Puppy wearing pink sunglasses

Forestside Veterinary Clinic

#3 Vet in Belfast, Antrim

5.0
Independent Clinic

Forestside Veterinary Clinic – Vets in Belfast

Updated January 2026
Independent Clinic

Clinic Overview

Forestside Veterinary Clinic describes itself on its website as a locally owned, independent practice. Based on reviews, it seems set up for routine preventive care and in-clinic diagnostics, with owners repeatedly mentioning same-day/short-notice appointments, clear explanations of options and costs, and quick turnaround on results (including follow-up calls). Recent examples include a cat seen at short notice for a claw problem and treated within minutes, and another cat who had blood tests and x-rays done the same day, with results phoned through shortly after.

Services

  • Vaccinations and annual check-ups (e.g., vaccines mentioned for a greyhound; “annual check-up and vaccines”).
  • Surgery (listed on the clinic website as “Pet surgery”; no specific procedures described in the reviews provided).
  • In-clinic diagnostics mentioned in reviews
  • Blood tests
  • X-rays, including showing owners the images and explaining findings
  • Sending x-rays to a specialist for review (described by an owner as being sent to a specialist in Dublin to rule things out).
  • Treatment of ongoing medical issues, with examples including
  • Ear infections (a “never-ending battle” resolved with treatment)
  • Gastrointestinal illness (pain/bloating/vomiting; tests arranged to investigate)
  • Claw/nail problems (treated quickly in-visit)
  • Small animals/exotics: owners specifically mention care for rabbits and turtles, including diagnosis and treatment options.
  • Wildlife assistance: a review describes the clinic assessing a severely injured bird and performing euthanasia when the injury was too severe.
  • Out-of-hours emergencies: the website states out of hours services are available for emergencies.
  • Veterinary nurse training facility (listed in the structured clinic data).

People

  • Rory (vet): repeatedly described as explaining options clearly and being gentle with nervous pets. Examples include handling a frightened 16-year-old cat quickly and calmly, working through questions with a first-time puppy owner, resolving a long-running ear infection problem, and being knowledgeable about greyhounds during vaccines/check-up.
  • Andrew McQuaid (vet): mentioned for phone follow-up with results, going through x-rays in person, and being particularly valued for rabbits and other small/exotic animals (rabbits and turtles specifically referenced), with one owner highlighting quick diagnosis and multiple treatment options.
  • Donal (vet): described as doing a thorough examination for a sick cat, clearly outlining what tests were needed, and helping an owner understand how pet insurance claims work.
  • Reception staff: specifically noted in one review for being helpful with a call about an injured bird and advising the owner to bring it in for assessment.

Reviews

5.0 stars from 137 reviews. - Access and speed: multiple owners describe being seen quickly, including within the hour and at short notice.

  • Clear communication and shared decision-making: owners repeatedly mention vets explaining treatment options and tests, answering questions, and (in one case) discussing insurance and giving cost guidance before tests.
  • Diagnostics and follow-through: same-day bloods and x-rays are mentioned, plus rapid result calls and taking time to show/explain imaging; one owner also notes imaging being sent to a specialist for review.
  • Handling of different species and situations: reviews reference care for cats, dogs (including greyhounds), rabbits, turtles, and even a wild bird brought in injured.

Special Services

Vet Nurse Training

Location

Galwally Lodge

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