Relief as blaze-hit vets back in store
A veterinary practice that was forced to move to temporary accommodation following a devastating fire which left one man dead, will move ‘back home’ after 18 months away.
Vets4Pets Perth, which is located inside the Pets at Home store at St Catherine’s Retail Park, was severely damaged by the fire which started in the nearby B&M store on August 24, 2019.
The body of Jamie East was later found in the wreckage at B&M.
There were no pets staying at the vet practice at the time but around 30 animals were evacuated from the pet store.
The reopening of the practice will bring an end to extra travel time for many pet owners.
Among the first pets to return will be French bulldogs Cooper and Yogi, and their owner, Angela Lindsay from Scone, who admitted it was a relief the practice was open again.
She said: “We were all devastated when the fire happened, particularly as it impacted so many pets and owners as they had to first deal with going to a different practice, then abide by COVID-19 restrictions.
“Many of us were worried because vets are such an important part of our pets’ lives, and many animals are really badly affected by change, but fortunately the Vets4Pets team were brilliant and helped our pets quickly get used to the new temporary surroundings.
“However, I’m thankful the Perth practice is once again open and everyone can put the terrible fire behind us and our pets can start to feel some form of normality in their lives too.”
Vets4Pets Perth is located inside the Pets at Home store, and both businesses are now back open, although it’s not known when the B&M store will reopen.
Joint owner and veterinary surgeon Conor O’Halloran said: “The fire really affected the team and particularly the pets we care for, so it’s a relief to be ‘back home’ after such a long time working from our sister practices.
“While we can’t be fully back to operating as before the fire due to the COVID-19 protocols, it’s fantastic to see our clients (pets) and, of course, their owners, as we hopefully begin the journey to normality.
“We must thank the work of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for preventing the building from being completely destroyed and ensuring we had something to rebuild and return to.”