Specialist Vets in Newtownabbey

## Summary Vets4Pets Newtownabbey326 is part of the Vets4Pets group. The practice describes itself as modern and well-equipped, with an in-house lab and imaging (digital X‑ray and ultrasound) alongside a hospital ward, isolation unit, and operating theatre. Reviewers most often mention specific clinicians (Arthur and Rebecca), with repeated examples of detailed explanations, regular updates during treatment, and efforts to reduce stress for nervous cats. A small number of reviews raise concerns about pricing communication (a vaccination quote changing due to “add ons”) and one owner’s account of repeated visits where the same treatment was recommended before they sought emergency care elsewhere. ## Services From the clinic’s own information, the practice lists: - In-house laboratory testing (biochemistry, haematology) and blood pressure monitoring - Diagnostic imaging: digital X‑ray and ultrasound - Dentistry - Anaesthesia and an operating theatre (including soft tissue surgery) - Hospitalisation facilities: hospital ward and an isolation unit - On-site pharmacy Other services mentioned in reviews include: - First-time vaccinations (pricing dispute mentioned) - Support around end-of-life decision-making for an elderly dog - Advice and handling approaches aimed at reducing stress for nervous/previously feral cats - Paperwork for an Irish pet passport (process explained in advance and completed at the appointment) Emergency cover is stated (by the clinic) to be provided through Vets Now Belfast when the practice is closed. ## People - **Arthur (vet)**: Mentioned frequently. Some owners describe thorough explanations and willingness to talk through processes (including a “long phone call” about pet passport paperwork “at no cost”) and efforts to save money where possible. One reviewer, however, reports multiple appointments for a cat in pain where the same treatment was repeatedly recommended and felt the issue wasn’t addressed until they went elsewhere for emergency treatment. - **Rebecca (vet)**: Repeatedly praised for helping families through end-of-life decisions and for “evidence-based” low-stress cat handling—one owner described a previously feral cat becoming unusually relaxed about vet visits after Rebecca built a bond over time. - **Reception/nursing team**: Several reviews mention receptionists being kind and understanding, and nurses being friendly and welcoming. ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.6 stars from 242 reviews.** **Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.** - Clear communication and updates: owners describe being kept updated “every step” when a cat was ill, and time taken to explain decisions and processes. - Cat-friendly handling: multiple comments about advice and methods to reduce stress for nervous or previously feral cats. - Supportive end-of-life care: one review highlights help with a “devastating decision” for an elderly dog. - Pricing and policy concerns in a minority of reviews: one owner reports a vaccination quote nearly doubling due to “hidden add ons” and says a later appointment for a family member was refused after the disagreement; another owner reports dissatisfaction with repeated treatment recommendations for a painful condition before seeking care elsewhere.

## Summary Abbey Veterinary Centre is part of the **Clare Vet Group** and is **RCVS-accredited**. The clinic promotes a **Pet Health Club® Plus plan that includes consultations** (pricing not stated). Recent reviews describe a practice set up for both **routine care and “extra support” when needed**, with owners repeatedly mentioning **clear explanations and treatment options**, a **clean examination area**, and **sensitive end‑of‑life care**. Concrete specifics owners mention include: - Vets **listening and offering different treatment options**, particularly for cats. - **Appointments generally running on time**, and occasionally being seen early if arriving ahead of schedule. - A **clean, friendly examination area**, with owners noting pets recovering well after visits. - **Support at end of life**, described as sensitive and caring. ## Services Services and situations specifically referenced: - **Consultations** (noted as included within the Pet Health Club® Plus plan). - **Routine check-ups** (mentioned by dog owners). - **Treatment planning with options** (owners describe being given different treatment choices). - **Care for cats, dogs, and puppies** (cats and dogs explicitly mentioned; one owner mentions a new puppy). - **End-of-life care** (multiple owners highlight sensitive support when it was time to say goodbye). Facilities/capabilities mentioned: - **Clean examination area** (specifically noted in a review). - The website refers to **on-site facilities** within the wider Clare Vet Group, but does not specify which services or equipment. ## People - The website describes **experienced vets, nurses, and support staff** (no individual clinicians named in the available information). - Across the latest reviews, owners repeatedly describe the clinical team as: - **Listening and explaining clearly**, including talking through **different treatment options**. - **Knowledgeable and informative** during consultations (one review specifically highlights this during an exam and subsequent recovery). - **Reassuring and kind in difficult situations**, including **end-of-life discussions and care**. ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.7 stars from 261 reviews.** “Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.” - Owners frequently mention **clear communication**: being listened to, having options explained, and leaving with understandable advice. - Multiple reviews highlight **compassion in emotionally difficult moments**, especially **end-of-life care**. - Practical experience points include **a clean exam space** and **appointments that generally keep to time** (with occasional early appointments if clients arrive ahead). - One reviewer notes a trade-off: **there may be cheaper alternatives**, but they stayed due to perceived dependability over many years.

## Summary Glenburn Veterinary Surgeons is a group of three veterinary practices (as described on its website). The clinic is set up for routine small‑animal care (cats, dogs and other small animals) as well as urgent presentations: recent reviews describe being seen quickly for weekend emergencies, with diagnostics such as X‑rays used for a painful cat. The website also flags preventative care options via a Pet Health Club® Plus plan that includes consultations. Owners’ experiences in reviews are mostly positive about access and handling—getting appointments when needed, a “large reception area,” and staff taking time to keep a first visit low‑stress for a nervous dog—but there are also sharply negative accounts around cost and being asked to pay before treatment, and one detailed complaint about a rushed/unsupported diagnosis with no tests offered. ## Services Based on the website summary and reviews, Glenburn Veterinary Surgeons provides: - Routine preventative care: vaccinations and microchipping - Dentistry (details of procedures not specified) - Surgical procedures (types not specified) - Small‑animal veterinary care for cats, dogs and other small animals - Emergency/urgent care is referenced in reviews (e.g., Saturday dog emergency; emergency cat case handled quickly), including diagnostic imaging (X‑ray mentioned) ## People - **Reception team**: Mentioned repeatedly as a standout, including being “excellent,” “really friendly,” and helpful on the phone even in a complaint about payment-before-treatment. - **Andrew (vet, role implied by review)**: Named in one negative review describing him as “not personable or empathetic,” giving a serious “neurological” conclusion after a brief exam without explaining it or offering scans/tests; the owner reports another vet later disagreed. ## Reviews **4.8 stars from 314 reviews.** Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - **Fast help in urgent situations**, including weekend emergencies; one owner says their cat in significant pain received an X‑ray and “all necessary care” and improved quickly. - **Reception and front‑of‑house experience is frequently called out** (helpful phone manner, friendly welcome, making owners feel at ease). - **Handling anxious or high‑energy pets**: owners mention staff being calm and “firm” with a scared/hyperactive cat, and taking time to make a nervous dog’s first visit stress‑free. - **Cost and payment expectations are contested**: one review says “reasonably priced,” while others complain of “extortionate prices” and describe being refused help unless payment was made first. - **Clinical thoroughness concerns appear in a minority of reviews**, including one detailed account of a serious diagnosis given without tests or explanation and no follow‑up action reported after the owner contacted the practice.