Specialist Vets in St Albans

## Summary Creature Comforts St Albans is a small-animal veterinary clinic for dogs, cats and rabbits, set up for both routine care and more involved work on-site (in-house lab, digital x‑rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, and a full dental suite). The clinic also lists separate cat and dog wards and bespoke kennel design. In the latest reviews, owners repeatedly describe a calmer experience for anxious dogs (quiet waiting area, treats/toys used to help pets settle), and appointments that don’t feel rushed—several mention thorough examinations and being given treatment options rather than being pushed in one direction. For procedures and operations, reviewers mention getting updates (including photos) while their pet was in the clinic. One reviewer also states the practice is “owned by vets and not a big corporation” (this is not otherwise confirmed in the provided sources). ## Services Based on the clinic website summary, services include: - Consultations (including puppy/kitten care) - Vaccinations (routine and non-routine) - Neutering and surgery - Dentistry (including scale and polish) - Urgent care for sudden symptoms or injuries - Diagnostics and advanced imaging (in-house lab, digital x‑rays, ultrasound; endoscopy listed in facilities) - Ophthalmology (listed as a specialty) - Microchipping, parasite control, nutrition support, and pharmacy - Non-cosmetic grooming - Travel documents - Euthanasia ## Pricing - A reviewer mentions a “£20 month payment plan” (no further details provided in the available text). - Another reviewer mentions joining a monthly membership with “jabs/consultations included,” but does not give a price. ## People - **Rebecca Cato (vet)**: mentioned by name as having previously helped a dog through bladder stones and being “kind” and thorough across dogs and cats. - **Roni**: described as welcoming and friendly at a first visit. - **Charlotte (vet)**: described as relaxed and not rushing the consultation, listening to concerns, and being thorough; also mentioned (with **David**) as reassuring during an operation day, with the owner receiving updates and photos. ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.9 stars from 130 reviews.** **Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.** - Calm, pet-friendly handling for nervous dogs: owners mention a quiet waiting area, time taken during exams, and treats/toys used to reduce stress. - Clear communication and shared decision-making: reviewers mention being given options for treatment and feeling listened to. - Procedure/operation follow-through: owners describe pets staying in for procedures and receiving updates during the day (including photos). - Facilities and environment: multiple reviews describe the clinic as very clean, bright/spacious, and comfortable. - Convenience features: one review mentions an app that lets owners message the practice during open hours instead of calling.

## Summary Village Vet St. Albans appears to operate as part of the Village Vet group. Reviews describe a practice set up to handle both routine appointments and urgent/out-of-hours situations, including overnight stays and nighttime emergency calls. Owners repeatedly mention being able to book online, being fitted in at short notice (including weekends), and receiving updates when a pet stays in. End-of-life care is a prominent theme in the latest reviews, including being taken to a quieter area, a compassionate euthanasia appointment, and a condolence card plus flower seeds afterwards. One recent review strongly disagrees with the clinic’s fees and record-keeping around a post-surgery discharge, contrasting with many others who describe clear explanations of treatment and payment. ## Services - Online appointment booking (mentioned by an owner as straightforward). - Out-of-hours/emergency support, including advice by phone at night and urgent care handled overnight. - Overnight hospitalisation (owners mention pets staying overnight and being updated “as promised”). - Euthanasia/end-of-life support, including a quieter waiting area to reduce stress. - Post-injury care (example mentioned: a cat kept in overnight after breaking a toe). - Veterinary Nurse Training facility (listed in the clinic data). ## People - **Jenny (vet)**: mentioned as “knowledgeable & understanding,” taking time to explain things clearly and helping an anxious rescue dog feel at ease. - **Dr Ella (vet)**: repeatedly named in reviews for handling difficult, emotional situations—particularly euthanasia—while explaining concerns methodically and treating pets gently. - **Ana**: credited with spending time on an out-of-hours phone call for advice and “going above and beyond.” - **Reception team**: several reviews describe being greeted by name and accommodated in a quiet area during end-of-life visits; one review reports the opposite experience, describing reception staff as discourteous and confrontational during a fee dispute. ## Reviews **4.5 stars from 187 reviews.** Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - **Out-of-hours help and overnight care**: owners describe nighttime emergencies handled quickly, plus overnight stays with promised updates. - **Clear explanations without rushing**: multiple reviews mention vets taking time to explain what’s happening, including discussion of payment/claims. - **Supportive end-of-life care**: several owners describe compassionate euthanasia appointments; one mentions being seated in a quiet area and later receiving a card and flower seeds. - **Handling nervous pets**: one owner with a rescue dog describes staff taking extra care on arrival to help the dog feel comfortable. - **A conflicting experience about fees and discharge**: one reviewer alleges very high charges, being asked to leave after challenging them, and disputes the accuracy of clinical notes and the length of post-surgery stay.

## Summary ANIMALISM is described by reviewers as an independent veterinary practice, with the clinic website showing a wide menu of routine care plus advanced procedures (including CT scans, dental X‑rays, laparoscopic spay, and TPLO surgery). The website also states the team will discuss options and provide treatment estimates, with prices listed excluding any prescribed medications. Recent reviews are mostly very positive about communication and the feeling that recommendations aren’t profit-led, but there is also a 1‑star review claiming the practice “changed hands” in January 2025 and alleging pressure toward unnecessary surgery—so experiences appear mixed on that point. Concrete specifics owners mention include: vets advising on diet/food and general health during consults; managing the timing/dispensing of medication to reduce cost (e.g., asking an owner to return when a smaller quantity was available); and support during end-of-life care for an elderly cat. ## Services Services explicitly listed on the clinic website include: - **Consultations and follow-ups:** Consultation, re-examination - **Vaccinations:** Puppy vaccination course, dog booster, kennel cough vaccination; kitten vaccination course, cat booster; rabies vaccination; rabbit myxo‑RHD plus vaccination - **Microchipping** - **Travel documentation:** Animal Health Certificate - **Neutering/spay procedures:** Dog spay/castration; cat spay/castration; rabbit spay/castration; **laparoscopic spay** - **Dentistry diagnostics and procedures:** Dental X‑rays; dental procedures banded 1–4 - **Imaging:** CT scan; CT reports (urgent/priority/enhanced) - **Surgery/orthopaedics and breed-related:** BOAS dog; Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) What owners mention in reviews: - Treatment for **cat ear problems**, including prescribing medication and discussing lower-cost dispensing options - **Euthanasia** support for an elderly cat ## Pricing - The website indicates it provides a **price list** and that vets/nurses will **discuss options and provide estimates** for treatments. - The website also notes that **listed prices do not include any medications** that may be prescribed. (Reviews mention an owner using “£10 check up” vouchers at other practices, but no £ amount is stated as ANIMALISM’s own pricing.) ## People Named staff mentioned in reviews: - **Dr Alex (vet):** One owner describes him as knowledgeable and kind, and specifically mentions he **checked their dog and advised on food and health** during the visit. - **Claire (team member):** Thanked by name after support during a cat’s euthanasia appointment; the reviewer emphasised the team being “fantastic” with both pet and owner. Other people-related notes from reviews: - Reception/staff are described as **friendly and efficient**, with an example of helping manage medication supply to keep costs down. ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.8 stars from 158 reviews.** **Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.** - Multiple reviewers describe the practice as **independent** and recommend it strongly. - Several reviews focus on **trust and motives**: owners say they don’t feel the clinic is “out to make a profit,” while one 1‑star review claims the opposite and alleges a push for **“completely unnecessary surgery”** after an asserted change of hands in January 2025. - **Communication and practical guidance** are noted, including diet/food advice during a consult and providing written information for prospective dog owners. - Examples of **supportive care** include attentive treatment for a sick elderly cat over years and supportive handling of an euthanasia visit.

## Summary Medivet Redbourn Priory is part of the Medivet group. The clinic appears set up for routine preventative care (vaccinations, parasite care, microchipping, neutering) as well as diagnostics (ultrasound) and some urgent treatment—one recent review describes care after a cat was bumped by a car, with regular updates provided while the cat was being treated and monitored. Owners also mention staff taking time to help nervous pets settle (for example, helping a dog feel relaxed and comfortable during visits) and a 24-hour out-of-hours arrangement via Medivet 24 Hour Watford, including phone assessment at no charge. ## Services Based on the clinic’s website information and the latest reviews, services mentioned include: - Vaccinations - Parasite care - Neutering - Microchipping - Animal Health Certificate (pet travel) - Ultrasound (also listed as an on-site facility) - Urgent care/accident cases (e.g., a cat treated after being bumped by a car, with regular progress updates mentioned) **Out-of-hours care (as stated):** - Out-of-hours practice is via Medivet 24 Hour Watford. - No charge for assessment by phone. - Consult fee of **£130**. **Animals seen (as stated):** - Cats, dogs, rabbits, and small mammals. ## Pricing - Out-of-hours consult fee: **£130** (at Medivet 24 Hour Watford). - **No charge** for assessment by phone (out-of-hours arrangement). ## People Named team members mentioned in reviews: - **Elena (vet)** – praised as part of a consistently “5* experience” over years by one cat owner. - **Steph (vet)** – mentioned positively alongside Elena. - **Kayleigh (nurse)** – singled out as part of the team appreciated by a long-term client. What owners describe about the team’s approach (with examples): - **Keeping owners informed during treatment**: one owner of a cat involved in a car bump said the team updated them regularly and “went over and above” during the cat’s care. - **Helping pets feel comfortable during visits**: a dog owner said staff took time to help their dog relax and feel comfortable, to the point the dog “loves coming here now.” - **Smooth, efficient visits**: reviews mention visits going smoothly due to the helpful, friendly team. ## Reviews **4.7 stars from 264 reviews.** Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - **Communication during ongoing care**: regular updates were highlighted during treatment for an injured cat. - **Time spent reducing pet stress**: owners describe staff being patient and helping pets relax during appointments. - **Consistency over time**: some reviewers mention using the practice for multiple years and repeatedly having positive experiences. - **Out-of-hours backup is valued**: one owner specifically praised the linked 24-hour service arrangement.

## Summary Marshalswick Veterinary Surgery is a general practice seeing a mix of cats, dogs, and rabbits, with **Veterinary Nurse Training** listed as a facility/service. Ownership (independent vs corporate group) isn’t stated in the information provided. Recent reviews repeatedly describe **being fitted in at short notice**, **clear explanations during appointments**, and **support during end-of-life care** (including being given time to say goodbye). ## Services - **Veterinary Nurse Training facility** (explicitly stated). - Care for **cats, dogs, and rabbits** (owners specifically mention treatment for two rabbits, a cat, and a husky). - **Support for ongoing/complex illness** (one owner describes continued care for a “very poorly” dog over the past year). - **End-of-life euthanasia support** (an owner describes being allowed time and the vet being caring during a cat’s final visit). - **Short-notice appointments** (an owner reports getting an appointment “last min”). ## People - **Anat (veterinarian)**: mentioned by name in reviews for taking time to **explain everything clearly** and helping both pet and owner feel comfortable during the visit. - **Wider team**: described as patient and helpful when handling **hard-to-catch rabbits** and as empathetic during difficult situations (including euthanasia and long-term illness management). ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.8 stars from 120 reviews.** **Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.** - **Getting seen quickly:** owners mention being offered an appointment at the last minute. - **Communication during consults:** one reviewer highlights the vet explaining things clearly and being attentive throughout the process. - **Handling difficult pets:** multiple comments describe patience when examining/treating “stubborn” rabbits that are hard to catch or treat. - **Support in emotionally hard moments:** an owner notes being given time during a cat’s euthanasia and valuing the vet’s manner; another describes ongoing, empathetic care for a very ill dog over a year.