Featured Clinic Overview
## Summary Bard Vets Ltd describes itself as an independent practice, with ongoing investment in up-to-date equipment and continuing professional education. Based on both clinic data and reviews, it appears set up for routine care and urgent cases, with multiple mentions of being seen at short notice and via an emergency line (including an overnight call-out). Concrete specifics owners mention include: - Being seen “straight away” for an unwell dog and sent home with a thorough exam and medication. - Early-morning emergency access, with one owner describing being helped at 3.30am, and another being booked in first thing after calling the emergency line. - Telephone support and flexibility, including advice over the phone, last-minute appointments, and a review describing staff being patient when the owner called back later the same day to double-check progress. ## Services - Emergency veterinary services (clinic data), with reviews describing contacting an emergency line and being helped overnight. - General consultations for acute illness, including examination and prescribed medication (as described by clients). - Routine preventive care, with booster vaccinations (“booster jabs”) mentioned. - Veterinary nurse training facility (clinic data). ## People - Alan (vet): Mentioned by name as a dog’s vet “till the end,” with the owner highlighting his help during an end-of-life situation. - Keith: Credited with helping at 3.30am during a dog’s stroke and making the family feel comfortable and supported. - More generally, reviewers repeatedly describe vets being thorough in assessments and supportive with anxious owners, including taking follow-up calls the same day without making the owner feel dismissed. ## Reviews Google rating: 4.9 stars from 220 reviews. “Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.” - Fast access when it matters, including last-minute appointments, being seen straight away when a pet fell ill, and emergency-line help first thing in the morning. - Out-of-hours support is specifically described (including a 3.30am emergency). - Thorough examinations and clear plans, with medication provided after assessment for an acutely unwell dog. - Long-term loyalty: multiple reviewers say they’ve used the practice for 30+ years, suggesting consistent experiences over time. - Supportive communication, including phone advice and willingness to reassure owners who call back with concerns later the same day.
Showing 1-10 of 14 clinics
Dryfe Vets Ltd describes itself as an independent practice providing care for pets, horses, and farm animals, and says it provides its own out-of-hours cover (so emergency cases are seen by one of the practice vets). The clinic moved into modernised premises in early 2022 and lists purpose-built facilities including 5 consulting rooms, 2 operating theatres, separate cat and dog waiting areas, a dedicated cat consulting room, and separate cat/dog/isolation-exotic wards. It is also listed as a Veterinary Nurse Training facility. In recent reviews, owners frequently mention fast admin and appointment turnaround (including a same/next-day booking and rapid transfer of records), clear diagnostic reasoning and treatment plans (one owner reported getting a diagnosis and plan within about half an hour), and surgical care with structured handover (a nurse handing a pet back after surgery was specifically mentioned). One recent negative review reports an unpleasant reception interaction, a £140 quote for a consultation and euthanasia, discussion of emergency charges, and being refused an appointment, which conflicts with other reviewers’ experiences of helpful reception support.
Dryfe Vets Ltd describes itself as an independent practice providing care for pets, horses, and farm animals, and says it provides its own out-of-hours cover (so emergency cases are seen by one of the practice vets). The clinic moved into modernised premises in early 2022 and lists purpose-built facilities including 5 consulting rooms, 2 operating theatres, separate cat and dog waiting areas, a dedicated cat consulting room, and separate cat/dog/isolation-exotic wards. It is also listed as a Veterinary Nurse Training facility. In recent reviews, owners frequently mention fast admin and appointment turnaround (including a same/next-day booking and rapid transfer of records), clear diagnostic reasoning and treatment plans (one owner reported getting a diagnosis and plan within about half an hour), and surgical care with structured handover (a nurse handing a pet back after surgery was specifically mentioned). One recent negative review reports an unpleasant reception interaction, a £140 quote for a consultation and euthanasia, discussion of emergency charges, and being refused an appointment, which conflicts with other reviewers’ experiences of helpful reception support.
Charnwood Veterinary Centre describes itself as an independent, veterinary-owned practice (established 1937) and an RCVS-accredited clinic. It appears set up for both domestic pets and farm animals, with on-site diagnostics (including X-ray, ultrasound and in-house lab tests) and routine + emergency surgery listed. The website states out-of-hours emergencies are covered by its own veterinary surgeons, so clients don’t need to travel elsewhere for emergency cover. In recent reviews, owners most often mention confidence in the vets’ care, but there are also accounts of delays/ineffective treatment for an ear problem and poor follow-through on a new-client enquiry.
Charnwood Veterinary Centre describes itself as an independent, veterinary-owned practice (established 1937) and an RCVS-accredited clinic. It appears set up for both domestic pets and farm animals, with on-site diagnostics (including X-ray, ultrasound and in-house lab tests) and routine + emergency surgery listed. The website states out-of-hours emergencies are covered by its own veterinary surgeons, so clients don’t need to travel elsewhere for emergency cover. In recent reviews, owners most often mention confidence in the vets’ care, but there are also accounts of delays/ineffective treatment for an ear problem and poor follow-through on a new-client enquiry.
Our Score (82/100)
Firth Veterinary Centre describes itself as providing a complete veterinary service for both farm animals and domestic pets, with 24-hour emergency cover available. Reviews most often talk about routine care (annual check-ups and boosters) as well as more serious support, including emergency treatment for a very sick dog and end-of-life care for cats. Owners also mention follow-through on day-to-day problems (one cat treated for a skin rash with antibiotics) and specific injury care (a cat with a tail injury after it was trapped in a door). Ownership (independent vs corporate group) isn’t stated in the information provided, though one reviewer explicitly said they were trying to avoid “large conglomerates” and chose Firth based on recommendations.
Firth Veterinary Centre describes itself as providing a complete veterinary service for both farm animals and domestic pets, with 24-hour emergency cover available. Reviews most often talk about routine care (annual check-ups and boosters) as well as more serious support, including emergency treatment for a very sick dog and end-of-life care for cats. Owners also mention follow-through on day-to-day problems (one cat treated for a skin rash with antibiotics) and specific injury care (a cat with a tail injury after it was trapped in a door). Ownership (independent vs corporate group) isn’t stated in the information provided, though one reviewer explicitly said they were trying to avoid “large conglomerates” and chose Firth based on recommendations.
Nithsdale Vets Limited
Thornhill
Our Score (77/100)
Nithsdale Vets Limited states on its website that it provides 24-hour emergency cover (24/7, 365 days a year). It also promotes a Pet Health Club® Plus plan where consultations are included (ownership/group backing isn’t stated in the information provided). From the latest reviews, owners most often describe: - End-of-life support, including a home visit euthanasia attended by a vet and nurse, with reception staff (named) helping make the process easier. - Being fitted in despite a busy schedule for a dog that became unwell before travel. - Aftercare and “next steps” being discussed in detail after treatment—though a small number of reviews report the opposite, warning of poor verbal communication and advising clients to read written notes carefully.
Nithsdale Vets Limited states on its website that it provides 24-hour emergency cover (24/7, 365 days a year). It also promotes a Pet Health Club® Plus plan where consultations are included (ownership/group backing isn’t stated in the information provided). From the latest reviews, owners most often describe: - End-of-life support, including a home visit euthanasia attended by a vet and nurse, with reception staff (named) helping make the process easier. - Being fitted in despite a busy schedule for a dog that became unwell before travel. - Aftercare and “next steps” being discussed in detail after treatment—though a small number of reviews report the opposite, warning of poor verbal communication and advising clients to read written notes carefully.
Ark Veterinary Centre Limited
Lockerbie
Our Score (76/100)
Ark Veterinary Centre Limited is an employee-owned, independent five-centre mixed practice. Based on its own service descriptions, it’s set up for both everyday pet care and more complex work across small animals, equine, and farm animals, with in-house diagnostics plus surgical and hospitalisation facilities. Recent reviews back up that range with specific examples including treatment for a dog with stomach cancer, a surgical operation with “before, during and after” care, urgent stitches after an attack where the pet was seen “nearly straight away,” and an emergency fish-hook removal from a dog’s throat. Several owners also describe supportive end-of-life care, including a home euthanasia and help around collecting ashes.
Ark Veterinary Centre Limited is an employee-owned, independent five-centre mixed practice. Based on its own service descriptions, it’s set up for both everyday pet care and more complex work across small animals, equine, and farm animals, with in-house diagnostics plus surgical and hospitalisation facilities. Recent reviews back up that range with specific examples including treatment for a dog with stomach cancer, a surgical operation with “before, during and after” care, urgent stitches after an attack where the pet was seen “nearly straight away,” and an emergency fish-hook removal from a dog’s throat. Several owners also describe supportive end-of-life care, including a home euthanasia and help around collecting ashes.
Ark Veterinary Centre Limited describes itself as a mixed practice offering care for small animals, horses/ponies/donkeys, and farm animals, and says it is independently run and owned by its employees. The practice highlights modern hospitalisation and surgical facilities plus a full range of in-house diagnostics. Recent reviews most often mention support through serious illness and end-of-life care (including at-home euthanasia), as well as urgent injury treatment (e.g., stitches after an attack) and procedures/surgery with follow-up (“before, during and after her op”).
Ark Veterinary Centre Limited describes itself as a mixed practice offering care for small animals, horses/ponies/donkeys, and farm animals, and says it is independently run and owned by its employees. The practice highlights modern hospitalisation and surgical facilities plus a full range of in-house diagnostics. Recent reviews most often mention support through serious illness and end-of-life care (including at-home euthanasia), as well as urgent injury treatment (e.g., stitches after an attack) and procedures/surgery with follow-up (“before, during and after her op”).
Galloway Vets Ltd
Kirkcudbright
Our Score (73/100)
No corporate group ownership is mentioned in the available information. The clinic is described as able to handle urgent, same-day needs (including walk-ins without an appointment) and provides emergency veterinary services (24/7 or extended hours, as stated in the clinic data). In recent reviews, owners repeatedly mention clear explanations of treatment plans, staff taking time to support both pet and owner during sudden illness, and responsiveness such as calling back after speaking to the vet and offering an immediate appointment. Concrete examples mentioned include: seeing a walk-in with no appointment, arranging an immediate/same-day appointment after a receptionist consulted the vet, managing an unwell dog with constipation and a treatment plan that led to recovery, and providing support during a pet’s sudden illness and death.
No corporate group ownership is mentioned in the available information. The clinic is described as able to handle urgent, same-day needs (including walk-ins without an appointment) and provides emergency veterinary services (24/7 or extended hours, as stated in the clinic data). In recent reviews, owners repeatedly mention clear explanations of treatment plans, staff taking time to support both pet and owner during sudden illness, and responsiveness such as calling back after speaking to the vet and offering an immediate appointment. Concrete examples mentioned include: seeing a walk-in with no appointment, arranging an immediate/same-day appointment after a receptionist consulted the vet, managing an unwell dog with constipation and a treatment plan that led to recovery, and providing support during a pet’s sudden illness and death.
Ark Vet Centre Ltd
Dumfries
Our Score (71/100)
Ark Vet Centre Ltd is an independent, employee-owned mixed practice set up to treat small animals as well as equines and farm animals. The clinic describes modern hospitalisation and surgical facilities with in-house diagnostic techniques, and sells pet foods plus flea/worming products. From the latest reviews available to us, owners most often describe: - urgent help when something is actively bleeding (“immediate response to a bleed out emergency”) - ongoing management of chronic illness (a dog with heart failure) - support during end-of-life care, including being “gentle” when a long-term pet passed away - named team members being singled out for helping very unwell elderly dogs recover.
Ark Vet Centre Ltd is an independent, employee-owned mixed practice set up to treat small animals as well as equines and farm animals. The clinic describes modern hospitalisation and surgical facilities with in-house diagnostic techniques, and sells pet foods plus flea/worming products. From the latest reviews available to us, owners most often describe: - urgent help when something is actively bleeding (“immediate response to a bleed out emergency”) - ongoing management of chronic illness (a dog with heart failure) - support during end-of-life care, including being “gentle” when a long-term pet passed away - named team members being singled out for helping very unwell elderly dogs recover.
Nithsdale Farm Vets Ltd is a veterinary practice with very limited public information available from the sources provided. From the latest written review text available to us, it appears to provide care for dogs, with one reviewer stating the team “saved my dog’s life several times,” and describing the service as “kind” and “highly [expert].” The Google profile shows a 5-star rating from 1 review; the same review text appears twice in the data we received.
Nithsdale Farm Vets Ltd is a veterinary practice with very limited public information available from the sources provided. From the latest written review text available to us, it appears to provide care for dogs, with one reviewer stating the team “saved my dog’s life several times,” and describing the service as “kind” and “highly [expert].” The Google profile shows a 5-star rating from 1 review; the same review text appears twice in the data we received.