clearly and provided me with helpful information about my turtle’s health and care. I truly appreciate her patience and dedication. Highly recommend Dr. Chen to anyone looking for a compassionate and knowledgeable exotic pet veterinarian and the staff was super friendly too!

Jacob Shelton

3 days ago

Animal Ark has always been a pleasure to work with! The staff is absolutely incredible and genuinely cares about my pup’s wellbeing. I’m greeted every time with friendly faces and professional service. Dr. Pellis was great to work with, super knowledgeable and caring, taking the time to answer/explain every question I had. Animal Ark is the place to be!

eryn barker

17 days ago

Absolutely great vibes and great care

T Wright

22 days ago

The doctors and all the staff here are amazing

Eric C

22 days ago

Great staff great Doc!

Christian Madison

24 days ago

Very friendly staff

Catherine Wardach

24 days ago

What a great experience, it’s very apparent that the entire staff really cares about your pets! I truly appreciated the education and attention we received today. Thank you and we will definitely be back for future needs.

Kenzi Lewis

26 days ago

Dr Chen is amazing!!!!!!

Jasmine Cannady

31 days ago

The staff (especially Dr. Pellis) is beyond PHENOMENAL!! They always talk through options with me and NEVER try to up charge me. I always feel like they balance being good financial stewards and wise counsel on my dog's health. I feel so at ease that I can trust them to look through everything with that lens with me! They care for my dog as if it was their own! My dog actually enjoys going to the vet! And the staff has remained the same for years, so we get to know each other like family which is so special! There's no place like Animal Ark!

Souvik Chaudhury

36 days ago

We recently relocated our pup-Lilly from the USA to India and the clinic made a complicated process remarkably smooth. Their team guided us through every requirement, prepared the necessary health and travel documents, and answered our questions promptly and patiently. They were knowledgeable about international pet travel regulations and ensured that everything was completed accurately and on time. We are very grateful for their professionalism, support and attention to detail. Highly recommend them for international pet relocation assistance. Special thanks to Caitlin@Animal Ark!

Kristin Bankston

45 days ago

Front desk and staff are always so pleasant and super helpful, they love my dogs as much as I do. Dr Paula takes so much time and attention to address any concerns that I might have. Everybody treats my pet like they are an extended part of their family. Highly recommend.

Daxx Dunn

45 days ago

Dr Paula is the best! Very knowledgeable and caring with our lab pup!

jenny clarke

45 days ago

Literally everyone at Animal Ark is AMAZING! I’ve been with Animal Ark for 10 years and I’ll be with forever. Dr Paula has all the knowledge and skill but is also compassionate and caring. Dana is literally the best. She truly cares about people and animals. She was right there with me in all the good times and the hard ones too. She is a blessing to everyone she meets! Love her!

Ruthann

46 days ago

We have been taking our doggies (Cavaliers) to Animal Ark for 18 years...we've lived in Davidson County and still drive 25 minutes back to Franklin for our veterinary care b/c we know and love the staff (Dana at the front desk is AMAZING!) Dr. Paula and her team know our animals and remember everything about them and take the BEST care of them!!

Lydia Farley

46 days ago

Love the front desk ladies! Their customer service is fantastic🙌🙌

Heather O'Connell

48 days ago

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Animal Ark Veterinary Hospital in Franklin! Every single person there is kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about both you and your pets. From the moment you walk through the door, Athena greets you with such warmth and kindness that you immediately feel like family. She sets the tone for the entire experience. The technicians, support staff, and veterinarians are equally amazing—they are patient, understanding, supportive, and always willing to do everything they can to accommodate your needs and make sure your pets receive the very best care. You never feel rushed or like you’re just another appointment. They truly care about your fur babies as if they were their own, and that kind of compassion is rare to find. Animal Ark gives me complete peace of mind. I trust them wholeheartedly with our fur babies, and I know anyone who brings their pets there will feel that same level of care, trust, and compassion. I am incredibly grateful to have found such an exceptional veterinary team.

Premium Care Without Premium Drama

Thirty years serving Franklin’s most discerning pet families. When you choose relationship-based veterinary care, you get the same doctor who knows your pet’s personality, your family’s preferences, and your pet’s complete medical story. No starting over. No explaining their history to strangers. Just consistent, expert care from people who genuinely know and care about your pet.

Explore our services below, or click the link below to view all the services we offer.

Wellness & Vaccines

We provide thorough wellness exams, lab work, and tailored vaccinations, recommending annual checkups for pets under 7 and bi-annual exams for older pets.

Surgery & Spay/Neuter

Our Franklin, TN team performs various surgeries, including spays, neuters, and mass removals, using advanced equipment and strict safety protocols for optimal care.

Diagnostics

We offer advanced diagnostics, including lab testing and imaging, to quickly and accurately assess your pet’s health.

Dental Care

Healthy teeth reflect overall well-being, so we provide professional cleanings and at-home care guidance to prevent dental disease.

Why Franklin’s Pet Owners Trust Animal Ark

Since 2002, Animal Ark Animal Hospital has proudly served generations of pets and families. We are independently owned and operated, offering advanced in-house diagnostics, innovative treatment options, and immediate same-day appointments to meet your pet’s needs quickly.

Our lead veterinarian is Board Certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners—a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of veterinarians.

We partner with board-certified specialists nationwide, including mobile specialists who come directly to our hospital, ensuring your pet always has access to top-level expertise.

Advanced Anesthesia Care 

Your pet’s safety is our top priority. Our board-certified nurse anesthetist, Hanna Copley, creates personalized anesthesia plans, closely monitors every procedure, and ensures a safe, smooth recovery. With her advanced training and experience, even pets with complex health needs are in expert hands.

Same-Day Appointments for Urgent Needs

Life is unpredictable. That’s why Animal Ark offers same-day appointments for urgent issues, giving you peace of mind when your pet needs care fast.

Dog and Cat Dental Care in Franklin, TN – Supporting Oral and Overall Health

Animal Ark Animal Hospital provides compassionate dental and veterinary care for both dogs and cats in Franklin, with a focus on identifying oral health concerns and promoting long-term comfort and wellness. Professional Dog and Cat Dental Care in Franklin, TN helps address plaque and tartar buildup, dental disease, damaged teeth, and other oral conditions that can impact a pet’s ability to eat, play, and maintain overall health. Regular dental evaluations allow pet owners to monitor changes such as bad breath, difficulty chewing, drooling, gum concerns, or visible buildup on the teeth, helping support healthier smiles and improved quality of life for their pets.

A Comprehensive Approach to Your Dog’s Care

Dental health is only one part of your dog’s overall well-being. When you work with a veterinarian in Franklin, TN, routine examinations and appropriate diagnostic care can help provide a broader understanding of your pet’s health. Our dental services include comprehensive oral examinations, dental X-rays, professional cleaning, polishing, and tooth-by-tooth inspection under anesthesia. Extractions may also be performed when medically necessary.

Veterinary Care Available for Franklin Pets

Our team provides access to a range of services designed to address different health needs, including:

Professional dental examinations and cleanings
Preventive wellness and vaccination services
Advanced diagnostic testing and imaging
Surgical and anesthesia services
Acupuncture For Dogs
Urgent veterinary care during regular office hours

Choosing an Animal Hospital in Franklin, TN, with access to multiple veterinary services can make it easier to coordinate your pet’s ongoing care. Acupuncture may be incorporated into an appropriate treatment plan to help manage pain, support mobility, and promote comfort.

Experience Supported by Advanced Veterinary Expertise

For families searching for a Board Certified Vet in Franklin TN, the practice is led by a Board-Certified Specialist in Canine and Feline Practice and also works with board-certified specialists when advanced expertise is needed. Animal Ark Animal Hospital combines this level of veterinary knowledge with relationship-based care, helping Franklin pet owners make informed decisions about dental health, preventive medicine, treatment, and their pets’ changing needs.

Online Pet Pharmacy

Convenient, trusted, and delivered right to your door—order your pet’s medications and food online through our secure pharmacy.

Animal Ark Animal Hospital team and facility – Franklin, TN veterinary clinic

Animal Ark Animal Hospital interior – Pet-friendly veterinary clinic in Franklin, TN

Veterinary care at Animal Ark Animal Hospital – Franklin, TN animal hospital

Send us a Message!

We’d love to get in contact with you!

New Accepted Payment methods

Contact Info

Phone: (615) 778-0880

Email: reception@aaahtn.com

Address:
1115 West McEwen Drive
Franklin, TN 37067

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Vet

Discover how Animal Ark Animal Hospital sets the standard for pet care in Franklin, TN.

Is your veterinarian board-certified?

Dr. Schuerer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners — one of approximately 12 board-certified small animal practitioners in Tennessee. This certification requires a rigorous two-day examination and renewal every ten years. The majority of general practice veterinarians are not board-certified.

Will I see the same doctor every visit?

Yes. At Animal Ark, you see Dr. Schuerer every visit. She knows your pet's history, your preferences, and your financial situation. There are no rotating doctors, no starting over, and no explaining your pet's story to a stranger.

Who manages anesthesia during surgery?

Animal Ark has a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia (VTS) on staff — the equivalent of a nurse anesthetist. This is rare in a general practice and means your pet's anesthesia is managed by a credentialed specialist, not a general technician.

Can you treat exotic animals?

Yes. Dr. Monica Chen sees a wide variety of exotic species including birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, and other small mammals. Most general practices treat exotic patients without appropriate training. Dr. Chen brings dedicated experience.

How long has the practice been in Franklin?

Nearly 30 years. Dr. Schuerer knows the regional disease patterns, the specialist network, the local environment, and the community. That depth of local knowledge is not transferable.

Do you offer same-day appointments?

Yes, for urgent cases during office hours, Monday through Friday. You will not be told to wait a week for a sick pet.

Corporate vs. Independent: Who Truly Owns Your Neighborhood Vet?

"Know if your vet is a private equity-owned practice."

Did you know that many local animal clinics in the Williamson County area have silently been bought out by massive corporate investment firms? This structural shift often brings rotating doctors, rigid corporate sales quotas, and sudden price hikes. At Animal Ark Animal Hospital, we have proudly remained 100% independently owned as a proud business member of the community since 2002, serving Franklin, TN pet families with trusted, relationship-driven veterinary care from the exact same doctor every single visit.

🔍 Check Your Current Vet's Ownership Status

Frequently Asked Questions

Animal Ark Animal Hospital provides comprehensive dental care, including an oral examination, dental X-rays, ultrasonic scaling, polishing, and a tooth-by-tooth inspection under anesthesia. When necessary, extractions may also be performed to address diseased or damaged teeth.

Possible signs of dental disease include persistent bad breath, drooling, bloody saliva, difficulty chewing, dropping food, yellow or brown buildup on the teeth, pawing at the mouth, or avoiding contact around the face. A veterinary examination can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Board certification represents advanced training and demonstrated expertise beyond standard veterinary licensing requirements. The practice's lead veterinarian is Board Certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Canine and Feline Practice.

Veterinary acupuncture can be used as part of an integrative treatment approach to help manage pain, improve mobility, support healing, and promote overall comfort. Whether it is appropriate depends on the individual dog’s condition and veterinary assessment.

Animal Ark Animal Hospital provides dental care, wellness and vaccinations, diagnostics, surgery, advanced anesthesia, acupuncture, nutrition services, urgent care during regular hours, and other veterinary services. This range of care allows pet owners to address routine and changing health needs with an established veterinary team.