Small animal general information and top 10 FAQs
We have a team of eight vets providing consultations throughout the day for your convenience. As well as general practitioners, we have veterinary surgeons with expertise in orthopaedics, cardiology, acupuncture, dermatology, internal medicine and ultrasonography.
Office Hours
The office is open between 8.00 am and 6.00 pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 12.00pm on Saturdays. Outside these hours, our emergency service is provided on-site by our dedicated out-of-hours team.
Consultations
Consultations are by appointment only. Appointment times are available between 8am – 6.30pm.
Telephone Advice
We are always here if you require advice over the telephone. Many queries can be addressed by our reception team, however if further information is required, our reception staff will take your details and query, and someone will return your call later in the day. If the query is urgent, please inform the reception staff of this.
1. Why should I vaccinate my pet?
Vaccination is part of preventative health care, as an effective way of controlling infectious diseases.
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Although the incidence of infectious diseases such as distemper and parvovirus has dramatically decreased due to vaccination, these potentially fatal diseases are still present in the UK. We strongly advise that all dogs, cats and rabbits are regularly vaccinated.
2. Why is pet insurance important?
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Each year 1 in 3 pets are injured or become ill* and need urgent veterinary treatment. The cost of this treatment is rising due to medical advances in pet health, which is good for your pet but a concern for you. Pet Insurance can help you cover the cost of these unexpected bills leaving you free to concentrate on helping an important member of your family.
*source: Datamonitor - UK Pet Insurance 2008
We only promote Vetsure Pet Insurance – please click here for full information.
3. What is the Pet Health Club?
The Pet Health Club picks up where insurance stops - it provides essential routine veterinary care that your pet will require throughout the year (and most insurance companies will insist you maintain.)
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As well as comprehensive pet care, it allows you to budget in convenient and affordable monthly payments, all at substantial discounts. There is no age limit for your pet; it's never too early or too late to register and there are no limits to the number of pets you can register.
To find out more about our Pet Health Club please visit the Pet Health Club page.
4. How can I pay my bill?
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You may settle your bill using cash, cheque with current banker card, credit/debit card - Maestro, Solo, Mastercard, Visa, Delta (We do not accept American Express), internet banking.
5. What should I do if I can't pay my bill?
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Circumstances change, so if for any reason, you are unable to settle your account as specified, we ask you to discuss the matter as soon as possible with a member of our accounts staff. They are not scary or judgemental and they will help to find a workable solution.
6. How often should I vaccinate my pet?
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Cats should have a booster vaccination once a year for continuous protection against feline enteritis, (panleukopaenia) virus, feline rhinotracheitis virus, feline calicivirus, feline leukaemia virus
Dogs should have a booster vaccination once a year for continuous protection against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus, canine parvovirus, canine parainfluenza virus and leptospira canicola & icterohaemorrgiae
Rabbits should have an annual vaccination for viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD) and twice yearly vaccinations for myxomatosis
7. How often should I treat my pet for worms?
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Whilst many flea treatments include some worm protection, they do not cover all types of worms; it is therefore essential to provide additional protection (Drontral) on a 3 monthly basis, providing our recommended flea treatment (Stronghold) is used. Other flea treatments do not provide the same level of worm protection.
8. How often should I treat my pet for fleas?
Fleas can live for more than 100 days but on average they live two to three months. However, in ideal conditions, the life cycle can be completed in 12 days so it is essential to apply flea treatments every month to ensure continuous protection.
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We recommend Stronghold as it provides a broad spectrum of cover, (preventative for fleas and heart worm; a treatment for biting lice, ear mites, sarcoptic mange and roundworm).
9. What should I do if my pet becomes ill during the night?
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First and foremost - don't panic! We are here to help you, just call us on 01622 734054. Our on-duty staff will guide you as to what action to take.
10. Who looks after my pet if it has to stay in hospital?
This would be our dedicated team of nurses. Every day we have nurses dedicated to the hospital ward who care for your pet.
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They administer medications, feed and exercise them and keep their environment clean. They will help your pet feel comfortable and at ease whilst in the hospital, even if that just means giving them a little cuddle. The care doesn't diminish overnight, as our out-of-hours team continue providing care until our day nurses return in the morning.
