China Rochford
I am extremely unhappy with my recent visit and feel financially exploited. I attended after receiving a text inviting my dog, Noodle, for a £24.99 health check. I left being charged £78.81, which I do not believe was reasonable, justified, or transparent. From the outset I felt pressured to sign up to the practice’s pet plan, which I declined. This pressure has occurred on previous visits and is inappropriate, particularly when clients have clearly expressed financial limitations. I explained that Noodle had been wormed and treated for fleas only days earlier using licensed medication purchased from Pets at Home. Despite this, I was advised to purchase three months’ worth of additional flea, worm and mite treatment. When I questioned this, I was told that medication not bought from a vet was “probably not effective” — a claim I strongly dispute and which felt misleading and dismissive. I was also deeply concerned by how quickly steroids were suggested, without a clear diagnosis or adequate explanation. Prescribing steroids so readily, particularly during what was presented as a routine health check, did not feel clinically justified. I made it clear that both my partner and I are currently undergoing cancer treatment and are living on very limited benefits. This was seemingly ignored, and upselling continued regardless. I left feeling that revenue took priority over listening, ethics, and genuine care. I did not feel respected, supported, or treated fairly, and I would not recommend this practice based on my experience.
