Specialist Vets in Belfast

## Summary Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic is **RCVS-accredited** and is also listed as a **veterinary nurse training facility**. The website highlights **referral services**, **nurse clinics**, and a **Pet Health Club® Plus** plan where consultations are included, and they also accept **Klarna** for payment plans. Recent reviews describe both **urgent care** (a severely unwell cat treated “swiftly and thoroughly,” with ongoing medication monitoring) and **end-of-life support** (owners given time with their pet after passing, with clear guidance on what to expect next). Concrete details mentioned by owners include: - **Emergency presentation handled on-site**, including support during a rapidly deteriorating condition and time provided for owners to say goodbye afterwards. - **Ongoing follow-up and monitoring**, with one owner describing thorough follow-up and continued monitoring of a medication regime. - **Clear communication of options**, including for a guinea pig’s lump removal after it burst. - **Surgical cases referenced**, including tumour removal surgery and removal of a guinea pig lump. ## Services Services and capabilities explicitly mentioned across the website and reviews include: - **Consultations** (website notes these can be included with a Pet Health Club® Plus plan). - **Nurse clinics** (mentioned on the website). - **Referral services** (advertised on the website). - **Emergency/urgent presentations** (described by owners bringing pets in as emergencies). - **Surgery**, with examples in reviews including: - Tumour removal surgery in an elderly cat (outcome described as unsuccessful in that case). - Lump removal in a guinea pig after a burst lump. - Management of serious internal disease discussed in an emergency context (mass in spleen and liver—described in review narrative). - **End-of-life care** (multiple reviews describe euthanasia/last-visit support and aftercare gestures). - **Payment options:** **Klarna** is mentioned on the website as a way to spread vet bills. - **Pet travel discount:** the website states registered clients get **10% off** “trusted pet travel with PetAir.” ## Pricing Only explicit pricing mentioned on the website: - **Wellness screening:** **£60**. - **Six-month healthy pet check:** **£24.99**. - **Laparoscopic spay offer:** **£500** (stated as “All size,” during July–September). - **Pet Health Club® Plus:** consultations included (price not stated). - **Pet travel:** registered clients get **10% off** with PetAir. ## People Named individuals mentioned in reviews, with specific examples of what clients valued: - **Eamonn** (role not stated): praised for handling an emergency “kindly” while staying “professional and informative,” checking in during goodbye time, and guiding the owner through what to expect and what to do next. - **Richard** (role not stated): credited (with the team) for swift, thorough care when a cat became very unwell, plus clear communication and thorough follow-up with ongoing medication monitoring. - **Caitlin** (role not stated): thanked for helping a guinea pig (Lulu) with a burst lump requiring removal, and for clearly communicating available options. - **John** (role not stated): mentioned in two reviews—one owner said he “worked wonders” after a dog burst two discs in her back; another described him as consistently professional during end-of-life care. - **Allison** (role not stated): named alongside John as part of the team supporting an owner through a pet being put to rest. - **Reception team** (not named): specifically appreciated for staying calm and professional when owners were worried or grieving. ## Reviews **4.8 stars from 483 reviews.** **“Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.”** - **Handling of serious illness and emergencies:** owners describe pets being seen quickly when very unwell, with clear explanations and updates throughout. - **Follow-up after treatment:** one review highlights thorough follow-up and ongoing monitoring of a cat’s medication regime. - **Support around euthanasia and bereavement:** multiple owners mention being given time with their pet after passing, clear guidance on next steps, and thoughtful keepsakes (fur clippings and paw prints) and a condolence plant. - **Pets appearing comfortable at the clinic:** one long-term client said their dogs pulled on the lead to get inside and showed “no stress or fear.” - **Cost perceptions are mixed:** one owner explicitly says the clinic can feel “premium”/expensive, while still choosing them because of the care and support provided.

## 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”).

## Summary 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.** Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - **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.

## Summary 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. ## Services - **Emergency veterinary services** (listed as 24/7 or extended hours). - **Veterinary nurse training facility** (listed). - **Remote/video consultations** (suggested to an owner to reduce stress for a behaviourally sensitive dog). - **Sedation to enable care/handling** for difficult appointments (used when necessary, per review). - **Nail trimming** (done while sedated, per review). - **Dental cleaning** (“tooth clean” mentioned, done while sedated). - **Surgery** (one reviewer references “what a difference the surgery has made,” without specifying the procedure). - **Breeding/puppy-related care** (a long-term client mentions attending with their dogs “including when the pups were born”). - **End-of-life care with home visit** (described by an owner as being done at home to keep their dog comfortable). ## People - **Shane** (role not stated): mentioned as “professional” and reassuring; one owner credits his manner and the team’s reassurance around a surgical case. - **The wider team**: repeatedly described as offering practical options for nervous/reactive pets (video appointments; sedation when needed), and providing follow-up gestures after euthanasia (a hand-written condolence card signed by the team). ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.8 stars from 297 reviews.** **“Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.”** - **Adaptations for anxious/reactive dogs:** video appointments and sedation were suggested to reduce stress; one owner says the team managed necessary care despite behavioural difficulties. - **End-of-life support:** an owner describes a home visit for euthanasia to keep their dog comfortable, plus a hand-written condolence card afterwards. - **Positive experiences around procedures:** one reviewer highlights a surgery outcome and says staff provided reassurance and explained things in a way that reduced worry. - **Service quality disagreement:** one recent 1-star review alleges “appalling” care and difficulty speaking to a vet by phone, contrasting with multiple 5-star reviews describing helpful, supportive care.

## Summary 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. ## Services - **Routine and preventative care** (clinic website summary) - **Vaccinations and health checks** (owners describe boosters, weigh-ins, general check-overs, questions/discussion about health) - **Kitten first vaccinations** plus **flea and worm treatment** (review) - **Neutering** (review mentions a pet being neutered with support throughout the process) - **Ongoing condition management**: skin condition controlled with **steroid treatment** (review) - **Emergency veterinary services** are listed in the clinic data (no further details provided) - **Veterinary nurse training facility** is listed in the clinic data ## People - **Charlotte (vet)**: mentioned for taking time to explain what’s going on, which the owner of a senior dog said made things easier during appointments. - **David Beattie (vet)**: credited by one owner with managing a dog’s skin condition and keeping it under control over time. - **Reception team**: several reviews describe being greeted warmly on arrival and experiencing an efficient process from check-in through to the consult. ## Reviews **4.8 stars from 610 reviews.** The latest written reviews focus on repeat custom over many years, clear communication during consults, and supportive handling around routine care and procedures. **“Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.”** - Long-term loyalty: multiple owners mention attending for **20–25+ years** with successive pets. - Communication during appointments: vets described as **explaining things clearly** and discussing health and questions during check-ups. - Preventative care processes: **text reminders** for vaccinations/health checks; routine visits described step-by-step (weighing, exam, vaccinations). - Calm, patient handling: owners mention staff being **understanding with nervous/reactive dogs** during examinations. - Cost/value comments (without specific prices): “reasonably priced”/“value for money” mentioned, and one owner says a **monthly cat plan** meant paying “considerably less” than usual.