EXPERT CARE
FOR OUR BEST FRIENDS
Ribble Vets draws on innovative practices and thoughtful touches to help us provide a healthy, happy life for our pets, writes Stephanie Sparrow. Photography: SusieQ.co.uk
From fireside cuddles with the cat, to brisk autumn walks with our dogs, pet ownership makes us feel good and brings joy. Interacting with animal companions can boost our mental and physical wellbeing, so it is important to return their loyalty, and attend to the health and development of our cherished pets throughout their lives.
Ribble Vets embraces this philosophy, and from its landmark premises in Penwortham, is championing preventative care and wellness programmes for animals. From routine neutering, or flea and worm treatments, to specialist advice on behavioural issues, weight control and arthritis clinics, the vets provide support for every life stage.
Underpinning this care is the reassurance that the latest clinical procedures and equipment are to hand.
“The facilities at this practice, now a Veterinary Hospital under the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme, far exceed those provided by the average veterinary practice,” says director Steven Baxter.
“These include our two small animal theatres, one large animal theatre, an X-ray room, dental room and a diagnostics room,” says Steven whose dedication to growing the practice since joining as a young vet in the 1980s, culminated in opening the new hospital premises in 2016.
Alongside the extensive facilities are innovative treatments, such as the K Laser to heal wounds or inflammation, and acupuncture clinics.
“We have also created a new mobility consultation to ensure our older patients have the latest advice on pain management and are advised about our rehabilitation facilities,” says Steven, adding, “We try to take a holistic approach and incorporate all these factors rather than relying solely on drugs.”
Its hydrotherapy treatments, run by practice manager Nicky Birch and qualified nurse Sami Taylor, are increasingly popular – with some surprises.
“The sessions last up to an hour and are usually taken by dogs, but we do have a few cats, and we have had an enquiry about an alpaca,” smiles Nicky.
Founded in Penwortham in the 1930s Ribble Vets values its links with the community, hosting charity events, the Christmas market (11th December) and free information evenings.
“We are keen to retain the values of a local community vets with the facilities of a hospital,” says Steven. “We like to get to know our clients and for them to feel comfortable to approach all members of the team,” he says.
What a large dynamic team it is, employing 16 vets, 18 nurses and 12 receptionists. “The practice prides itself on providing its own out-of-hours service, also offering this emergency service for six other practices in the local area,” adds Steven.
To help clients manage their budgets, Ribble Vets also operates a Pet Care Plan, a monthly payment scheme which spreads the cost of preventative care and offers discounts.
Ribble Vets can even care for your cat while you are on holiday. Its onsite boarding area is staffed by nurses, with the assurance that they can provide medication, treatment or 24-hour care.
“We do genuinely treat our clients’ animals as our own,” says Nicky.
Ribble Vets
80 Liverpool Road
Penwortham, Preston PR1 0HT
01772 746393
www.ribblevets.co.uk
