Penbode Veterinary Group has a dedicated team of small animal vets to care for your pet. In recent years this has been an expanding arm of the practice and we have been delighted to respond to the increasing awareness of pet healthcare. The busy team of eight small animal vets and ten veterinary nurses constantly strive to improve the service offered but at the same time retain the friendly, human side of an old established mixed practice.
Two of our branches are among a small number of practices in Devon and Cornwall that meet the exacting levels of care required by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association Practice standards.
Nurses and vets all spend regular time in further training.
Veterinary medicine and surgery are fast growing subjects and it is important to invest in further education as well as equipment in order to provide the best possible care. A number of the vets pursue specialised interests and this allows us to refer difficult cases to the vet best able to help them. At present this facility is available
in lameness and orthopaedic surgery, dermatology, acupuncture, homoeopathy and alternative medicine as well as general internal medicine. This also allows us to take referrals and second opinions from other practices in the area.
We encourage clients to talk to us about their choice of pet before purchase so that we can check that it will suit their requirements, and put them in touch
with a reputable breeder or rescue centre. We then offer a free initial kitten or puppy check to try to spot any impending problems and advise on initial care. This is the first step of preventative healthcare that we hope will give your pet a long and happy life.
Among those things discussed will be:
- Vaccinations: Very important from 8 weeks old (dogs) or 9 weeks old (cats) and annually through their life to avoid major infectious diseases.
- Worming: Vital for the pet, their owner and the farm livestock around.
- Neutering: Very important both for the animal's well being and in prevention of unwanted puppies and kittens.
- Flea control: Nobody wants fleas in their house so talk to us about the best ways to prevent them.
- Insurance: Unfortunately there is no NHS for pets and major illnesses or accidents can be an unexpected financial drain. Our advice to most people is that pet insurance is cost effective as well as giving peace of mind.
Our 24-hour emergency service is one that we hope you will not need! However, you may rest assured that there will always be a vet and nurse ready to attend you should the need arise; and if necessary your pet can be
hospitalised in comfortable, warm accommodation at the surgery where they will be given the very best care and attention.
Only when your pet is unwell will you begin to appreciate the depth of knowledge and variety of diagnostic instruments available. All our surgeries have modern x-ray machines and ultrasound scanners for rapid imaging of problems, as well as ECG, endoscopy and full in-house laboratory facilities all run by trained staff. Our operating theatres are all fully equipped and have modern anaesthetic equipment. Computerised records ensure that accurate histories are maintained on all cases.
All consultations are run on an appointment basis though we do, of course, make allowances for emergencies and people who have difficulties with transport, etc.
We will do house visits though it is often better (and cheaper!) to attend the surgery if at all possible.
The end of your pet's life we recognise as being very, very important. If at any time euthanasia is recommended we will be as sympathetic as possible in helping you reach a decision and cope with the upset. We will gladly visit at home if you would prefer and can arrange cremation and return of the ashes as required.
We are keen to do all we can to make your experience of pet ownership a happy one. We will send reminders for vaccines and worming and are always happy to discuss any problems by telephone or face-to-face. We only ask to see your pet when it would be to your benefit - advice alone is always free! If you are ever unhappy with our service please speak to a partner or the practice manager; if you are happy, please tell your friends.