Emergency Vets in Birstall

## Summary Vets for Pets is part of the Vets4Pets group, and the practice describes itself as locally owned. Based on the clinic’s own information, it’s set up as a 24/7 hospital with on-site staff at all times, alongside routine appointments (stated as available between 9am–8pm). The website lists advanced diagnostic and referral-type capabilities such as CT scanning, endoscopy, laparoscopy, cardiology testing (ECG/echocardiography), and an in-house laboratory, plus separate cat facilities (separate cat consult room; separate cat/dog waiting areas and wards). Recent reviews include detailed praise for handling nervous dogs slowly and at floor level, but also a serious complaint describing inconsistent communication and payment being discussed repeatedly during a rapidly deteriorating emergency case. ## Services From the clinic’s website summary and structured data, services and facilities mentioned include: - **24/7 emergency care** with team members on-site at all times (the clinic states it is “never closed”). - **Diagnostics & imaging:** CT scanning, ultrasound/ultrasonography, digital X-ray, dental X-ray, ECG, echocardiography, blood pressure monitoring, Tonopen (eye pressure testing). - **Laboratory & monitoring:** in-house laboratory, haematology, biochemistry, electrolyte testing. - **Surgery & procedures:** orthopaedics (including cruciate surgery and fracture repair), soft tissue surgery, laparoscopy, endoscopy, dentistry (including a dental suite), airway surgery, ear surgery, anaesthesia. - **Referral services listed:** behavioural referrals, medicine/internal medicine referrals, oncology/chemotherapy & cancer treatment. - **Hospital facilities:** operating theatre, hospital ward, isolation unit, oxygen chamber, blood transfusion capability. - **Preventive/routine care & clinics:** microchipping, nurse clinic, weight clinic, nutritional advice, prescriptions/medication. - **Species seen (as stated):** dogs, cats, rabbits, and small mammals (with rabbit medicine/testing and small mammal medicine/surgery listed). - **Other services mentioned:** pet passport/animal health certificate; Groom Room; health plans. - **Facility feature:** separate cat consult room; separate cat and dog waiting areas and wards. - **Training:** listed as a **Veterinary Nurse Training** facility (structured data). ## People - **Esther (vet role not stated in the review):** repeatedly praised for working patiently with a very nervous dog—described as sitting on the floor, letting the dog approach in his own time, and improving the experience over multiple visits. - **Laura (reception):** singled out for being “fantastic” in interactions with a nervous dog. - **Amy (role not stated):** also praised for handling a nervous dog well. ## Reviews **Google rating:** 4.5 stars from 893 reviews. **“Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.”** - Several reviewers describe **positive handling of anxious pets**, including taking time to let a nervous dog settle and interacting at the dog’s level (sitting on the floor). - Multiple comments mention **friendly interactions across the team**, including reception. - One recent 1-star review raises a **serious concern about communication and priorities during an emergency**, alleging mixed messages about the pet’s condition and repeated focus on payment; this conflicts with the calmer, praise-focused experiences described in the 5-star reviews.