Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my pet falls ill or has an accident when you are closed?
If your pet has a problem outside of our normal working hours we ask you to ring our usual number and you will be asked to follow instructions on an answer-phone message. Our practice shares its out of hours rota with two other local practices and you may have to travel to Ulverston or to another practice in Barrow. The initial cost of call out is the same regardless of which practice is called and currently is £100 but this rises if the call is received after 10 PM but before 8 AM. Sometimes you will need to leave a message on the on call mobile if the vet is out of signal or is occupied with another case. If this happens you should expect to be called back within 10-15 minutes If this does not happen then leave another message. If after leaving two messages there is no response please contact another veterinary practice as it would indicate a significant problem outwith our control.
What are your opening times?
Monday - Friday 8:30 am until 6:pm (7:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
Saturday 9:00-11.00am
Do have to buy medicines from you or can I have a prescription?
Under current legislation we are obliged to provide a written prescription on request. This can only be provided in case of certain, non urgent medications. There is a charge for this prescription to be generated and a typical minimum wait of one working day. You should telephone the practice for the current cost.
Can I have an appointment with a particular vet?
If you wish to see a particular vet then this is easily arranged. We try wherever possible to make sure that you see the same vet each time you visit as this helps to maintain continuity of care for your pet.
Why should I get my pet insured?
Insurance is a vital part of the care of your pet. In case of serious accident or illness it can cover the large bills that can arise. As a Pet Plan appointed representative practice we can advise on the full range of policies from that company.
Why should I neuter my pet?
Neutering prevents unwanted pregnancies in bitches and queens and reduces the desire to roam and exhibit antisocial behaviour in dogs and toms. It can also help to prevent mammary and testicular cancer and prevent some hernias in dogs. Many natural desires exist in un-neutered dogs and if left unfulfilled can be a source of unhappiness for the dog. Neutering takes away those urges and is therefore kinder to the dog.
Do you run a scheme for routine healthcare needs?
We run our own scheme for monthly budgeting of routine healthcare which also offers excellent discounts on products and services from the surgery. Follow this link for further information. If you are thinking of having more than one pet on the scheme then please speak to one of the practice staff who will be able to offer discounts on your monthly payments.
Do you do discounts for pensioners or people on benefits?
We do not as yet offer any special discounts for pensioners but we are a PDSA Pet Aid practice and if you receive Council Tax benefit or Housing benefit then your pet may be eligible for free treatment under that scheme. further information can be found here.
Why do your veterinary nurses wear different uniforms?
The different uniforms are to identify staff at different levels of training in the practice. Our trainee nurses wear burgundy and our qualified registered veterinary nurses dark green. Occasionally there may be students on work placement who wear a different uniform again. All staff should be clearly identified by their badges.
Do you have a complaints procedure?
We hope that you will not have a need to complain but in the first instance you should contact our practice manager. Further information about our complaints procedure is in our terms of business here.
What happens if my pet has to stay in the practice overnight?
If your pet needs to stay in our practice then we make sure that a member of our nursing staff will stay in the practice overnight so that all your pet’s needs can be attended to. If your pet requires continuous nursing then this will be given. Your pet’s case will remain under the direct control of a veterinary surgeon who will be available if called in by the nurse.
Do you have disabled access?
Between 2005 and 2009 the practice underwent substantial expansion and alteration. In the course of this our architect went to great lengths to ensure that we met or exceeded what was required in terms of access for the less able. We are confident that access is what is required but if you need further assistance then please ask a member of staff
Do you treat wildlife?
All vets are required to treat native British wildlife free of charge. During working hours you should endeavour to telephone us to let us know if you are intending to bring an injured bird or mammal. If this occurs out of hours it is at the discretion of the individual vet as to whether they will be charged an attendance fee or not. Treatment decisions will always be made by the attending vet and will take into account the nature of the problem and welfare of the animal. It must be remembered that grey squirrels are not native British wildlife and we are not therefore obliged to treat them.
Do you treat all pets?
We primarily treat cats and dogs but also rabbits, guinea pigs, caged birds and other small rodents. Reptiles and large caged birds such as Parrots and Macaws are only treated if there is an urgent need to provide first aid or emergency treatment as we cannot offer a full range of treatments for these species. In these cases we would ordinarily refer you to a person who has more experience in that field.
What happens if my pet needs a blood test?
We provide a range of in-house laboratory facilities including basic blood biochemistry, haematology, urine analysis and microscopy of skin samples. Results from some tests are often available within a short period of time after the samples have been taken so we may ask you to wait to discuss them. IN other cases we may ask you to telephone or we may make a specific appointment with you to discuss them. If we need the results from a test we do not run ourselves, we send our samples to an external laboratory; Nationwide laboratories in Poulton-le-Fylde www.nwlabs.co.uk. There we have access to a much wider range of tests.