Specialist Vets in Cannock

## Summary Melbourne Veterinary Centre is a small‑animal practice established in 1973, with RCVS General Practice status and “Cat Friendly Clinic (Silver)”, “Rabbit Friendly Clinic (Silver)”, and “Dog Friendly Clinic” accreditations. The practice treats a wide range of species (including dogs, cats, rabbits, small mammals, reptiles/tortoises, and birds) and has in‑house imaging listed (X‑ray and ultrasound). It’s also described as a veterinary nurse training facility. Recent reviews most often talk about (1) support around end‑of‑life appointments—owners mention being given time to say goodbye and clear explanations—and (2) handling urgent problems quickly (one owner says their dog was seen within minutes after diesel exposure and was given activated charcoal). A minority of reviews raise concerns about costs/policies (one person says monthly payment plans aren’t allowed), and one long‑term client says they were disappointed not to receive any acknowledgement after their pet died. ## Services Based on the clinic’s own service list and what clients describe in reviews, Melbourne Veterinary Centre offers: - **Consultations** for a range of pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, small mammals, reptiles/tortoises, and birds are listed) - **Diagnostic tests and imaging**, including **X‑ray** and **ultrasound** - **Dentistry** - **Surgery**, plus referral services for: - **Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery** - **Orthopaedic surgery** (also listed as a specialty area) - **Neutering** - **Vaccinations** and **parasite control** - **Microchipping** - **Nurse clinics**, including practical care such as: - **Blood pressure checks** - **Six‑month health checks** - **Anal sac expression** - **Grooming & nail clipping** - **Pet travel documentation (GB)** (as stated on the site) - **Home visits** - **Emergency care** during normal practice hours; **out‑of‑hours** is provided by **MiNightVet** (as stated on the site) - Review‑mentioned examples of care include urgent treatment for toxin/chemical exposure (**activated charcoal given after diesel exposure**) and end‑of‑life appointments with time allowed for goodbyes. ## People - **Megan** is named in a recent review and is credited with guiding an owner “from first diagnosis all the way through” to a cat’s final days, with kindness and clear support through the process. - A “**male vet**” is specifically mentioned as easy to speak to (no name given). - One review highlights a “**lady vet**” who identified an underlying health issue and helped extend a dog’s quality time for a further six months (no name given). - **Reception staff** are repeatedly mentioned as helping owners feel at ease, especially at a puppy’s first visit. ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.6 stars from 202 reviews.** **“Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.”** - **End‑of‑life support and time to say goodbye:** multiple owners describe being given time and consideration during euthanasia visits, with explanations and questions answered. - **Fast response for urgent problems:** one owner says they were seen within minutes after their dog was contaminated with diesel, and that activated charcoal was provided. - **Communication during appointments:** owners mention not feeling rushed, having services explained clearly, and being able to ask questions. - **Costs/payment expectations are mixed:** one reviewer alleges the practice is “about money” and says monthly payment plans aren’t allowed; another says charges are transparent. - **Follow‑up/acknowledgement after a loss is inconsistent:** one long‑term client says they were disappointed not to receive a card/text after their dog died, while other reviews describe compassionate handling during the final appointment itself.

## Summary Hillman Vets is a multi-branch practice (clients mention being seen at several Hillman clinics) that treats dogs, cats and small animals, and is also listed as a veterinary nurse training facility. The practice’s website highlights routine care through to “advanced surgical procedures” and “emergency care,” and reviews add detail on what that looks like in day-to-day cases. Concrete things owners describe include: second-opinion appointments where surgery was *not* recommended (arthritis managed with pain relief instead), follow-up/aftercare checks after castration (two aftercare appointments mentioned), and end-of-life appointments described as private and unhurried with keepsakes (paw print and fur clipping) plus a card from staff afterwards. One recent review raises a clear billing complaint about an unexpected follow-up charge after an ear infection recheck. ## Services Based on the clinic’s website summary and the written reviews available: - Routine vaccinations and regular health check-ups (also referenced in reviews as “injections as and when required” and regular check-ups for young dogs). - Surgical procedures (website: “advanced surgical procedures”; reviews specifically mention castration with aftercare appointments). - Emergency care (stated on the website as offered as part of services). - Medical case management mentioned in reviews: - Pancreatitis treatment and ongoing care for a dog. - Arthritis assessment and pain-relief management after a second opinion (surgery previously advised elsewhere). - Ear infection assessment/treatment. - Small animal/exotic-type care is referenced in a review describing a tortoise appointment focused on husbandry/diet advice. - Client communication processes mentioned in reviews: explanations “before even starting” and text appointment reminders the day before. ## Pricing Pricing is only mentioned in one negative review, and it’s disputed: - £180 for ear infection treatment (reviewer said this was fair). - £90 additional charge after a 7‑day recheck; the reviewer says no one mentioned a second charge in advance and describes the fee as a “hidden” charge. The website text referenced in the summary states that consultations are included as part of a “Pet Health Club® Plus” plan, but no plan price or exact inclusions beyond consultations are provided. ## People Named team members mentioned in reviews: - **Beth (reception)** — described as “warm and friendly.” - **Caitlin** — thanked specifically after a second-opinion visit where the dog was treated for arthritis with pain relief rather than surgery. More generally (without naming individuals), multiple reviewers mention: - Vets/nurses explaining what they will do before starting. - Aftercare follow-ups after procedures (two aftercare appointments after castration were specifically mentioned). - Supportive handling of difficult appointments (one detailed description of a private, unhurried euthanasia with keepsakes and a card afterwards). ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.7 stars from 186 reviews.** **Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.** - **Clear explanations and options:** owners describe staff explaining plans before starting and offering “lots of options,” including a second opinion that avoided surgery in favour of pain relief for arthritis. - **Continuity of care for ongoing issues:** pancreatitis management and routine puppy/young-dog care (check-ups and injections) are mentioned. - **Aftercare and follow-up touches:** two aftercare appointments after castration; text reminders the day before appointments; a condolence card after euthanasia. - **End-of-life care experience:** one owner describes a private, unrushed euthanasia with paw print and fur clipping provided. - **Billing transparency concern (conflicting experience):** one reviewer reports an unexpected £90 charge after an ear infection recheck and describes feeling pressured to pay; this contrasts with other reviews that describe the practice as “value for money” and not focused on taking money.

## Summary Companion Care (Cannock) Ltd is described on its website as a **locally owned practice** operating under the **Vets for Pets** brand, with a modern set-up that includes **separate cat/dog waiting areas and wards**, an **isolation unit**, an **operating theatre**, and an **in-house lab** (digital X‑ray, ultrasound, haematology/biochemistry/electrolytes listed). It also states it is a **veterinary nurse training facility**. From the latest reviews available, owners most often highlight: - **Fast responses and easy scheduling** (including communication via **phone/WhatsApp** mentioned in a vaccination/spay journey for a kitten). - **Thorough examinations and clear decision support**, including a **same-day specialist referral** arranged after a health check. - A split experience on admin/communication: some describe **smooth, responsive service**, while others report **poor follow-up, difficulty making complaints, and record-keeping errors**. ## Services Services and capabilities mentioned on the clinic website and in reviews include: - **Routine care** - Vaccinations and boosters (including annual booster + health check mentioned in reviews) - Nurse clinics and weight clinic - Microchipping - Nutritional advice - Prescriptions/medication - **Surgery and procedures** - Neutering (spay mentioned in reviews) - Dentistry - Soft tissue surgery - Orthopaedics (including fracture repair and cruciate surgery listed) - Ear surgery and airway surgery listed - **Diagnostics and inpatient care** - Digital X‑ray and ultrasound - In-house laboratory testing (biochemistry, haematology, electrolytes, microscopy) - Blood pressure monitoring - Hospital ward and isolation unit - **Advanced/other clinical services listed** - Blood transfusions (including “in-house blood transfusions” stated) - Cancer treatment including chemotherapy - Progesterone testing - Small mammal medicine and surgery (rabbits are explicitly listed; a rabbit medication case is mentioned in reviews) - **Facilities and handling** - Separate cat and dog waiting areas and wards (website) - **Out-of-hours / emergency** - Website states that when closed, emergency care is provided via **Vets Now Emergency** (no further detail provided). ## People - **Harry (vet)**: mentioned in a review for examining two cats “top to tail,” identifying health problems, and helping the owner understand options; a **specialist referral was organised the same day**. - **Katie**: repeatedly credited in a long review for handling a very nervous dog with patience over time (the dog reportedly became comfortable enough to wag on seeing her), and for guiding the owner through end-of-life decision-making and the euthanasia process with clear explanations and support. ## Reviews **4.3 stars from 272 reviews.** Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - **Communication can be excellent for some**: one owner described quick replies via phone/WhatsApp and good availability around vaccination and spaying, plus a clean environment and a calm experience for their kitten. - **Clinical thoroughness and follow-through**: owners mention detailed exams and being given information to make decisions; one review highlights a **same-day referral** after a booster/health check. - **Support for rabbits/small pets is mentioned**: one owner thanked the team for help and medication for a “mini lop.” - **A clear conflict on admin and trust**: several 1‑star reviews describe **poor reception follow-up**, delays, difficulty progressing complaints, and **incorrect pet records**. Another owner felt pushed toward extractions and long-term arthritis medication without a full exam, and reported a second opinion disagreed (teeth cleaning only; joints normal for age).