Featured Clinic Overview
## Summary Ashwood Veterinary Clinic describes itself as an independent, primary-care practice offering small animal medicine and surgery, including soft tissue and orthopaedic work. Recent reviews repeatedly mention surgical cases with detailed communication, including WhatsApp updates while pets are in surgery, follow-up phone calls from nurses, and even photos sent after procedures. Owners also reference specific procedures such as cruciate ligament surgery, molar extraction, and use of diagnostic imaging (x‑ray/ultrasound) and blood tests. One reviewer also reports being seen with a tortoise after initially being unsure the clinic could help. ## Services - Small animal medicine (website). - Soft tissue surgery (website; also reflected in reviews discussing “surgery/operation”). - Orthopaedic surgery (website; reviews specifically mention cruciate ligament surgeries). - Health care consultations (website). - Registered nurse consultations (website). - Dental procedure mentioned: molar extraction (review). - Diagnostics mentioned: x‑rays, ultrasound, blood tests (review). - Emergency veterinary services (24/7 or extended hours) (clinic data; no further detail provided in the sources). - Veterinary Nurse Training facility (clinic data). - Species example from reviews: a tortoise was seen and the owner reported the team were “quick to get me in”. ## People - Lauren (role not stated): praised for taking time to explain multiple treatment options in plain language before a dog’s surgery, helping the owner feel at ease. - Penny (nurse): called out for a post‑op phone call to update the owner and arrange pick‑up after surgery. - Niall (role not stated): mentioned alongside “the team” for consistently taking good care of multiple dogs, including during orthopaedic workups and surgeries. - Patrick (vet): named in connection with a molar extraction, with the owner highlighting procedure updates via WhatsApp and a check‑up afterward. - Nicola (reception): praised for attention to detail and a consistently positive, helpful manner. ## Reviews Google rating: 4.9 stars from 247 reviews. Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - Frequent, proactive updates during procedures, including WhatsApp messages when a pet goes into and comes out of surgery, plus photos and follow-up calls. - Clear explanations and shared decision-making, with owners describing staff walking through options and explaining in layman’s terms. - Orthopaedic and diagnostic capability referenced by owners, including cruciate ligament surgeries, x‑rays, ultrasound, and blood tests. - Handling and animal experience: owners mention dogs becoming comfortable with visits (e.g., a dog that “jumps onto the table,” and nurses making a “fuss” so the dog enjoys going). - Appointment availability is mentioned as a practical plus (owners note “loads of appointments in the day” and “later closing times”).
Showing 1-10 of 13 clinics
Fenaghy Veterinary Clinic is set up for everyday primary-care work (check-ups, vaccinations/boosters, treating infections) alongside in-clinic procedures such as dental work and surgery. The clinic also states it provides 24/7 access to an online vet via Pawsquad, and it is listed as a veterinary nurse training facility. In recent reviews, owners repeatedly mention: - Clear explanations of options and treatment plans, including vets taking time to talk through symptoms and treatments. - Handling anxious pets gently (for example, staff helping with a nervous cat that became incontinent in the car, including cleaning the carrier while the pet was assessed). - Follow-up/continuity (return visits booked for check-ups and boosters; continuity of care specifically praised). - Advance pricing transparency (“prices are given in advance so never any unexpected surprises,” per one review).
Fenaghy Veterinary Clinic is set up for everyday primary-care work (check-ups, vaccinations/boosters, treating infections) alongside in-clinic procedures such as dental work and surgery. The clinic also states it provides 24/7 access to an online vet via Pawsquad, and it is listed as a veterinary nurse training facility. In recent reviews, owners repeatedly mention: - Clear explanations of options and treatment plans, including vets taking time to talk through symptoms and treatments. - Handling anxious pets gently (for example, staff helping with a nervous cat that became incontinent in the car, including cleaning the carrier while the pet was assessed). - Follow-up/continuity (return visits booked for check-ups and boosters; continuity of care specifically praised). - Advance pricing transparency (“prices are given in advance so never any unexpected surprises,” per one review).
Companion Care (Lisburn) Ltd trades as Vets4Pets and is described on its website as a locally owned practice set up in 2012 by Barry and Christina Palmer. The clinic presents itself as equipped for both routine care and more complex work, with on-site imaging and a hospital ward/isolation unit, and it states it uses “no fear handling” to reduce stress during visits. In recent reviews, owners repeatedly mention prompt decision-making in urgent cases, regular updates while a dog was hospitalised, and cost-conscious discussions (including an example where a Sunday allergic-reaction visit totalled £86 for an injection and swelling treatment, compared with a separate emergency quote of £380 elsewhere).
Companion Care (Lisburn) Ltd trades as Vets4Pets and is described on its website as a locally owned practice set up in 2012 by Barry and Christina Palmer. The clinic presents itself as equipped for both routine care and more complex work, with on-site imaging and a hospital ward/isolation unit, and it states it uses “no fear handling” to reduce stress during visits. In recent reviews, owners repeatedly mention prompt decision-making in urgent cases, regular updates while a dog was hospitalised, and cost-conscious discussions (including an example where a Sunday allergic-reaction visit totalled £86 for an injection and swelling treatment, compared with a separate emergency quote of £380 elsewhere).
Braemar Veterinary Clinic
Belfast
Our Score (79/100)
Braemar Veterinary Clinic is set up for both routine care and more involved support, including emergency veterinary services (stated as 24/7/extended-hours) and being a veterinary nurse training facility. Recent reviews repeatedly mention practical accommodations for anxious or reactive dogs—such as offering video appointments, using sedation when needed for in-person handling, and combining procedures (one owner describes a nail cut and tooth clean done while their dog was sedated). End-of-life support is also specifically described, including a home visit to keep a dog comfortable and a hand-written condolence card afterwards. One recent reviewer, however, reports “shocking service” and says a vet would not come to the phone, which conflicts with the overwhelmingly positive feedback elsewhere.
Braemar Veterinary Clinic is set up for both routine care and more involved support, including emergency veterinary services (stated as 24/7/extended-hours) and being a veterinary nurse training facility. Recent reviews repeatedly mention practical accommodations for anxious or reactive dogs—such as offering video appointments, using sedation when needed for in-person handling, and combining procedures (one owner describes a nail cut and tooth clean done while their dog was sedated). End-of-life support is also specifically described, including a home visit to keep a dog comfortable and a hand-written condolence card afterwards. One recent reviewer, however, reports “shocking service” and says a vet would not come to the phone, which conflicts with the overwhelmingly positive feedback elsewhere.
Lisburn Veterinary Clinic
Lisburn
Our Score (79/100)
Lisburn Veterinary Clinic describes itself as a long-established independent practice (serving pets since 1942) with a team of 12 veterinary surgeons supported by veterinary nurses. Based on the website, it’s set up for a wide range of medical and surgical cases, including orthopaedics, internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and anaesthesia. From the latest reviews available to us, owners most often mention being able to get a quick appointment when a pet was unwell, and feeling supported through end-of-life care (one review describes help over an 18‑month period for a dog with cancer). Several reviews also mention staff taking time to answer questions.
Lisburn Veterinary Clinic describes itself as a long-established independent practice (serving pets since 1942) with a team of 12 veterinary surgeons supported by veterinary nurses. Based on the website, it’s set up for a wide range of medical and surgical cases, including orthopaedics, internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and anaesthesia. From the latest reviews available to us, owners most often mention being able to get a quick appointment when a pet was unwell, and feeling supported through end-of-life care (one review describes help over an 18‑month period for a dog with cancer). Several reviews also mention staff taking time to answer questions.
Oldstone Veterinary Clinic
Ballymena
Our Score (77/100)
Oldstone Veterinary Clinic is a purpose-built practice that, according to its website, has over 20 years’ experience and offers 24-hour emergency care 7 days a week. Recent reviews repeatedly mention being able to reach a vet out of hours and getting help quickly (including for an injured kitten found at the roadside). Owners also describe a smaller-practice feel with “honest and realistic” discussions of treatment options, and one long-term client recounts support during end-of-life care including arranging cremation.
Oldstone Veterinary Clinic is a purpose-built practice that, according to its website, has over 20 years’ experience and offers 24-hour emergency care 7 days a week. Recent reviews repeatedly mention being able to reach a vet out of hours and getting help quickly (including for an injured kitten found at the roadside). Owners also describe a smaller-practice feel with “honest and realistic” discussions of treatment options, and one long-term client recounts support during end-of-life care including arranging cremation.
Gortlands Veterinary Clinic
Belfast
Our Score (77/100)
Gortlands Veterinary Clinic is a small-pet practice that states it has been caring for pets since 1968. Based on the information available, it appears set up for routine and preventative care (vaccinations, health checks, parasite treatment) as well as common procedures like neutering, with ongoing management for longer-term conditions (one owner describes a dog with a skin condition managed on steroids). Owners repeatedly mention practical touches that make visits smoother, including text reminders for vaccinations/health checks, and vets taking time to explain options clearly. Recent reviews also describe staff being patient with anxious or reactive behaviour during exams, and a “monthly cat plan” that one owner says reduced what they paid compared with paying ad hoc.
Gortlands Veterinary Clinic is a small-pet practice that states it has been caring for pets since 1968. Based on the information available, it appears set up for routine and preventative care (vaccinations, health checks, parasite treatment) as well as common procedures like neutering, with ongoing management for longer-term conditions (one owner describes a dog with a skin condition managed on steroids). Owners repeatedly mention practical touches that make visits smoother, including text reminders for vaccinations/health checks, and vets taking time to explain options clearly. Recent reviews also describe staff being patient with anxious or reactive behaviour during exams, and a “monthly cat plan” that one owner says reduced what they paid compared with paying ad hoc.
Glenburn Veterinary Surgeons
Newtownabbey
Our Score (72/100)
Glenburn Veterinary Surgeons is a group of three veterinary practices (as described on its website). The clinic is set up for routine small‑animal care (cats, dogs and other small animals) as well as urgent presentations: recent reviews describe being seen quickly for weekend emergencies, with diagnostics such as X‑rays used for a painful cat. The website also flags preventative care options via a Pet Health Club® Plus plan that includes consultations. Owners’ experiences in reviews are mostly positive about access and handling—getting appointments when needed, a “large reception area,” and staff taking time to keep a first visit low‑stress for a nervous dog—but there are also sharply negative accounts around cost and being asked to pay before treatment, and one detailed complaint about a rushed/unsupported diagnosis with no tests offered.
Glenburn Veterinary Surgeons is a group of three veterinary practices (as described on its website). The clinic is set up for routine small‑animal care (cats, dogs and other small animals) as well as urgent presentations: recent reviews describe being seen quickly for weekend emergencies, with diagnostics such as X‑rays used for a painful cat. The website also flags preventative care options via a Pet Health Club® Plus plan that includes consultations. Owners’ experiences in reviews are mostly positive about access and handling—getting appointments when needed, a “large reception area,” and staff taking time to keep a first visit low‑stress for a nervous dog—but there are also sharply negative accounts around cost and being asked to pay before treatment, and one detailed complaint about a rushed/unsupported diagnosis with no tests offered.
Flynn Vets Balmoral
Belfast
Our Score (71/100)
Flynn Vets Balmoral appears to be set up for routine care alongside support for urgent situations and cat boarding, and it’s listed as a veterinary nurse training facility. Recent reviews describe first vaccinations for puppies, thorough in-consult exams (including staying calm when a dog had an accident in the room), and practical help when an owner phoned with what they considered an emergency—talking them through warning signs and providing a prescription. Several owners also mention a dedicated cat-boarding setup (“The Cat Loft”/“cat hotel”), with staff giving updates during longer stays.
Flynn Vets Balmoral appears to be set up for routine care alongside support for urgent situations and cat boarding, and it’s listed as a veterinary nurse training facility. Recent reviews describe first vaccinations for puppies, thorough in-consult exams (including staying calm when a dog had an accident in the room), and practical help when an owner phoned with what they considered an emergency—talking them through warning signs and providing a prescription. Several owners also mention a dedicated cat-boarding setup (“The Cat Loft”/“cat hotel”), with staff giving updates during longer stays.
City Vets Ravenhill Road
Belfast
Our Score (60/100)
City Vets Ravenhill Road is part of City Vets, an independent veterinary practice established in 2007 with multiple branches. The website highlights routine care plus emergency care and health care plans. Recent reviews show a split experience: some owners describe smooth ongoing care and a good retail area (“large store with plenty stock”), while others report problems with follow-up, communication, and not being present during consultations (owners being asked to hand pets over to staff), including one account of a delayed planned hernia operation and another of an appointment not being recorded.
City Vets Ravenhill Road is part of City Vets, an independent veterinary practice established in 2007 with multiple branches. The website highlights routine care plus emergency care and health care plans. Recent reviews show a split experience: some owners describe smooth ongoing care and a good retail area (“large store with plenty stock”), while others report problems with follow-up, communication, and not being present during consultations (owners being asked to hand pets over to staff), including one account of a delayed planned hernia operation and another of an appointment not being recorded.