Clinic’s vets combine abilities to solve difficult cases
In business since 1978, Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic in Little Rock has quite a history of providing highquality medical care for pets. Dr. Brent Koonce, co-owner of the clinic with his wife, Dr. Allison Koonce, cited the clinic staff’s commitment to the clients and pets they serve as what makes the clinic stand out among others.
This approach has once again earned the practice the title of Best Veterinary Clinic in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s 2023 Best of the Best readers’ poll.
“We are very thankful for our loyal clients who see and appreciate all of our hard work,” Brent Koonce said.
Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic also won the honor in 2021 and was a finalist in the category in 2020 and 2022.
Koonce said improving the patients’ quality of life is one of his favorite things about working at Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic.
And one of the practice’s guiding principles that helps achieve this goal is to work on “building strong relationships with pet owners in order to provide individualized care for their pets,” Koonce said. Another is to “educate our clients so they can make an informed decision about the care their animal receives.”
Another favorite aspect of his work is serving the community, and giving back to its residents in various ways is a continuation of the clinic’s work, Koonce said.
“We frequently care for animals from a local shelter whenever called upon,” Koonce said. “Oftentimes, these are abuse or neglect cases, and these animals would otherwise not get the care they deserve, due to finances or extenuating circumstances.”
The Koonces purchased the clinic almost 10 years ago, in February 2014, with the mission of providing excellence in veterinary care for the lifetime of each pet the practice treats, and the clinic’s team of five veterinarians pooling their talents and abilities to achieve that goal. The others are Drs. Aubren Cabe, Maggie Phillips and Kimberly Sadler.
“We frequently, if not always, consult with each other on complex cases and assist each other in difficult surgeries,” Koonce said. “We love solving problems, and having five veterinarians who enjoy working together definitely helps.”
Drs. Allison and Brent Koonce credit their entire staff, who take great pride in their work, with the teamwork that makes Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic a success and their work so rewarding.
“It is not just a job, but a passion of ours,” Brent Koonce said. “We love what we do.”