Vet recommendations in Birmingham, UK - Or tips on finding a decent vet?

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to look for a new vet for my kittens Sophie and Chloe once Sophie's treatment for her broken leg is finished. I'm not happy with the vet I've been using. I feel like they're only in it for the money and don't care about the animals at all. I'm also unhappy that when Sophie gets her bandage changed they don't allow me to be present while they're doing it, and then yesterday she went to have the stitches removed and I queried if she'd be able to have the bandage and splint removed. Sophie had a sore on her leg from the bandage and splint putting pressure on the wires below so the vet decided to allow the bandage and splint to come off and placed 3 or 4 staples in the wound (At a cost of £77.25!) without even asking me first (The vet takes her to the back room to change the bandages and doesn't allow me to come , and also wont do it in the consultation room). I have pet insurance who are paying for the treatment but I feel like I'm not kept fully informed of what they're doing, what is wrong, and I feel they overcharge and I don't want to support a practice who seem only in it for the money and who don't communicate with the pet owners.

I'm wondering if there is anyone from Birmingham, UK who can suggest a decent vet practice. I'd prefer one that isn't part of a chain because I feel that independent ones will have more of a personal touch to it.

I'm not sure if there will be anyone else from Birmingham here so it'd also be nice if people could offer some tips on how to find a practice I'll be happy to take my little girls to! When I chose the place I currently use, I just looked for places close to me that looked professional. I don't mind traveling further though if it means I'll be able to take them to a place I feel more comfortable, but I have no clue how to find the ideal place without going for consultations everywhere and spending a fortune!

Thank you,

Sarah

I'm not from the U.K. but I think the best way to find a good vet is word of mouth recommendations.  Do you know anyone that has kitties and takes a real interest in their well being?  If there are any responsible breeders in your area they would know of a good vet as well.

I don't actually know anyone who lives near me with any pets.. Most my friends are students and most student places wont allow pets.. I might try the breeder idea though! I'm sure there's some nice breeders nearby who wouldn't mind me phoning/emailing them for vet suggestions

Hi SarahD1987

There is a vets I went to in Birmingham when I had to be referred to a specialist vet by my own vet.
This vet also has a general animal practice for people living in the Birmingham area and well as a being a specialist referral centre for other vets hard to treat cases - got to be a bonus having specialist vets on hand lol :lol3:

Well, these vets I thought were absolutely brilliant, really caring, explained everything and really seemed to care more about your pet than trying to get as much money as possible out of you. I know other people that have used them too and I never heard anything bad said about them just good stuff.

It's worth having a look at their website though to see what you think. Here's the link

www.willows.uk.net/en-GB/general-practice-service

It's also a cat friendly practice at gold level

Thanks for the suggestion about Willows. I phoned around a few vets today and wasn't really happy with 2 of the ones I phoned who just seemed to want to get me off the phone as quick as possible and not want to answer my questions and just directing me to their website... But I phoned Willows and spoke to someone on the phone who was really friendly and answered all my questions. It seems a little expensive and also a bit further away, but I don't mind the price so much if it's somewhere I feel comfortable taking my little girls and where I feel that their health is the main priority.. I also queried if one of their orthopedic specialists could take over Sophie's care and do the surgery to remove the pins and things in a few weeks time when it's due, but she said that they can only do that if Sophie is referred to them, which I doubt my current vet will do since they have an orthopedic specialist..

I think once Sophie's treatment is over though, I'm going to try them out the next time either of them need to go to a vet and see how I feel then.. I'm sure with enough trial and error, I'll find the right place for them eventually..