Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, f founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
THIS is important news for readers struggling to register their pet with a vet.
A new veterinary practice is opening in Ealing on October 1. Called Paws in the City, facilities include two consultation rooms, two operating theatres and a grooming area. Based at Unit 7, Longfield Avenue, Dickens Yard, the practice is inviting pet owners to tour the premises when they open. See pawsinthecityx.com for details.
It’s a significant time for a new vet practice to be opening.
The British Veterinary Association report that some practices have recently been overwhelmed by new registrations and have stopped taking new clients.
They say this is due to a combination of freedom of movement ending between the UK and the EU, shortages from Covid and increasing pet ownership during the pandemic.
As we welcome the new vet practice, it seems a good time to think about aspects to consider when choosing a vet practice.
Whichever practice we use, we obviously expect staff to have up-to-date knowledge of animal illnesses plus the practical skills to deal with these.
We also want staff to be caring. Any impatient word spoken at a difficult time such as when a beloved pet is very ill can be remembered by the owner for ever.
Opening hours are important. The longer the opening hours, the less chance of needing out of hours care, which can be expensive. Cost is a major factor particularly how prices compare to other vets. As long as the relationship is good, we also want consistency in who we see. We want to be able to trust that our pet is in safe hands. And then there are aspects such as transport and parking.
Of course, in return, the vet team will have expectations of clients, for example that advice is followed, once it has been explained and agreed.
For the sake of the sick animal, the client’s relationship with the vet practice is important and needs to be nurtured, on both sides, as much as possible.
Hoping not to need the vet anytime soon, is greyhound Pesto who, together with her favourite toy, is currently in the care of the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) while she waits for a home. If this could be with you, see details at nawt.org.uk or visit her at the NAWT rehoming centre, Tylers Way, Watford by Pass.
Finally, there is to be an Animal Blessing Service at St Martins, Kensal Green on Saturday October 2. For details email animalblessinguk@gmail.com or call 07778 453578.