Forestside Veterinary Clinic

Forestside Veterinary Clinic presents itself as a locally owned, independent practice in Belfast. It appears set up for routine preventive care, in-clinic diagnostics, and prompt treatment of day-to-day medical problems, with owners repeatedly mentioning short-notice appointments, clear explanations of options and costs, and quick follow-up on results. Recent reviews also point to experience with a wider range of small pets, including rabbits, turtles, sugar gliders, and rats.

Services

• •Routine care: Vaccinations and annual check-ups are mentioned, including care for dogs and puppies.
• •Surgery: The clinic website lists pet surgery.
• •Diagnostics and investigations: Reviews describe same-day blood tests and x-rays, with vets taking time to explain findings and, in one case, sending imaging to a specialist in Dublin for further review.
• •Treatment for ongoing and acute problems: Recent and earlier examples include ear infections, gastrointestinal illness, claw or nail problems, and medication support after assessment and testing.
• •Small animals and exotics: Owners specifically mention care for rabbits, turtles, sugar gliders, and a rat needing a tooth trim.
• •Wildlife assistance: One owner describes the clinic assessing a badly injured bird and carrying out euthanasia when the injury was too severe.
• •Emergency cover: The website states that out-of-hours services are available for emergencies.
• •Training: The clinic is listed as a veterinary nurse training facility.

Pricing

Available published prices indicate the clinic sits around average relative to similar practices. Reviews also suggest the practice is clear about costs before tests and treatment, with one owner specifically noting there were no unexpected surprises.

People

• •Rory (vet): Frequently praised for being calm, gentle, and clear. Recent reviews mention him handling a frightened 16-year-old cat quickly for a claw problem, talking a first-time puppy owner through everything patiently, discussing treatment options in detail, and helping resolve a long-running ear infection.
• •Andrew McQuaid / Andrew (vet): Mentioned for continuity of care across repeat visits, phone follow-up with results, explaining x-rays clearly, and being especially good with smaller or less common pets. Recent examples include care for sugar gliders, alongside earlier mentions of rabbits and turtles.
• •Donal (vet): Described as thorough and welcoming, with one detailed review highlighting his examination of a sick cat, explanation of the tests needed, and help with understanding an insurance claim.
• •Reception team: Reviews speak well of the reception staff for helpful phone advice, easy booking, and support in situations ranging from short-notice appointments to bringing in an injured wild bird.

Reviews

Forestside Veterinary Clinic has 5.0 stars from 151 Google reviews.

• •Fast access and responsive booking: Several owners mention being seen quickly, including within the hour or at short notice.
• •Consistent, friendly care: Reviews repeatedly praise the whole team, from reception to vets, with some owners valuing seeing the same vet across multiple visits.
• •Clear explanations and follow-through: Owners often mention detailed discussions of treatment options, tests, medication, and results, including prompt follow-up calls after diagnostics.
• •Comfort with a wide mix of pets: Recent feedback covers cats, dogs, puppies, birds, sugar gliders, and rats, adding to earlier mentions of rabbits and turtles.