Founded on a steadfast commitment to providing exceptional veterinary care, Arguello Pet Hospital has been a cornerstone of the San Francisco pet community for decades. This enduring institution began its journey in the summer of 1968 when its founder was first hired as a kennel assistant, embarking on a path that would shape not only his career but also the lives of countless pets and their owners in the Bay Area.
The founder’s early days at Arguello Pet Hospital were instrumental in solidifying his ambition to pursue veterinary medicine. Working at the hospital while studying at the University of California, Davis, provided invaluable hands-on experience, a crucial stepping stone towards his acceptance into the prestigious School of Veterinary Medicine at Davis. Upon graduating in June 1974, he returned to Arguello Pet Hospital, this time as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, joining Elmo Shropshire, DVM, and commencing his professional journey.
In 1982, a significant chapter unfolded as he acquired Arguello Pet Hospital from Dr. Shropshire. At that time, it was a modest practice comprised of a single veterinarian, a technician, and a receptionist. Driven by an unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier medical services and unparalleled client care, he poured his heart and soul into the hospital. This commitment fueled remarkable growth, transforming Arguello Pet Hospital into the thriving multi-doctor practice it is today, boasting a team of six veterinarians and over twenty dedicated staff members. Each member of the Arguello Pet Hospital team shares a common ethos: to provide compassionate and comprehensive care for every patient, fostering strong bonds with pet owners, and supporting each other within a collaborative environment.
Family has always been intertwined with the story of Arguello Pet Hospital. While his eldest daughter, Cecily, dedicates her career to education as a second-grade teacher in the Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program at Rosa Parks in San Francisco, his youngest daughter, Jamie Ina, DVM, has followed in her father’s footsteps. A graduate of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, in June 2008, Dr. Jamie Ina joined Arguello Pet Hospital and has been practicing alongside her father, carrying forward the hospital’s legacy into the next generation.
After four decades of unwavering service to the San Francisco pet community at Arguello Pet Hospital, the founder faced health challenges that necessitated a medical leave from July to December 2014. Following this period of recovery and with his health improved, he made the decision to retire from the daily practice of veterinary medicine. Words cannot fully express his gratitude to the countless clients who entrusted their beloved pets to his care throughout the years. The friendships forged and the unwavering trust placed in him are deeply cherished and sincerely missed.
As of January 1, 2015, while no longer seeing patients, the founder remains connected to Arguello Pet Hospital in a managerial capacity, supporting his daughter, Dr. Jamie Ina, who has assumed the role of Medical Director and Chief of Staff. While his presence at the hospital may now be in a different capacity, his dedication and influence continue to guide Arguello Pet Hospital, ensuring its ongoing commitment to exceptional veterinary care for the San Francisco community. The transition marks not an end, but a new chapter in the ongoing story of Arguello Pet Hospital, a testament to enduring values and a family’s commitment to animal health.
