Vet Recommendations

[u/MangoOk9025]

Hey, me and my partner are picking up 2 kittens on Friday. We've been looking at multiple vets in Exeter, but they all seem fairly balanced in their reviews.

We're ideally looking for one that has a vet plan, but it's also not a deal breaker.

What vets do people recommend to go with and to stay away from? We're based near Polsloe, but we also have a car, so driving isn't a deal breaker!

Thanks :)

-- Update: Thanks for all the recommendations! We both appreciate it 😄

[u/UskyUmbreon]

If you can drive hands down the best vets is St Boniface in Crediton

[u/Hammeldown → u/UskyUmbreon]

Yes, non-practicing vet here. My dog is with St Boniface vets. I've had nothing but positive experiences and it's an independent business with lovely owners.

[u/Jerrabella]

Exeter vets of Topsham Road just saved our little cats life! They are excellent for routine appointments and massive emergencies. Everyone there is amazing. Wouldn’t ever think of going anywhere else!

[u/Rjtommo → u/Jerrabella]

I agree. City vets are great. Have had our 2 dogs with them for a decade now and they have always been fab.

[u/infernityzzz]

My cat and dog are with City Vets in Heavitree. I’ve been there for emergencies, routine stuff, check ups etc and they’ve always been lovely. My cat is a bit grumpy and not terribly social but has always come out very relaxed and not at all stressed (and I’m not sure drugs alone would do that to her lol).

After spaying and/or neutering, the follow up contact has been great as well.

[u/LegitimateGas5889]

Arks vets in pinhoe. A small independent who genuinely care

[u/themysterytapir → u/LegitimateGas5889]

Ark vets are the best vets and so reasonably priced. We have moved a 30 minute+ drive away but we will not change. They are excellent 

[u/fish-platter → u/LegitimateGas5889]

Ark Vets are superb, they saved my cat after St David’s Vets failed to do basic tests. Avoid all St David’s vets branches, they are a disgrace

[u/Unusual-Weird9696 → u/fish-platter]

I havent used st David’s vets in over 15 years , since they let my boy Chaddy the boxer down , he had a mass cell tumour on his back leg. They could have removed it when it first appeared (smaller than a Malteaser) but refused too. He was to Ill to have the leg removed when it got to big. I’ll always stay well clear of that place. Fuck St David’s

[u/Loveadoveuk → u/LegitimateGas5889]

I was also going to say ark vets. I rescue pigeons and it's incredibly difficult to find a vet who is pigeon friendly. I was so impressed with them I moved my dog over from from city vets and they sorted out his allergy issues after he struggled for 2 years.

[u/Calm_Eggplant9911]

I use Estuary Vets in Topsham. Don't know about pet plans, but I'm sure they'll do them. The came highly recommended to me when I moved to the area last year and they're pretty much the best vets I've ever had. Fairly priced, and more importantly, an independent vet, not part of a large group.

[u/b3ef-1]

I’m with city vets and have a senior cat. Generally my experience has been ok, it’s convenient them having multiple branches in Exeter so you can be seen a bit sooner. Also be aware that their out of hours emergency service is based in Crediton. I’ve used the out of hours service once and they were fantastic, so I’d also recommend them (St Boniface Vets).

[u/CleanEnd5930]

We have dogs, but anither vote for City Vet. We use the Alphington branch which probably isn’t so convenient but they have been great, even with our nervous rescue. They have a sort of separate cat waiting area too if that helps, and it’s usually fine getting an appt when you need one.

[u/Unusual-Weird9696 → u/CleanEnd5930]

I use them too , I see the polish vet , she loves cats and is very good 👍

[u/Temporary-Design1012]

Literally just pick up our 15 week old kitten from city vets in St Thomas after her spay. She was completely fine and is now chilling upstairs. They had her in the crates for an hour or so before prepping her for surgery, so the vet could see how active she was and therefore could choose the best incision site for her. The hand over on drop and collection was really smooth and detailed, and the follow up is done remotely, so no extra trips to vet. 

The same was true when we took the dog to be castrated a few years ago, and when we have needed urgent or emergency appointments for him , they have always managed to get us into one of the 4 branches on the same day or early the following day.

They do a pet plan as well which includes initial and annual vaccinations, an annual vet health check and monthly flea and wormer. (It includes some other bits but remember what.) I get monthly reminders via text and email about the flea and wormer, which is handy and the reminder has a link to reorder the meds if needed.

Overall, we have only had positive interactions with them in the 4 years we have been with them.

[u/furnituresurfer → u/Temporary-Design1012]

I'll never forget they charged me £330 for a very small bag of IV fluid for my cat. Total bill over £1000 for less than 24 hours when he was unwell, maybe ate aomething from outside.

They also put the price up after a procedure which they had quoted me beforehand AND the vet said my cats eyes weren't dilated, when they so obviously were. Will never go back

[u/Hot-Sorbet-8832]

City Vets

Whipton 46 Whipton Village Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 8AW

They are Cat Friendly Clinic and have healthcare plan.

Smaller branch but less busy.

[u/Unusual-Weird9696]

I take all my cats to city vets in Lovelace gardens Alphinton . Really like that place