Farm & Large-Animal Vets in Somerset

## Summary Axe Valley Large Animal Vets Ltd is an **independently owned** veterinary practice focused on **large animals**, with the website explicitly saying it serves **farmers, smallholders, and horse owners**. From the latest reviews available, owners most often mention **quick attendance when needed**, vets who stayed **calm and assured around sheep**, and **fair pricing**. Reviews also repeatedly describe the team as **friendly** and the service as consistently solid. ## Services - **Large-animal veterinary care** (stated focus). - Work with **sheep** is specifically mentioned in reviews (vets described as calm and assured while handling sheep). - The practice says it serves **horse owners** (equine care implied by target clients, but no specific equine procedures are described in the sources provided). ## People - Reviews refer to “**the vets**” as a group rather than naming individuals. - What owners describe in concrete terms: - **Timely response**: one reviewer says the vets “got to me as quickly as possible.” - **Handling and stockmanship around sheep**: described as “calm and assured around the sheep.” - **Friendly manner**: multiple reviews mention friendly service/staff. ## Reviews **Google rating: 5 stars from 7 reviews.** “Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.” - **Speed of getting to the animal** is highlighted (“got to me as quickly as possible”). - **Confidence around sheep** is specifically praised (calm, assured handling). - **Fair pricing** is mentioned more than once (“fairly-priced service,” “very fair pricing”). - Multiple reviewers describe **friendly service and staff**, and “lovely vets.”

## Summary Dulverton Veterinary Practice describes itself as a mixed practice for small animals, equine, and farm animals, with **in‑house diagnostics** (blood testing, digital x‑ray, ultrasound, and endoscopy) and **24‑hour emergency cover**. It’s also listed as a **veterinary nurse training facility**. Reviewers repeatedly describe hands-on support for difficult situations, including **management of a prolonged illness followed by euthanasia**, and **out‑of‑hours visits (including at midnight)**. Specific treatments mentioned by owners include **ongoing care for a broken leg** and **dental work with multiple extractions (six teeth removed plus a clean)**. One reviewer explicitly says they hope the practice “remain independent,” indicating it is viewed as **independent rather than part of a corporate group** (no group name is stated anywhere in the provided sources). ## Services Based on the practice website summary and the latest reviews available: - **24-hour emergency cover** (stated on the website; also reflected in reviews describing out‑of‑hours care). - **Small animal care**, including: - **Dentals** (a review mentions a dental with **six teeth removed** and a clean). - **Neutering and other non‑routine surgical procedures** (website). - **Euthanasia** (website; also referenced in a review describing sensitive end‑of‑life support). - **Vaccinations, microchipping, passports** (website). - **Health investigations** (website). - **Farm animal and equine work** (website lists bovine/ovine/porcine/caprine farm animals and equine), including: - **Herd health** - **Pregnancy diagnosis / pregnancy scanning** - **Foot trimming** - **TB testing** - **Worming protocols** - **Teeth rasping** - **Facilities / diagnostics (in-house)** (website): - Blood testing - Digital x‑ray - Ultrasound - Endoscope ## People Named staff members mentioned in reviews: - **Vicky** (vet role implied by “appointment booked with Vicky” and “professional diagnosis”): described as taking time in the consult and being notably effective with a **nervous, head‑shy dog**, allowing a **thorough examination** for an infected nose. - **Keria** (vet role implied by “we saw Keria… and is still treating her now”): credited with ongoing treatment after a dog **broke her leg**, described as compassionate. - **Lucinda** (explicitly on reception): described as giving a warm welcome and being good with the dog during the visit. - **Rachel** (explicitly a receptionist): mentioned positively as part of the team during out‑of‑hours care. ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.8 stars from 153 reviews.** The themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - **Support in serious and emotional cases:** owners describe sensitive handling of a dog’s prolonged illness and euthanasia. - **Out‑of‑hours responsiveness:** one owner mentions being seen **out of hours at midnight** and feeling well treated by vets, nurses, and reception staff. - **Handling of nervous pets:** multiple reviews describe vets taking time and being gentle, including a head‑shy dog tolerating a full exam. - **Specific procedures with positive outcomes:** dental work is explicitly mentioned (including **six extractions and a clean**) and fracture care with ongoing treatment. - **Cost comments without figures:** several owners contrast charges favourably with other practices (e.g., “would have charged double”), but no specific prices are provided.

## Summary Priory Close Veterinary Practice is an **independent** small-animal clinic (the website says it’s been caring for pets for **over 35 years**) and is set up for **everyday primary-care vet work plus urgent same-day problems**. Owners repeatedly mention being offered **same-day appointments** for unwell pets, and several reviews describe **clear, practical treatment given quickly** (for example, a dog treated within ~20 minutes of eating a raisin with an injection to induce vomiting, and a cat given **three injections** and improving within 12 hours). The practice is also **RCVS-approved for training small animal nurses** (per the website). ## Services Based on the website summary and the latest reviews, the practice is described as providing: - **Routine care:** vaccinations and health checks (annual vaccination + health check explicitly mentioned in a review). - **Urgent/same-day illness appointments:** owners describe being offered an appointment the same day for an unwell cat, including a choice of times. - **Emergency and out-of-hours arrangements:** the website states emergency care is provided via **Quantock Veterinary Hospital** **between 7pm and 8am**, and on **Bank Holidays**. - **Medical investigations** (listed on the website). - **Dental work** (listed on the website). - **Dietary/weight advice:** a review describes a discussion about mid-life weight gain with a plan to address it without leaving the dog hungry. - **Treatment for toxin/foreign ingestion:** one review details induced vomiting after a raisin was eaten, followed by an antidote and aftercare advice. - **Parasite prevention support:** one reviewer says they get reminders for flea and worming treatments, which “arrive in the post.” - Species noted on the website: **dogs, cats, and small furries**. ## People - **Ian (vet)** is named in reviews. One owner credits “Ian and his team” with rapid treatment and aftercare advice after raisin ingestion. - Owners describe vets as **listening and discussing options** (e.g., talking through weight management), and multiple reviews mention the team being **empathetic during euthanasia** (“especially empathetic when I had to say goodbye”). ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.8 stars from 325 reviews.** **“Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.”** - **Fast access when pets are unwell:** multiple owners mention same-day appointments and being seen quickly on arrival. - **Concrete clinical interventions that helped:** examples include an emetic injection and monitored vomiting after raisin ingestion (with aftercare advice), and a cat receiving three injections with reported improvement within 12 hours. - **Owners value the decision-making style:** several reviews say the practice **doesn’t recommend unnecessary treatment** and prioritises animal welfare. - **Cost perceptions:** repeated comments describe charges as “reasonable” or “fair,” including in emergency situations. - **Practice experience:** clean waiting area is mentioned, and one review notes consistently being able to get an appointment.

## Summary Axe Valley Veterinary Practice Ltd offers a **24-hour emergency service** and has an **on-site laboratory** (website). The practice also promotes a **Pet Health Club® Plus plan with consultations included** (website), though no prices are stated. From the latest reviews, owners most often describe the clinic as set up for **hands-on medical work and longer-term case management**, not just quick consults—for example: - **Dental problems caught and treated quickly**: one owner says a vet prioritised checking their cat’s teeth, then provided an action plan and booked a **teeth clean within 10 days**, later explaining the infection risk and likely pain (review). - **Support through complex diagnoses**: one family describes “a difficult diagnosis process” for their cat and says the team provided ongoing help and support (review). - **Home visits offered** when a cat found car travel stressful (review). - **Clear pre-op communication**: one review mentions staff explaining what would happen on the day of an operation and what aftercare would involve (review). ## Services - **24-hour emergency service** (website) - **On-site laboratory** (website) - **Dental care mentioned in reviews**, including: - Teeth checks as part of an appointment (review) - Teeth cleaning and subsequent tooth loss after treatment (review) - **Surgery/operations** are referenced, with staff explaining the day plan and aftercare needs (review) - **Diagnostic work-ups** for a cat described as a “difficult diagnosis process” (review) - **Seizure support and end-of-life care** for an older dog, including discussion of options to manage the final months (review) - **Home visits** offered for stressed pets (review) - Species seen (based on the website list and reviews): **cats and dogs** are repeatedly mentioned in reviews, and the website also lists **gecko** and **guinea pigs** (website) ## Pricing - The website states that **consultations are included as part of a Pet Health Club® Plus plan**, but **no £ prices or plan details** are provided in the available information (website). ## People - **David / “Dave”** (role not explicitly stated, but referred to in a veterinary context): mentioned in two reviews for taking time to **explain options** for a dog with seizures (review) and for helping extend quality time with an older dog that other vets “would have gave up on” (review). - **Imogen** (role not stated): named alongside David for being **patient** and **explaining all options** during a dog’s seizure management and end-of-life period (review). - **Emma** (role not stated): mentioned in connection with a **new puppy visit** (review). - An **unnamed vet** is credited with proactively checking a cat’s teeth, then laying out an **action plan** and arranging prompt dental treatment (review). ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.7 stars from 86 reviews.** **“Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.”** - Owners repeatedly describe **thorough explanations and shared decision-making**, including being talked through what will happen on the day of an operation and what to do afterwards (review). - **Dental issues being identified and acted on** comes up in detail: teeth checked when others hadn’t, a plan made immediately, and dental cleaning arranged within a short timeframe (review). - Several reviews mention **support through emotionally difficult periods**, including seizure management in an older dog and end-of-life discussions that focused on options and comfort (review). - Some owners specifically value that they **didn’t feel pushed into unnecessary spend**, describing vets who listened and outlined multiple options rather than “trying to sell you something” (review).

## Summary Bellevue Veterinary Clinic offers a broad mix of routine and advanced care (including orthopaedic surgery and 24‑hour emergency treatment), and also sees a wide range of species beyond cats and dogs (reviews mention a tortoise). Ownership (independent vs corporate group) isn’t stated in the information provided. Decision-relevant details owners repeatedly mention include: - Making time for urgent cases (one review describes being fitted in on a Saturday morning). - Thoughtful end‑of‑life support, including not rushing owners and a follow‑up call afterwards. - Dental work is specifically referenced, including a case involving 17 extractions and the use of an LED “healing wand” on the gums. - A small in‑clinic policy/detail aimed at quieter support during bereavement: a candle is lit when someone is losing a pet. ## Services Services and capabilities stated on the clinic website summary and/or structured data include: - **24‑hour emergency treatment** - **Home visits** - **Hospitalisation** for pets - **Full health checks** and **vaccinations** - **Microchipping** - **Nail clips** - **Neutering** - **Dental treatment** (reviews include extensive dental extractions; one owner notes their dog wasn’t groggy at pickup and recovered within a few days) - **Soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery** - **Acupuncture** - **Nurse clinics** - **Puppy and kitten packs** - **Pet passport / travel-related services** (one review mentions a tapeworm sign‑off for travel) - **Veterinary nurse training facility** (listed in the provided structured data) Species stated as seen (website summary): **cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, lizards, snakes, reptiles, and birds**. ## People - **Karen** (role not stated): mentioned for treating a tortoise; the owner describes her as *knowledgeable and reassuring*, and appreciated how the wider team engaged with the pet during the visit. - **Reception and veterinary staff** (not named): multiple reviews describe them as helpful and welcoming, with examples including fitting in urgent appointments, creating a calmer/quieter environment for pets, and offering extra time and follow-up support after a pet’s death. ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.7 stars from 180 reviews.** **“Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.”** - **Clear explanations and problem-solving:** one owner says the team found what was wrong with their cat, explained it well, and treatment improved the cat’s wellbeing. - **Responsiveness for sick pets:** owners mention quick responses and being accommodated at short notice (including a Saturday morning slot). - **End-of-life kindness and follow-up:** one review describes being given time to say goodbye, not being rushed, and receiving a check-in call the following week. - **Calm clinic atmosphere:** described as “quiet” and “calming” for animals. - **Specific procedure feedback:** dental care is discussed in detail (including multiple extractions and supportive post-procedure care); travel paperwork/tapeworm sign-off is also mentioned.