Stowe Veterinary Group

As a pet owner finding a good local veterinary practice is very important to me. I have three cats at present and although they are relatively young and in good health in the past I have had older cats who were not quite so fortunate.

I moved into this area about eighteen years ago and initially went to a different vet but, about fifteen years ago, I went to the little branch surgery of Stowe Veterinary Group in Needham Market and we have been registered with the practice ever since. Fifteen years is a pretty reasonable length of time to assess the service and in that time I have seen a number of changes.

Stowe Veterinary Group have their main surgery in new modern premises in Stowmarket and also have branch surgeries located in Needham Market, Elmswell and Combs Ford. The surgery at Needham Market is located in a delightful little thatched building shaped like a Mustard Pot and painted in a mustard yellow.

The practice has been established for over 50 years and the main surgery has an extensive shop selling a wide range of pet accessories, treats and pet foods.

Range of services
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Stowe Veterinary Group being in a semi rural area offers a full range of services from large farm animals and equine right through to small pet animals. Their vets are friendly efficient and very competent. The services they offer include: ultrasound, endoscopy, blood testing, x-ray and surgery. In addition they have a grooming service and pet supplies shop so there is everything someone like me could want.

It never ceases to amaze me that I can take a pet to the vet and get a blood analysis, urine analysis and x-ray results the same day and have the animal on treatment within 24 hours and yet if I need the same from my GP the whole process can take weeks!

Service standards
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I must say I have always found the service from Stowe Vats to be very good indeed. As it happens having used them for over 15 years there have a been a couple of problems but these were relatively minor and were resolved quickly and efficiently which shows the emphasis they put on good customer service. All the staff are friendly and helpful and it is generally easy to get a suitable appointment whether it is pre-planned or an emergency.

The practice have emergency clinics every Sunday and on Bank Holidays at 10.00 am and 5.00 pm to cover the unexpected - you do pay a little extra to visit these clinics but I think they are an excellent idea. There is nothing worse than having a pet take a turn for the worse after surgery has closed on a Saturday - at least you know you can call in on a Sunday morning and see a vet. One of my previous cats, Lucy, suffered from cystitis and started with an episode one New Year's Eve - it was wonderful to be able to take her in on New Year's Day and get her started on the medication without leaving her to suffer. Not only that but when I arrived at the surgery full of apologies for bothering them on a Bank Holiday I was told it was no problem, that was what they were there for and they were pleased to ease her discomfort as quickly as possible. (I do so wish the NHS worked in the same way!)

At times when I have had a pet which has needed an urgent appointment all it takes is a quick call to the surgery and they will find a space without a problem even if it is at the end of a busy day.

Sometimes if I am booking a routine appointment I prefer to meet a specific vet and this is easily accommodated and helps to build up a rapport which I greatly appreciate.

All of the nursing staff are welcoming and helpful and their love of animals shines through. Their handling of all my pets has been gentle and considerate and they take the time to explain things thoroughly without rushing you through.

When it is time to say goodbye
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One of the hardest things about owning pets is that inevitably there comes a time when you need to say goodbye. Sometimes an animal will die naturally and peacefully but at other times it is kinder to relieve their suffering and help them on their way. Stowe vets have had to euthanase two of my cats and both were handled sympathetically and in a very caring way which I greatly appreciated. One had gone in for tests in the morning having been taken very ill overnight - they rang me to give me the results and the prognosis and we discussed the options at some length. Having made the decision that it was unfair to prolong her pain they asked if I wished to be there, which I did, and then made arrangements for me to go in. When I got there she was in their kennel area on a drip and they let me go down there to be with her rather than to disturb her by moving her and cause her further distress. Their caring and considerate manner makes a very stressful time a little easier to bear.

Would I recommend them?
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I most certainly would. They are a very professional and caring practice with friendly and welcoming staff. There is always a cheery smile awaiting me when I visit and I can tell they love their work by the happy atmosphere. The main surgery is modern light and airy and the waiting area is spacious. If you live in the Mid-Suffolk area and have pets they are certainly worth a visit - I am so pleased to have a local practice I can rely on.

******** Please ignore the Ciao criteria below - I am not sure I can rate the practice for how it affects my skin or how easily it is absorbed! Suffice it to say I am very happy with the service. *********