Featured Clinic Overview
## Summary University-affiliated small-animal hospital run through the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and explicitly listed as a veterinary nurse training facility. Based on client accounts, it appears set up for referrals and complex/serious cases as well as planned procedures, with owners repeatedly describing clear explanations and frequent updates during inpatient stays. Examples mentioned include dental procedures with aftercare, regular acupuncture sessions, imaging and inpatient treatment for acute kidney issues, and major surgery planning/aftercare for an adrenal tumour linked with Cushing’s disease (including photos and check-ins while the dog was hospitalised). ## Services Services and care types explicitly mentioned in the available information include: - Veterinary nurse training facility (stated in clinic data). - Dentistry: dental procedure with “procedure and aftercare” described as excellent (review detail). - Acupuncture: “regular acupuncture sessions” for a dog (review detail). - Emergency/referral care: an owner describes attending “as an emergency” via a priority referral (review detail). - Diagnostics and inpatient medical management: imaging, IV fluids and antibiotics for a cat with very high creatinine/kidney values; reported improvement back to normal values (review detail). - Neurology/orthopaedic-type case support: inpatient support after paralysis from a slipped disc (review detail). - Soft-tissue surgery and peri-operative communication: adrenal tumour removal discussed as high-risk; owners describe decision support and ongoing updates (review detail). - Chronic problem work-up: time spent “getting to the bottom” of a dog’s ear problems (review detail). ## People Named staff who are specifically mentioned in reviews: - Angus: credited with a dog’s dental procedure and aftercare being “excellent.” - Maaike: provided ongoing acupuncture sessions; the dog “adored” her (owner phrasing). - Fiona: described as especially kind during end-of-life care for a greyhound. - Albert (vet): repeatedly praised for walking owners through conditions step-by-step, explaining complex issues clearly, and maintaining transparent communication during a cat’s stay. - Joel and Esther: thanked for hands-on care during a cat’s emergency referral/inpatient treatment (antibiotics/fluids/imaging mentioned). - Sophie (vet): described as taking time to investigate a dog’s ear problems; owner explicitly noted not feeling rushed. - Sofia: described as quick to respond to questions and thorough with information during a high-risk adrenal tumour case. - Kathryn Pratschke (Senior Surgeon): noted for helping an owner make an informed decision about adrenal tumour surgery. ## Reviews Google rating: 4.8 stars from 150 reviews. “Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.” - Frequent, detailed communication: multiple owners describe staff explaining what will be done, not rushing consultations, and providing regular updates (including twice-daily calls during a multi-day stay, and photos/messages while a dog was hospitalised). - Complex and urgent cases are commonly mentioned: examples include very high kidney values requiring imaging/fluids/antibiotics, paralysis from a slipped disc, and adrenal tumour surgery associated with Cushing’s disease. - Aftercare and continuity: owners mention strong post-procedure support (comprehensive post-op instructions, dressings and medications; “aftercare was excellent”), and “continuity of care from start to finish.” - Kindness during difficult moments: one owner specifically highlights compassionate support when their dog was euthanised/declined, alongside the medical care.
Showing 1-10 of 36 clinics
Hill City Vets describes itself as a fully independent, family-owned veterinary practice (not part of a corporate group). Based on the website info and recent reviews, it appears set up as a general-practice clinic with a personal, small-team feel—owners repeatedly mention an “independent” and “family run” setup. Concrete details available include dedicated treatment rooms and an on-site coffee shop; reviews specifically mention care for a kitten and attentive, helpful handling during visits.
Hill City Vets describes itself as a fully independent, family-owned veterinary practice (not part of a corporate group). Based on the website info and recent reviews, it appears set up as a general-practice clinic with a personal, small-team feel—owners repeatedly mention an “independent” and “family run” setup. Concrete details available include dedicated treatment rooms and an on-site coffee shop; reviews specifically mention care for a kitten and attentive, helpful handling during visits.
Heritage Vets Ltd is described on its website as an independent practice run by veterinary surgeons Sara and Becky. Based on the website and recent reviews, the clinic appears set up for a mix of routine and more involved care, including keyhole surgery, nurse clinics, home visits, and end‑of‑life care. Owners repeatedly mention staff taking time to discuss options during consultations, being responsive to questions (including quick replies via email), and small practical touches like water available for dogs. Several reviews also highlight a cost-conscious approach, including staff helping clients find cheaper prices for food/medication.
Heritage Vets Ltd is described on its website as an independent practice run by veterinary surgeons Sara and Becky. Based on the website and recent reviews, the clinic appears set up for a mix of routine and more involved care, including keyhole surgery, nurse clinics, home visits, and end‑of‑life care. Owners repeatedly mention staff taking time to discuss options during consultations, being responsive to questions (including quick replies via email), and small practical touches like water available for dogs. Several reviews also highlight a cost-conscious approach, including staff helping clients find cheaper prices for food/medication.
Oak Tree Vet Centre
Edinburgh
Our Score (85/100)
Oak Tree Vet Centre has been providing veterinary care since the 1990s and lists services ranging from routine preventative care to rehab-style treatments (physiotherapy and hydrotherapy). Recent reviews repeatedly mention staff taking time to keep pets calm during visits (including using peanut butter to help a nervous dog relax) and being accommodating when owners need help. End-of-life care is also specifically referenced, with one owner highlighting a staff member, Jen, for professional and sympathetic support during euthanasia.
Oak Tree Vet Centre has been providing veterinary care since the 1990s and lists services ranging from routine preventative care to rehab-style treatments (physiotherapy and hydrotherapy). Recent reviews repeatedly mention staff taking time to keep pets calm during visits (including using peanut butter to help a nervous dog relax) and being accommodating when owners need help. End-of-life care is also specifically referenced, with one owner highlighting a staff member, Jen, for professional and sympathetic support during euthanasia.
ICR Veterinary Group Ltd
Loanhead
Our Score (87/100)
ICR Veterinary Group Ltd is set up to handle both routine appointments and out‑of‑hours emergencies, with multiple recent reviews describing emergency visits for cats and dogs. Owners repeatedly mention consultations where options are explained clearly and treatments are recommended only when needed; one reviewer describes being offered a written prescription for long‑term heart medication to reduce cost, plus advice on approved human over‑the‑counter alternatives. Several reviews also describe staff taking time with nervous pets (including a dog who was “not easy to work with”) and providing compassionate support during end‑of‑life situations, including offering payment options. There is some conflict in experiences of after‑hours help: while several people praise the out‑of‑hours team, one reviewer says they were “made it very difficult” to get help when calling with an emergency after leaving the practice.
ICR Veterinary Group Ltd is set up to handle both routine appointments and out‑of‑hours emergencies, with multiple recent reviews describing emergency visits for cats and dogs. Owners repeatedly mention consultations where options are explained clearly and treatments are recommended only when needed; one reviewer describes being offered a written prescription for long‑term heart medication to reduce cost, plus advice on approved human over‑the‑counter alternatives. Several reviews also describe staff taking time with nervous pets (including a dog who was “not easy to work with”) and providing compassionate support during end‑of‑life situations, including offering payment options. There is some conflict in experiences of after‑hours help: while several people praise the out‑of‑hours team, one reviewer says they were “made it very difficult” to get help when calling with an emergency after leaving the practice.
Dundas Veterinary Group Ltd is an independent, family-owned practice (established in the late 1970s) and is RCVS-accredited. Based on its stated facilities and services, it looks set up for both routine care and more involved investigations and surgery: it lists an in-house lab, digital imaging (including ultrasound and endoscopy), and a dedicated dental suite with digital dental radiography. In the latest reviews available to us, owners most often mention clear explanations from vets when asking questions, and helpful reception staff; one recent review specifically describes treatment for a dog’s fleas that resolved the itching after the right medication was given.
Dundas Veterinary Group Ltd is an independent, family-owned practice (established in the late 1970s) and is RCVS-accredited. Based on its stated facilities and services, it looks set up for both routine care and more involved investigations and surgery: it lists an in-house lab, digital imaging (including ultrasound and endoscopy), and a dedicated dental suite with digital dental radiography. In the latest reviews available to us, owners most often mention clear explanations from vets when asking questions, and helpful reception staff; one recent review specifically describes treatment for a dog’s fleas that resolved the itching after the right medication was given.
Abercorn Veterinary Clinics
Edinburgh
Our Score (84/100)
Ownership/group affiliation isn’t stated. The clinic traces its roots back to the 1960s and is set up for routine healthcare as well as diagnostic work, with modern surgical facilities plus in-house diagnostics including X‑ray and ultrasound. The website also notes RWAF Rabbit Friendly Status and care for dogs, cats, rabbits, and exotic pets. In recent reviews, owners most often mention long-term trust (including multi‑generation use), staff working deliberately to reduce stress for nervous/reactive dogs (one owner describes annual vaccinations done with “minimum stress”), and friendly reception/support alongside calm handling in consults.
Ownership/group affiliation isn’t stated. The clinic traces its roots back to the 1960s and is set up for routine healthcare as well as diagnostic work, with modern surgical facilities plus in-house diagnostics including X‑ray and ultrasound. The website also notes RWAF Rabbit Friendly Status and care for dogs, cats, rabbits, and exotic pets. In recent reviews, owners most often mention long-term trust (including multi‑generation use), staff working deliberately to reduce stress for nervous/reactive dogs (one owner describes annual vaccinations done with “minimum stress”), and friendly reception/support alongside calm handling in consults.
Animals 1st Vets Macmerry
Tranent
Our Score (82/100)
Animals 1st Vets Macmerry offers routine and preventative care alongside in-house diagnostics (laboratory testing plus ultrasound and X-rays) and a range of nurse-led services. The website also states 24/7 access to an online vet via Pawsquad, and the practice lists a Pet Health Club plan and a BOAS assessor under the RFG scheme. From the latest reviews, owners most often describe: - Thorough, unhurried consultations with clear explanations (including being shown how to do a treatment at home). - Help for anxious pets (one owner with a very fearful dog said the team “bent over backwards” to support them; another mentioned staff using a calming spray on a blanket in the waiting area). - Prompt action around surgery (a tumour case where the team “acted very quickly,” with good care described before and after the operation). There is also a conflicting account: one review reports “shocking service” and a serious complaint, described as occurring when “Mr Darlington was in charge.”
Animals 1st Vets Macmerry offers routine and preventative care alongside in-house diagnostics (laboratory testing plus ultrasound and X-rays) and a range of nurse-led services. The website also states 24/7 access to an online vet via Pawsquad, and the practice lists a Pet Health Club plan and a BOAS assessor under the RFG scheme. From the latest reviews, owners most often describe: - Thorough, unhurried consultations with clear explanations (including being shown how to do a treatment at home). - Help for anxious pets (one owner with a very fearful dog said the team “bent over backwards” to support them; another mentioned staff using a calming spray on a blanket in the waiting area). - Prompt action around surgery (a tumour case where the team “acted very quickly,” with good care described before and after the operation). There is also a conflicting account: one review reports “shocking service” and a serious complaint, described as occurring when “Mr Darlington was in charge.”
Thistle Vets Ltd
Edinburgh
Our Score (82/100)
Thistle Vets Ltd describes itself as an independent veterinary practice. Recent reviews mention care for small pets (a guinea pig) as well as cats, and one owner specifically describes a vet nurse (Jenny) taking time to listen through worries and walk them through options for an older pet. Reviews also show mixed experiences around end-of-life decisions: one reviewer states “put my cat down” without further context, while others report successful treatment and feeling their pet was well looked after. One owner calls it “expensive but worth it.” The clinic is also listed as a Veterinary Nurse Training facility.
Thistle Vets Ltd describes itself as an independent veterinary practice. Recent reviews mention care for small pets (a guinea pig) as well as cats, and one owner specifically describes a vet nurse (Jenny) taking time to listen through worries and walk them through options for an older pet. Reviews also show mixed experiences around end-of-life decisions: one reviewer states “put my cat down” without further context, while others report successful treatment and feeling their pet was well looked after. One owner calls it “expensive but worth it.” The clinic is also listed as a Veterinary Nurse Training facility.
Craigleith Vets4Pets Ltd
Edinburgh
Our Score (81/100)
Craigleith Vets4Pets Ltd is part of the Vets4Pets chain and operates from within a Pets at Home store. It’s set up for routine companion-animal care, with reviews specifically mentioning vaccinations, treatment for feline cystitis, blood testing, and structured weight-loss support. Recent feedback is mixed: several owners describe calm handling of anxious pets and prompt appointments, while one recent review reports a serious prescribing/dosing error for a cat (medication intended for dogs) followed by disputed charges and no refund. Concrete details owners mention include: - Weight management support with follow-up phone calls between check-ins. - Vaccinations handled quickly for anxious dogs. - Same-day appointment booking and prompt arrival-to-consult experience (per one reviewer). - A reported medication/dosage error leading to return visit and blood tests (per one reviewer).
Craigleith Vets4Pets Ltd is part of the Vets4Pets chain and operates from within a Pets at Home store. It’s set up for routine companion-animal care, with reviews specifically mentioning vaccinations, treatment for feline cystitis, blood testing, and structured weight-loss support. Recent feedback is mixed: several owners describe calm handling of anxious pets and prompt appointments, while one recent review reports a serious prescribing/dosing error for a cat (medication intended for dogs) followed by disputed charges and no refund. Concrete details owners mention include: - Weight management support with follow-up phone calls between check-ins. - Vaccinations handled quickly for anxious dogs. - Same-day appointment booking and prompt arrival-to-consult experience (per one reviewer). - A reported medication/dosage error leading to return visit and blood tests (per one reviewer).