Vets Now (Gateshead)

Kind helpful and sympathetic but very expensive.

ÐISGRACEFUL -Ernie 10yr old springer. Somehow my dog survived. It was Boxing Day lunchtime and my dog became unwell,breathing seemed abnormal. This was the closest emergency vet. We waited 5 hours at Vets Now before somebody looked at him and the vet said he needed emergency blood transfusion ASAP or euthanasia. He wasn't getting enough oxygen due to his blood cells going wrong and his gums were pale and all he could do was lie down on the floor. The vet rings around and finds blood available in Cramlington and tells us to pick it up as this is the quickest way to treat the dog. We agree to pay £1,000 upfront for treatment to start. We are driving home after dropping the blood off and we get a get a call asking for more money before they would work on the dog because there is a new vet took over shift who said £1000 isn't enough. We transfer another £500 to them. We then get call hours later asking for documents proof of address etc. They still hadn't started work on the dog. He had been left there for over six hours at least before they started to work on him. The blood we were told had to be used within four hours. The place was quiet at 7:00 pm when we left him. This female Scottish vet had no care whatsoever from what I could see which is a shame after seeing the dedication of the other vets. Final bill was just over 2000 but irrelevant anyway as we were insured. The insurance company was shut as it was Boxing day. Surely after transferring them £1500 this should be enough to get someone to work on your dog who is dying essentially? I telephone them at 5:00 a.m. in the morning and he is still under transfusion . I am told that I can have my dog back after 12 if everything is ok with him and that the balance is paid . Essentially holding the dog for ransom . A practice the Royal Veterinary College advises against .11 days later he's looking really well but we don't know the underlying cause yet. People have a duty to call out if something is wrong but I feel the vet is the hierarchy and the nurses and reception just have to do as they are instructed ,but there is something wrong here. I have been lucky to own seven dogs in my lifetime, and I've never been left so angry and disillusioned at somebody's so called professionalism . This experienced vet needs supervised at least, in my opinion.

Great service and advice

George our Miniature Schnauzer was very uncomfortable on Boxing Day. He was squirming around on his tummy, unable to settle. We rang our vets and spoke to a veterinary nurse who advised us to ring Vets Now. After a quick and efficient phone call getting all the information they needed we were told to take him straight there. He was seen very quickly by two vets, a thorough examination and some meds given and he was back home within the hour. Yes, it is pricey, we do have insurance but won't claim, but to be seen and reassured that he would be ok is priceless to us.

An emergency trip to an on call vet is never a great experience personally, but the service we received here was great. Our dog had terminal cancer and when we arrived at the vets we knew what the likely outcome would be. We explained the symptoms to the vet, who took the time to review his symptoms and discuss options; which unfortunately was euthanasia. From the point of taking this option we were supported, given plenty time to be with our dog before hand, and ample time afterwards to say our goodbyes. A truly difficult time and the staff in the reception were great too. To receive a condolences card in the post was truly unexpected but valued. Thank you to the team for making a middle of the night stressful visit as compassionate as possible.

Steven the vet was very respectful and kind at a difficult time. He was lovely with my dog and talked me carefully through everything, and gave me plenty of time with my pet, which made me feel we weren't being rushed and I could say goodbye properly. It is very expensive though, but I understand that its an emergency vets. If my dog could have waited until my usual vet opened, it would have been about half the price we paid, but waiting wasn't an option. We were the only people in so it felt very personal and overall the experience was the best it could be under the circumstances. Thank you.

Nurse seen first was great the actual vet was very ignorant more intrested in money than my step daughters dog told us the dog needed xrays but he wasn't doing it as it would cost her a grand his whole attitude was wrong theres even a sign in room says xray costs for pdsa 73.00 hes a joke

Was advised by insurer advice line to take our dog to an emergency vet late on a Sunday night. Called Vets Now at 10pm and saw a vet at 10.45pm. Was sent clear instructions and directions to vet practice. The reception staff were friendly and efficient. The vet was thorough and gave us clear options for treatment. Cannot fault the service. Unfortunately the financial cost was very high which is the reason for 4 stars not 5.

Attended the vets as an emergency on Sunday following my dog having 3x seizures within 12 hours. The vet was kind and compassionate, explained options for treatment and provided additional medication. The building itself is clean and comfortable, the reception staff are wonderful and show compassion and care. Be warned that that floor is stupidly slippery, the reception provided a blanket for my dog as she was unable to stand up or walk unaided due to the flooring. This did cause a little distress to my dog.