About
A small clinic, on purpose
We started Wagtail in 2012 because we wanted to practice the way we’d want our own pets cared for: unhurried, honest and local.
Our story
Dr. Okafor opened with three employees and a borrowed ultrasound
Ada Okafor had spent eight years in busy practices, and she kept thinking about the conversations she hadn’t had time for. In 2012 she opened Wagtail on West Heron Street, with three employees, a borrowed ultrasound and a waiting room she painted herself.
We’ve stayed small on purpose. Two vets, a technician and a front desk means you’ll usually see the same faces, and that your dog’s name will be known when you walk in. We don’t board, groom or sell products you don’t need. We just try to look after dogs and cats well, and to explain what we find.
- 2012opened in Boise
- 5people on our team
- 4.9★average Google rating
- Dogs & catsall ages, all sizes
Meet the team
Click a name to read more about them.
Ada Okafor, DVM
Founder & veterinarian
Opened Wagtail in 2012 after eight years in busy general and emergency practice. Loves first puppy visits, senior dogs and cats who hate the carrier.
Licensed in Idaho
More about Ada Okafor, DVM
Ben Larkin, DVM
Veterinarian
Joined in 2018. Has a soft spot for senior pets, dental care and soft-tissue surgery, and a talent for making a nervous dog laugh.
Licensed in Idaho
More about Ben Larkin, DVM
Tess Alvarado, CVT
Veterinary technician
Our certified veterinary technician since 2015. Runs puppy and kitten visits, vaccine appointments and the lab, and holds the cats.
Certified veterinary technician (CVT)
More about Tess Alvarado, CVT
Sam Haddad
Front desk lead
The first voice you’ll hear. Sam answers the phones, finds you a time, and remembers your pet’s name, and usually your pet’s favorite treat.
More about Sam Haddad
Renee Whitlock
Practice manager
Keeps the clinic running: billing, estimates, insurance paperwork and records. The person to call about a bill or a pay link.
More about Renee Whitlock
What our clients say
- ★★★★★
“Moose is terrified of every vet’s office in the valley. Dr. Okafor sat on the floor with him for ten minutes before she touched a stethoscope, and he walked out wagging. I cried a little in the parking lot.”
Marisol T.Wellness exam, anxious dogReview on Google - ★★★★★
“We brought home a goldendoodle puppy with zero idea what we were doing. Tess walked us through the whole first four months and showed us how to brush teeth. Every visit was on the calendar before we left.”
Jared & Priya K.Puppy planReview on Google - ★★★★★
“Gus is fourteen. Dr. Larkin never rushed us, told us what’s normal for his age and what isn’t, and wrote down a plan for his stiff days. Plain English, and the price in writing before anything started.”
Linda H.Senior visitReview on Google
Come say hello
Book a first visit, or stop by with questions. We’re happy to show you around.