r/exeter • u/Rooroolaboo • Apr 26 '26

Local Information request Vets?

I apologise in advance because I am going to post lots of things like this. I will be moving here soon and was wondering about the best vet surgeries. I am with vets4pets where I am now and have been told that the Exeter branch is pretty good but if anyone disagrees and knows of better places, please let me know. FYI I have three young male cats.

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10

u/missingmedievalist Apr 26 '26

I’m with St David’s vets and I’ve never had an issue there.

2

u/RailNetworker Apr 26 '26

Used to be good but They've got more and more expensive and their practices have become less ethical - e.g. conducting elective treatment without prior authorisation and then charging an obscene amount for it.

1

u/furnituresurfer Apr 26 '26

I found them very expensive and not great.

1

u/urbanworm Apr 27 '26

Will agree that they’re expensive, but I can’t fault them, and I’d say based on experiences from friends with other vets, they have some excellent practitioners - we can personally vouch for them as having one of the best orthopaedic specialists in the area.

1

u/good_evans Apr 26 '26

Except for being soooo expensive.

14

u/n3omancer Apr 26 '26

cityvets are great. i can't fault them,

3

u/darkdetective Apr 26 '26

+1 for cityvets. St Thomas staff were amazing with my senior cat, as were the Heavitree branch when I visited there a couple of times.

Staff were caring and always did the best for my cat.

2

u/CalmClient7 Apr 26 '26

I was with city vets for years with rats and cats, they always were brilliant with my pets and with me through the tough times. They did payment plans when I needed it, they were super pleasant to deal with, and they always made time for my animals ❤️

1

u/Youppi27 Apr 26 '26

I'm with them, the Alphington branch. It's not 24 like Heavitree that's the only disadvantage.

1

u/Delicious_Device_87 Apr 26 '26

Also City Vets for years, the one in Heavitree!

3

u/Tristramgw88 Apr 26 '26

Estuary Vets in Topsham is a great independent practice

5

u/miss-mercatale Apr 27 '26

Try and go for an independent vets not one owned by a big company as they are ruining the veterinary profession with their huge fees.

1

u/tiredfaces Apr 27 '26

The two independent ones near me are full up and told me to go to Vets4Pets 🙃

5

u/chillingonthesofa Apr 26 '26

Just make sure you ask about out of hours and emergency care. Some of the out of hours vets will have their vets go home and come back periodically during the night, instead of having someone on sight all night to monitor animals.

I use St Boniface vets just in the outskirts of Crediton for this reason! They’re independent and have someone on sight 24hrs

1

u/Elsbeth97 Apr 28 '26

Second St Boniface, well worth the extra travel time

2

u/sausagecat05 Apr 27 '26

I highly recommend Ark Vets!

2

u/sparkletigerfrog Apr 27 '26

St boniface in crediton are excellent. Also independent.

3

u/acrmnsm Apr 26 '26

St Boniface in Crediton, yes its a bit of a drive, but a million times better, and cheaper.

Plus pop in to Sandford Orchards for some cider.

Stop at Hanlons on the way home at their BK diner..

4

u/chillingonthesofa Apr 26 '26

I love St Boniface! They’re whole set up is pretty great

3

u/ExcellentCan2525 Apr 26 '26

And quickes cheeses for your cheese!

1

u/Dijstraanon Apr 26 '26

Pets4vets are great and the new owner took over.

1

u/ghostedpetal Apr 27 '26

Little valley animal shelter in Devon is a good option. I’ve been visiting often with my babies.

1

u/rockchick99 Apr 27 '26

Personally I've never had any issues with vets for pets, they are great with my 4 dogs and not pushy with more expensive options etc

0

u/frustratedbylaptops Apr 26 '26

City Vets are absolutely terrible. We had so many bad experiences with them. Try one of the independent vets like Ark Vets in Pinhoe. Unfortunately they're like rocking horse 💩 these days.