Best Vets in England

Vicarage Veterinary Centre is described by reviewers as an independent, family-owned practice, and it’s also listed as a veterinary nurse training facility. Based on reviews, the clinic appears set up for both routine consults and urgent/same-day problems, with examples including being told to “bring her straight in” after a cat collapsed, and fitting in a late-evening assessment for a deteriorating puppy. Concrete examples owners mention include x‑rays to investigate dental disease in a guinea pig, major surgery for small pets, and bladder blockage surgery planning and stabilisation (including draining the bladder to keep a dog comfortable overnight before surgery). Several reviews also highlight clear explanations of options (e.g., trying antibiotics and diet changes before considering surgery, or discussing euthanasia when treatment would be complex).

The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic is an independent, orthopaedic-only referral clinic for dogs and cats, established in May 2023 by Andy Moores and Richard Hoile. Based on the website and recent client accounts, it’s set up for specialist orthopaedic diagnosis and surgery (including cruciate ligament surgery and joint replacement), with structured post-op follow-ups (e.g., 6‑week and 8‑week checks mentioned) and an app used for communication and updates during admission. Concrete examples from recent reviews include: a specialist assessment that avoided general anaesthetic and CT/X‑rays when they weren’t needed (with the dog instead examined thoroughly, including being watched walking/running), TPLO procedures with follow-up checks, and a total hip replacement with ongoing recovery support and advice.

Animed Veterinary Centre is an RCVS-accredited general practice (established in the 1950s) focused on small animals, with facilities for in-house lab work plus imaging (X‑ray and ultrasound). The website also lists referral services in cardiology and several surgical areas, including orthopaedic, soft tissue, and keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. In the latest reviews available to us, owners most often point to strong communication during ongoing treatment (updates “every step of the way” and being given options), and the team being willing to see less typical pets (a praying mantis is specifically mentioned).

Melbourne Veterinary Centre is a small‑animal practice established in 1973, with RCVS General Practice status and “Cat Friendly Clinic (Silver)”, “Rabbit Friendly Clinic (Silver)”, and “Dog Friendly Clinic” accreditations. The practice treats a wide range of species (including dogs, cats, rabbits, small mammals, reptiles/tortoises, and birds) and has in‑house imaging listed (X‑ray and ultrasound). It’s also described as a veterinary nurse training facility. Recent reviews most often talk about (1) support around end‑of‑life appointments—owners mention being given time to say goodbye and clear explanations—and (2) handling urgent problems quickly (one owner says their dog was seen within minutes after diesel exposure and was given activated charcoal). A minority of reviews raise concerns about costs/policies (one person says monthly payment plans aren’t allowed), and one long‑term client says they were disappointed not to receive any acknowledgement after their pet died.

Lynwood Vets is a long-established small-animal practice (the website states it has been operating since 1849) with in-house facilities including dental X‑ray, ultrasound and endoscopy. It also states that out-of-hours care (nights, weekends and bank holidays) is provided via Vets Now through another branch. The practice is listed as a veterinary nurse training facility. In the latest reviews available to us, owners most often highlight clear explanations and time to discuss concerns, alongside practical, hands-on care such as ongoing thyroid treatment for a cat and a nurse helping by removing a badly matted knot in fur. Several reviews also mention pets being comfortable attending and continuity with seeing the same vets over time.

Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists is a multi-disciplinary referral hospital providing specialist care for cats and dogs, including emergency and critical care. The website lists a broad set of referral services (from cardiology and internal medicine to neurology/neurosurgery and orthopaedics), and recent reviews repeatedly describe advanced diagnostics and complex inpatient cases (for example echocardiography for coughing/breathing issues, blood transfusion and extensive testing for immune-mediated anaemia, and emergency spinal surgery). Owners also mention clear explanations of options and aftercare, plus written follow-up reports after consultations.

Coxheath Veterinary Clinic Ltd is a single-site veterinary practice (no corporate group affiliation stated in the available sources). Based on recent reviews, it appears set up for everyday pet care and urgent same-day problems, with owners mentioning help for a sick dog, nail clipping for a difficult-to-handle cat, and a dog returning after going missing. Reviews also describe end-of-life support, including a vet (Cameron) helping a nervous rescue dog stay calm during a final appointment. Concrete details mentioned by owners include: - Nail clipping performed by two team members for a wriggly, vocal cat whose owner couldn’t handle her paws. - A visit for a sick dog where staff were described as quick and focused on “the best solution.” - Support around a euthanasia decision, with specific mention of compassion and handling a dog that struggled with strangers. - A case where an owner says the clinic “saved” their pet’s leg and life (no clinical specifics provided).

Staverton Veterinary Surgery is a veterinary practice that also operates as a veterinary nurse training facility. Reviews point to a clinic that’s geared toward everyday GP-style care plus urgent, short-notice appointments when pets become unwell. Owners repeatedly mention clear explanations during consultations and health checks, and a couple of accounts describe being registered by phone and seen the same day/next morning for issues like an ear infection. One reviewer also describes a vet adapting handling for a very anxious dog by treating on the floor rather than on the exam table, with effective results.

Harrison Family Vets describes itself as a family-owned, independent practice and highlights Fear Free Veterinary Practice Certification. The website points to a modern, well-equipped clinic (on-site lab, x‑ray, ultrasound and operating theatres) designed to reduce stress, including separate dog and cat wards. Recent reviews strongly echo that low-stress setup: owners mention being kept away from other animals in separate sections, and staff taking extra time with anxious or reactive pets (including a fearful rescue dog leaving with a “tail wagging”). Several reviewers also describe clear, unhurried communication, plus practical touches like WhatsApp messaging for easier contact and a calm clinic environment. There is also a sharp negative outlier: one reviewer describes “incompetent and unprofessional service” and alleges dissatisfaction with the complaints process, while most other recent reviews are very positive.

Corby Veterinary Surgery (established in early 2015) is part of a small group of practices and is RCVS-accredited. The clinic offers nurse clinics (including nail clips and senior/mobility clinics) and a “Click and Collect” option for flea/worm treatments, food, and repeat medications. Reviews strongly emphasise support with anxious pets (including taking time during treatment and helping get a dog back to the car) and compassionate end-of-life care (including time and space to say goodbye and sending paw prints and a signed card afterwards). Emergency care outside normal hours is provided by Vets Now.