Our Practice goes back 35 years but the changes into its current form began in 1989, when the founding partner, Marcus Harrington, joined. He ran the Practice single-handedly until 1993 when Peter Busfield joined. Peter emigrated to Australia in November 1996. During this time the Practice grew rapidly. We came to pride ourselves in the quality of work done and the level of success. We were always mindful, as we remain now, of the need to care for every patient and listen to every client.

In June 1996 the Practice expanded its services by acquiring an Ambulance. In November of the same year we took over the whole of the premises at 14, Church Lane and in December 96 opened our own Clipping and Grooming Parlour.

As the Practice continued to grow, Peter Busfield was replaced by 2 vets; Peter van der Eijk and Dr Kate Middleton. Kate left in May 99 to travel and was herself replaced by 2 vets. Thus within 8 years a 1 vet practice had expanded into a 4 vet Practice, a growth unmatched by any other local Practices.

Peter van der Eijk left in 2001 to join his partner Milja in Durham. He is credited with bringing the Practice into the age of technology and introducing advanced equipment. He was a hugely popular vet remembered with affection for his friendliness and enthusiasm.

Peter van der Eijk's departure happily coincided with the return from Australia of Peter Busfield. He and Marcus Harrington have since become partners thus sharing the load of responsibility and commiting both their futures to the Ark.

In May 98 a major refurbishment was completed. This included improvements to our area of sales of pet products and accessories, including our range of Hill's Pet Nutrition. Air conditioning was installed, the Practice invested in new hospitalisation kennels and an ultrasound machine and the computer system was upgraded.

By this time it could truly be said that the type of Practice envisioned 10 years before had been built.

As the Practice entered the new Millennium the growth that occurred in the 1990’s was consolidated. The Ark now is established as a mature local Practice operating to high clinical standards and offering continuity and familiarity of staff. The 2 partners have over 50 years of experience between, most of it here in Colchester. Julie Mair, who joined in 1999, has since then offered the option of the “lady vet” and is currently enjoying her Maternity Leave.

We are very proud of our staff retention levels which is a good indicator of Practice morale. Sue, our Head Nurse, has been with us for 14 years, Kate, our Head Receptionist, for 12 years and Shirley Haxell for even longer than either of the partners.

Inevitably there is some turn over of staff and many clients will remember Penny Taylor for her infectious enthusiasm and thoroughness. Penny left in December 2005 to return to her beloved Bristol. Her replacement is Elaine Fox, another local young lady vet of whom we have high expectations.

We are the vets chosen by Colchester Cat Rescue to treat their rescued cats. We are honoured to have this position. Marcus Harrington and Peter Busfield are also the Veterinary Superintendents at a local quarantine station and visit 6 days a week. The Pets Passport scheme has added to our business. It is a joy to enable clients to travel abroad with their pets.

The theme of the Practice remains "Total care for your pets under one roof" and is built on these four main points:-

Superbly equipped air-conditioned Veterinary Surgery
Clipping and Grooming Parlour
Animal Ambulance
Sales of pet food and health accessories.

The Practice has also issued a mission statement:-

"To become as fully involved as possible in our patients' well-being, with advanced and thorough therapeutic and preventive medicine, being sensitive to the care of our patients and the concerns of our clients."