Number 1 Vets Ltd – Vets in Rugeley
Clinic Overview
Number 1 Vets Ltd is described on its website as an independent, privately run small‑animal practice, opened in August 2011 by James Cadwallader (BVSc MRCVS). It states it treats dogs, cats, exotic animals and rodents, and has separate dog/cat seating plus dog, cat, exotic and isolation wards.
Based on the latest reviews, the practice appears set up for both routine care and urgent, hands‑on cases: one owner says their dog was taken straight in after an attack and operated on, with check‑ups afterwards, and another describes being seen within an hour when their dog collapsed (despite not being a client at the time). Reviews also show a clear split in experience around communication, including one account of a cold, transactional phone response when requesting euthanasia, and another review alleging refusal of long‑term medication without an in‑person visit.
Services
From the website summary
- •Annual vaccinations with a full health check
- •Weight “watchers” chat
- •Orthopaedic and soft tissue operations
- •Species treated: dogs, cats, exotic animals, rodents
- •Facilities mentioned: dog/cat/exotic/isolation wards and separate seating areas for dogs and cats
From clinic data and reviews
- •Veterinary nurse training facility (listed in clinic data)
- •Emergency/urgent care is referenced (navigation mentions an emergency service; clinic data lists emergency services, but no operational details are provided in the available website source)
- •Examples from reviews of care provided
- •Surgery following a dog attack, then follow‑up check‑ups
- •Assessment and treatment for a cat with mites/skin irritation, including seeking secondary advice
- •Support for anxious pets during injections, described as taking extra time and being patient
Pricing
- •One reviewer reports being sold special food for £52 alongside vitamins (presented by the reviewer as “upsold”). No other specific fees or price lists are provided in the available sources.
People
- •James Cadwallader (founder; listed as BVSc MRCVS on the website). In reviews, he’s repeatedly named as the vet who
- •Explained everything clearly and answered questions patiently during a dog’s treatment.
- •Made time to see a collapsed dog within an hour (per one account).
- •Is also mentioned in a complaint where the owner says he was “happy with how his receptionist spoke” during an end‑of‑life call.
- •Vet nurses / staff are described in multiple reviews as
- •Being present and supportive during post‑op check‑ups
- •Helping with fearful dogs during injections by being patient and understanding
- •Reception/phone communication is a specific point of disagreement in the written reviews
- •One owner describes a lack of empathy during a call to arrange euthanasia.
- •Other reviews describe the service as efficient and friendly, but without detail on phone interactions.
Reviews
Google rating: 4.7 stars from 353 reviews. “”
- •Fast acceptance of urgent cases is mentioned (taken straight in after an attack; seen within an hour for a collapse).
- •Surgery and follow-up are specifically described (operation after an attack, then check-ups).
- •Clear explanations and time for questions are praised in several accounts (owners describing detailed explanations and patient answers).
- •Handling of nervous pets comes up positively (extra patience with a dog “terrified” of injections).
- •Communication and trust are a point of conflict
- •One review describes a cold, transactional response when seeking euthanasia guidance.
- •Another alleges medication was refused without bringing the cat in, and describes feeling upsold food/vitamins and not seeing the same vet consistently.
Special Services
Animals Treated at Number 1 Vets Ltd
Animals We Treat
Companion Animals
Opening Hours – Number 1 Vets Ltd
Opening Hours
Hours
Reviews for Number 1 Vets Ltd
Note: Showing the 5 most recent Google reviews out of 353 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.
rebecca cowie
2 weeks ago
Today, Christmas Eve, we made the incredibly difficult decision to have our 14-year-old dog put to sleep. When I eventually managed to get through to this practice, I explained that I believed we needed to proceed with euthanasia. The response I received from the receptionist was cold, transactional, and completely devoid of empathy. I was asked what was wrong with my dog, given appointment times in a blunt manner, and the call ended abruptly without a single expression of compassion, guidance, or acknowledgement of the situation. It felt like booking a routine appointment, not discussing the end of a much-loved family member’s life. What made this experience even more distressing is the contrast with another veterinary practice I spoke to, who were calm, gentle, and compassionate, carefully explaining what to expect and taking care not to overwhelm me while I was clearly distressed. I raised my concerns with the practice owner, James who told me he was “happy with how his receptionist spoke” to me. I find that deeply troubling. If this interaction represents acceptable communication standards for end-of-life conversations at this practice, then pet owners should be aware of that before placing their trust in them at one of the hardest moments they will ever face. I was not asking for special treatment, just basic human kindness. On Christmas Eve, while facing the loss of my dog, that was not provided. Plenty of other amazing, caring vets in the area. I would avoid this practice at all costs. This is not the first poor experience we have had here, but it will certainly be the last.
Colin Mitchell
3 weeks ago
Very efficient friendly service
Karolina Kulpa
2 months ago
Best vets in whole Staffordshire. You will be listened to and your pet will be well cared for. James and his team are only vets I trust 🤗
Chris lovelk
2 months ago
I took my cat in because of a skin irritation caused by mites. The vet immediately picked up on a problem, sought secondary advice and I was informed how badly he was suffering. Unfortunately, my cat didnt make it but the vets were amazing, so caring and considerate. I will never forget their kindness and professionalism. I highly recommend Number One Vets. The best by far.
Dot Christopher
3 months ago
Casey Collins
2 months ago
The most wonderful vets I have ever been to, my dog was attacked and they took her straight in and operated on her, all of the staff were so caring and lovely and she has had a few check ups since, they really care about the animals they look after. Thank you so much number 1 vets, I will continue to recommend your services to everyone I know. The best around!! ❤️
Ray Smitham
3 months ago
Once again a 5 * review, took Jessie for her injections for which she is TERRIFIED!, it's always a nightmare for her but they they went so above and beyond with Jessie, they were honestly amazing 😁so patient and understanding. We can't recommend them more highly.
mandy lunn
5 months ago
Refused me long term, vital medication for my cat because I couldn’t take him in because I was poorly. My elderly mum had to take him in and was upsold special food £52 and vitamins that I had already tried and didn’t help his condition. Don’t get to see same vet consistently , seem to have a lot of trainees. Very disappointed and upset. No relationship or partnership. I’m autistic and had told them from the start that I struggle with communication and needed people to listen to me and treat me with compassion, kindness and understanding. But they didn’t get it. Owner supported staff over the right thing to do. Feeling scammed
Gill Brogden
5 months ago
When treating my dog, James, at Number 1 Vets, took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all my questions patiently, and treated my dog with kindness and expertise. The vet nurses were caring, professional and incredibly compassionate. It's clear they all genuinely love animals and go above and beyond to make both pets and owners feel at ease. I am grateful for their care and would recommend them to anyone looking for veterinary services.
Ian Kuczmyjiw
6 months ago
I spent a fortune in the past with another local vet, yet when my Labrador collapsed I was told there was no availability to see her and my only option was to take her to Stoke, I called No1 vets and even though we weren't a customer he saw to her within an hour, unfortunately she passed away but years later we now have a cocker spaniel and he is registered at No1 vets, he's been a bit troublesome health-wise but I can't fault any of the staff , his care and treatment have been brilliant and thanks to them he's on track to being the healthy dog he should be... Highly recommend service!
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