Best Vets in England

All Creatures Clinic Chelsfield describes itself as an independent practice, but its website text also references DNA Vetcare Ltd, and one reviewer mentions being able to use the wider group’s 24‑hour emergency care with shared access to records. The clinic appears set up for general practice work plus diagnostics and procedures, with the website listing surgery & medicine, preventative health, health checks, hospitalisation, and pet travel. It is also listed as a Veterinary Nurse Training facility. From recent reviews, owners most often mention: - Clear diagnosis supported by imaging (e.g., arthritis suspected clinically and confirmed by x‑ray). - Same‑day/urgent problem-solving (e.g., suspected grass seed in an ear, with sedation offered to remove it). - Low-stress handling and communication (e.g., gentle approach with cats; anxious dogs coping well; updates when running behind). - A mixed picture on testing and costs: some owners praise not being pushed into unnecessary tests, while others describe feeling steered toward “expensive tests” and report high overall spend during complex cases.

Bishopston Vets4Pets Ltd is part of the Vets4Pets group (a network described on the website as “locally owned”). Based on the clinic data and recent reviews, it appears set up for routine companion-animal care including dental procedures, with an emphasis on clear explanations and low-stress handling (one cat was taken to a quiet room on drop-off to reduce stress). Owners describe being phoned after initial investigations with a plan and an expected final cost, and receiving a written record plus a walk-through of post-operative care after dental surgery. Clinic data also lists it as a veterinary nurse training facility and offering emergency veterinary services (not further detailed in the available website summary).

Bakewell Veterinary Clinic is a small-animal practice that owners use for both urgent problems and long-term conditions. Recent reviews mention dogs being “quickly seen” for a seizure, ongoing management of heart failure over multiple years, and follow-up contact after urgent treatment. A minority of reviewers report being refused care or removed from the practice register in specific situations (a rescued cat where the clinic said they needed to speak to the owner who abandoned it; and a dog described as part XL bully).

Harrison Family Vets’ ownership (independent vs corporate group) isn’t stated in the available information. The clinic describes a broad “general practice” setup with in-house diagnostics (including ultrasound, digital radiography, and in-house lab testing), dentistry with digital dental X‑ray, and routine surgery such as spaying/neutering. It also offers curbside/drop-off options and promotes “Fear FREE Care” to reduce stress for pets. From the latest reviews available, owners commonly describe supportive clinical help (including a vet visit on New Year’s Eve for a very unwell dog), but there’s also a detailed complaint alleging serious admin/record-keeping problems affecting an insurance claim and poor complaint handling. One review mentions a “welcoming, well thought out space” intended to help pets relax.

Small-animal veterinary practice offering both routine care and more advanced work (including orthopaedic and soft-tissue surgery, cardiology and internal medicine), with 24-hour emergency support via an on-site dedicated emergency service (MiNightVet) outside routine appointment hours. The clinic is also a veterinary nurse training facility. From the latest reviews, owners often describe supportive handling around sensitive visits (including euthanasia and anxious/defensive animals), and straightforward help with routine procedures like spaying. A minority of recent reviews report a very different experience, including feeling spoken down to, concerns that an examination wasn’t thorough, and feeling pressured by cost.

Richard Smith (Bilbrook) Limited presents itself as an independent, owner-led veterinary practice (Richard Smith is listed on the practice website as “Veterinary Surgeon and Practice Owner”). The website focuses on introducing the team (veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, receptionist, and practice manager) rather than detailing facilities or specific treatments. From the latest reviews, owners most often describe long-term use of the practice (“for years” and “with all my pets”) and a strong preference for the continuity of seeing Richard and the same team. Several reviewers explicitly contrast it with corporate-feeling care, saying they don’t feel it’s “just for the money.” One recent review conflicts with these positives, describing a poor front-desk experience during a pet’s unexpected death, specifically a perceived lack of empathy from a receptionist.

Independent veterinary practice (founded in 2021 by Dr. Ellie and Dr. Michael, who also work as full‑time vets there). The clinic appears set up for both routine care and more involved cases, with in‑house diagnostics (IDEXX lab, digital X‑ray, ultrasound, microscopy) plus facilities such as a separate cat clinic and Casco kennels. From the latest reviews, owners repeatedly mention: - Same‑day help when something suddenly goes wrong (including being seen immediately when arriving without an appointment for vomiting/shaking). - Clear diagnostics and targeted treatment (e.g., an ear infection that had persisted elsewhere improved within a week after “the right tests and treatment”). - Surgical care with ongoing communication (updates during procedures and a next‑day check‑in after surgery were specifically mentioned). - Paperwork support for travel/export certificates, including very fast turnaround when pet passports were lost.

Companion Care (Broadstairs) Ltd trades as Vets for Pets and is described on its website as locally owned. The practice appears set up for in-practice diagnostics and surgery, with facilities and equipment listed including an operating theatre, hospital ward, isolation unit, and in-house lab, alongside imaging such as digital X‑ray and ultrasound. Reviews include both complex/urgent care (one owner describes rapid diagnostics followed by a high-risk bowel operation the same day) and routine procedures (e.g., spay and castration). Recent reviews also show some service and post-procedure concerns, including a complaint about post-castration medication quantity and another about delays when collecting medication; another owner describes dissatisfaction with how a blanket was handled during cremation arrangements after euthanasia.

The Vale Veterinary Group describes itself as independent and locally owned, established in 1918. Based on the website and reviews, it appears set up for both companion animals and farm work (species listed include dogs, cats, rabbits/other small pocket pets, plus cattle, sheep and other farm animals), and it is also noted as a veterinary nurse training facility. In the latest reviews available, owners give concrete examples of: - Vaccination advice explained in detail over the phone, with patience in answering questions (staff member Alison is named). - Handling anxious cats well during a period of repeated health visits, and being able to offer appointments when needed. - Support in urgent situations, including a “very poorly” dog being helped quickly (vet Kate is named).

Edgewood Veterinary Group describes itself as an independent practice. It treats dogs, cats, small animals and exotic pets, and highlights intensive care facilities on its website. It’s also a Cat Friendly Clinic (Silver Accreditation). From the latest reviews available to us, owners most often point to: - Good appointment access (“no problems getting appointments” and “lots of appointment slots available”). - Sensitive, low-pressure consultations, including one review thanking Jake for remembering a previous visit and handling a difficult appointment “with respect & no pressure.” - Thoughtful communication in stressful situations, including a review describing how staff handled the notification and collection process when a cat was found deceased. - A clear admin policy on the website: 72 hours’ notice is required for repeat prescriptions.