Good vets finder

[babyboos]

Edinburgh University Small Animal Hospital

Phone: 0131 650 7650 Fax: 0131 650 7652

Address: Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin

Midlothian, EH25 9RG



You are better to register with them when you get your hamster before you need to actually see them for anything in particular. Routine appointments are seen on Monday – Friday from 9.20am – 11.20am and 2.00pm - 4.20pm, Saturday 9.00am - 11.20am. Additional/emergency appointments are seen on the day required or as soon as possible. New appointments last for 20 minutes. Recheck appointments last for 20 minutes. If you come by car, there are ample parking facilities. At Easter Bush, a special area in front of the Hospital is set aside for use of clients. Several bus companies run services to Easter Bush, or nearby from within Edinburgh itself. Please contact Traveline Edinburgh on 0131 225 3586 for a timetable.



I want to add other good vets to this list so please everyone get your recommendations in. It really is important to find a good hamster vet, and they are a bit of a rare commodity in certain parts of the world.

[Emma]

Good idea babyboos



Here is a very good vet that I have done work experience with, he treats exotics only and has done spays on hamsters.



Lance Jepson - http://www.vet4dragons.co.uk/ Liverpool/South West Wales



Consults:



University of Liverpool Small Animal Hospital, Crown Street, Liverpool every Monday.For an appointment telephone 01517 944290



St. James' Veterinary Group, 35/37 Lewis road, Neath SA11 1DJ every Wednesday. For an appointment telephone 01639 638638.



Fenton Veterinary Practice, 21 Portfield, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire every Friday. For an appointment telephone 01437 762806

[flogging_molly]

Blackness Veterinary Surgery

82, Brook St, Dundee, Angus DD1 5BP

Tel: 01382 225422



PDSA PetAid Hospitals

211, Hawkhill, Dundee, Angus DD1 5LA

Tel: 01382 660356



Parkside Veterinary Group

58, Dalhousie Rd, Barnhill, Dundee, Angus DD5 2UB

Tel: 01382 739634



5, Kings Cross Rd, Dundee, Angus DD2 3PT

Tel: 01382 810777



12, Lawrence St, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Angus DD5 1ET

Tel: 01382 477433



Tay Veterinary Centre

260, Clepington Rd, Dundee, Angus DD3 8DY

Tel: 01382 884411



In my opinion Parkside are the best with hamsters, I've also had them recommended for that reason too.

[Ghostofarose]

Although no substitute for visiting a vet in an emergency, http://www.pets2home.co.uk/ offer an online messaging service with 'Becky the Vet'. (Scroll down to the bottom left hand side of the homepage to find her). May be useful for advice etc.

~Katie

[souffle]

Donaldson & Partners
Miry Lane
Holmfirth
West Yorkshire

Ask for Robert Whyte.

[I_am_plankton]

Pets Barn Veterinary Group, Gloucestershire:

http://www.petsbarn.co.uk/

Very knowledgeable for more complex issues.

The Globe Veterinary Surgery, High Street, Cinderford, Glos.

Great for simple queries and cheap in that respect.

[Bunsey]

The Croft Veterinary Clinic
1 Hempstalls Lane
Newcastle
Staffordshire
ST5 0SN
01782 711800

Ask to see Aaron or kim

[PinkEmily]

For anyone in the Liverpool Area: Crawford & Crawford Veterinary Surgeons. My family have been using them for 25 or so years. They have 3 surgeries, Allerton, Aigburth and Anfield. The visits are free for hamsters. The vets are highly experienced, i always learn something new when i go there.

Website: http://www.crawfordvets.com/

[sarahh]

For anyone living in

Ashford, New Romney and Hythe

Barrowhill Veterinary Centre

Barrowhill is registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

They offer

24 HOUR ON-SITE EMERGENCY SERVICE, FOR OUR CLIENTS
PETS PASSPORTS
HOUSE VISITS DURING NORMAL HOURS
SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS
EVENING SURGERIES TO 8PM 5 DAYS A WEEK
CONSULTATIONS SATURDAY AM AND PM
DEDICATED OPERATING FACILITIES
RADIOGRAPHY, ULTRASOUND, ENDOSCOPY
FULLY AIR CONDITIONED HOSPITALISATION FACILITIES
ON SITE LABORATORY FOR FAST RESULTS

New clients are always welcome to the practice. Barrowhill is a good vets and can cater for major surgery and trauma.

http://www.barrowhill-vets.com/index.php

Barrow Hill Veterinary Hospital
Maidstone Road
Ashford Kent
TN24 TY
01233 624687

Also at

Bull Cottage
Cannon Street
New Romney
Kent
TN28 8BJ
01797 363177

2 Fort Road
Hythe
Kent
CT21 6JS
01303 269000

The men vets are very good Mark Hurst, Mark Neales (knows alot about hamsters), John Camillari, there other lady vets too. These are the vets we tend to see though.

[hamsterhaven]

Geoff Nash at Sprinz and Nash in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire is brilliant with hamsters, it's actually a 30 mile round trip for me but I refuse to see any of my more local vets unless it's a real emergency because he's so great with them.

[head2head]

My local vet is very good with hammies - she even advised me to take my boys off of shavings and onto something softer! :).

A120 Veterinary Centre
Little Hadham
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG11 2DA
01279 771144

Bit of a drive but I'm willing to do it to see the vets there. They are really friendly and I've always managed to get an appointment on the day.

[foxie_little_lady]

If anyone needs a vet in the Sheffield area go for Mrs Fox at Hunters Bar Vetinary Clinic on Ecclesall Road. Good with all sorts of small furries and nice to the owners too.

[__Sara__]

Im yet to find a good vet. Im in Wakefield.

Do not take your hammies to this on:

Castle View Veterinary Clinic
Belle Isle Health Park
Portobello Rd
Wakefield
West Yorkshire
WF1 5PN
01924 374111

They are small animal specialits (most likely so they can charge more). But it seems like they couldnt give a flying about them. When i had Lola put to sleep there it was the last time i will go to them. (I hope im allowed to advise on bad vets?)


I take my dog to this one :

P Richmond
47 Savile Rd
Dewsbury
West Yorkshire
WF12 9PW
01924 462428

They are priced very well, and all the staff are lovley! I shall ask about hamsters when i go in next :) But im sure they treat them, they do everything else.

[souffle]

Sara- Robert Whyte at Donaldson and Partners Holmfirth is excellent if you want to travel a bit further. He has operated on our tiny dwarf (still with us after 9 months) and diagnosed several problems. He is honest and compassionate and will advise you accordingly but if there is no hope he will tell you that.

[chavvy91]

YORKSHIRE

WESTWOOD VETERINARY PRACTISE
106 HIGH STREET, BOSTON SPA, WEST YORKSHIRE
01937 842210

Im registered with this vets for my ham Sammi, the prices are great, they are very friendly and make it a great experience for both pet and owner, would always come back here! (about £14 for a consultsion and baytril antibiotics + 2 syringes)

[souffle]

Strathmore Veterinary Clinic
London Road
Andover

http://www.strathmoreveterinaryclinic.co.uk/

The have been recommened by Bourne Valley hamsters and are knowledgeable on hamsters. Hope it is not too far from you

[Ceretrea]

I will recommend Jess at Companion Care inside P@H Titchfield, Southampton. Very knowledgeable, confident and experienced in hamster spay surgery.

[merita]

I will recommend Jess at Companion Care inside P@H Titchfield, Southampton. Very knowledgeable, confident and experienced in hamster spay surgery.

That's good to know Ceretrea, that's not too far from me, thanks.

[catpdavies]

I've taken Sid here and they were really helpful today so I'm going to recommend them, they see you really quickly and seem to know a lot about hamsters.
W.T Pritchard The Veterinary Centre
Colomendy Industrial Estate
Rhyl Road
Denbigh
Clwyd
LL16 5TA

[kazmac]

I use Inglis Vets in Dunfermline for all our animals:

Inglis Veterinary Hospital
Halbeath Road
Dunfermline
(opposite Kwik Fit)

Tel 01383 722818

They're all very good, but they have an exotics specialist, Romain Pizzi, who is fabulous. He sees a lot of our small animals, when I can get an appointment with him!
He's also operated on one of our guinea pigs.
He also does lots of work for Edinburgh Zoo with their exotic animals.
Wouldn't go to any other practice now.

[verymissberry]

For anyone who lives in south or west London, CJ Hall vets are wonderful. Matthew has been great and operated on an internal lump on my little winter white. These vets are great, but don't come cheap, I guess you pay for quality.

CJ Hall,
15 Temple Sheen Road
London
SW14 7PY,
United Kingdom
020 8876 9696

[Vectis Hamstery]

Southampton and New Forest
Unicorn Vets - Park Surgery
84 Burgess Road
Bassett
Southampton
SO16 7PP

Unicorn Vets | small animal vets in Southampton (http://www.unicornvets.co.uk)

Tel: 023 8034 3434

Also have branches in Ashurst and Fair Oak. Very easy to access appointments, reasonable rates for excellent service. I have been with the for the past year and they are willing to try (within reason). They have removed an eyelid from a chinese hamster and performed a hysterectomy on a syrian.

[wofunny]

Backwell (Bristol) Vet

44 Rodney Rd
Backwell
Bristol
Avon
BS48 3HW

Dr Susan Yeo - Vet in Bristol, Avon (http://www.any-uk-vet.co.uk/yeo/index.htm)

Tel: 01275 462691

[debs]

Wilsons Vet ( Cupar)

136 Bonnygate
Cupar
Fife
KY15 4LF
map
Cupar (http://www.wilsonandpartners.co.uk/html/locations_cupar.html)
Telephone: 01334 652273

Really Good Vets even been with this vets since i could remember. : ]

[Poodle]

I use Lawrie who have a branch in Cumbernald and also Falkirk. Used to use a different vet after after our 3rd piggie died there we didn't trust them. The new vet is fantastic. They deal with all rodents, reptiles, birds and even fish! The staff are all so friendly and really care for the animals plus it's much cheaper than anywhere else we have went so a huge bonus!

The Lawrie Veterinary Group
Kenilworth Court
North Carbrain Rd
Cumbernauld
Glasgow
Lanarkshire
G67 1BP
01236 727876


The Lawrie Veterinary Practice
( Maguire Lawrie & Lawrie )
25 Griffiths St
Falkirk
Stirlingshire
FK1 5QY
01324 624361

[stellanova1]

I'd recommend wilson and partners vet in Cupar Fife. Best vet I've been to and prefer to travel further to go to this one than my local one, as they are much more experienced with hamsters, friendly, caring and very reasonable prices. I've only had Danielle and she is brilliant :)

Wilsons and Partners Veterinary Surgeons
136 Bonnygate
Cupar
Fife
KY15 7LF

01337 652273

[Anthony]

I use Nine lives vet centre in Redbourne, Hertfordshire. I've used a vets in my local area but wasn't happy with the service i received so went to look for a new vets! I choose Nine Lives for 2 reasons, the first was that it was recommended to me by someone on fancy-rats and secondly because they sell fucithalmic cheaply. One of my dwarfs, Winter has an on going eye problem and needs it and they had the cheapest in the area.

Emily is amazing and she really treats each animal like it was her own. Her passion is obvious. Nine lives also only deals with 'cats and small and exotic anmals' so all of their staff are experts on what all my pets need as i only have small ones!

I don't mnd travelling for them from hatfield, its worth it... There is this thing about the place that makes you wanna go back, haha.

[debs]

I'd recommend wilson and partners vet in Cupar Fife. Best vet I've been to and prefer to travel further to go to this one than my local one, as they are much more experienced with hamsters, friendly, caring and very reasonable prices. I've only had Danielle and she is brilliant :)

Wilsons and Partners Veterinary Surgeons
136 Bonnygate
Cupar
Fife
KY15 7LF

01337 652273


i agree :D i go too the wilsons one near me but that only open in till 9 =/ so i need too go too cupaR LOL :)

[princess-rhi89]

For anyone in or near Cardiff
Vet Services & Treatments for Small Mammals, Rabbits, Rodents, Mice, Rats, Guinea Pigs, Gerbils, Hamster etc (http://www.valleyvets.net/veterinary_services/small-mammals.php)
They have surgerys in Cardiff, Caerphilly, Ystrad Munach and Pentyrch

They are a tier 3 small animal surgery.

[SnickersTheFirst]

Riverside Veterinary Group Essex (http://www.riversidevets.com/)

All in the Essex area. Great place to go. :)

[Izzie]

Here are some links that may be helpful in your search for a qualified hamster vet:

The American Animal Hospital Associations "Hospital Search" (http://www.healthypet.com/Accreditation/HospitalSearch.aspx) allows you to search for "small animal" practices in your area

The Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians also has a Searchable Database (http://www.aemv.org/vetlist.cfm) for listings by state or country.

Here's a link (http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/critter-exclusives/new-small-pet-veterinarian-questions.aspx) to a good article on how to find a small animal veterinarian.

Another note: calling around to veterinary offices which do NOT see hamsters, to see who they refer to, is an excellent idea. They are free to offer referrals based only on the professional reputation of the small animal doctor without fear of competition.

[laura]

I go to the vets in Edinburgh, Bread Street (just off Lothian Road) and they give free check ups for the hamsters.

They also operated on my hamster and he recovered well so I'm impressed with them!!

[fluffymunchkins]

I use A.K Duncan vets in wollaston if your interested Alison :)
Although they aren't the best at handling hamsters and sometimes need a little help, the vet is so lovely and genuinely loves them.
I've regularly had teeth clipping and also treatment for cystitus with no problem. They are very reasonable with prices also :)
(costs me £9 for a teeth clip, between £15-£30 for consultation and meds)

[alisont]

I use A.K Duncan vets in wollaston if your interested Alison :)
Although they aren't the best at handling hamsters and sometimes need a little help, the vet is so lovely and genuinely loves them.
I've regularly had teeth clipping and also treatment for cystitus with no problem. They are very reasonable with prices also :)
(costs me £9 for a teeth clip, between £15-£30 for consultation and meds)

That's great info thanks, not that far from me as in about 4 miles. I think our vets Clent Hills in Hagley would be ok, and I can walk there but like to have ideas in case ever needed (hopefully won't be needed but I like to be prepared!)

[Sammybingo]

My vet is in Manchester, in Chorlton. They can be found here -

ashleigh (http://ashleighvets.co.uk/)

Ashleigh Vets are not the cheapest, but they are fantastic. They take small pet and exotic care very seriously, and all the staff I've dealt with have been lovely, even when I left without paying my bill yesterday and returned five minutes later when I realised! I actually quite enjoy visiting as everyone is so nice.

[Jinjo]

Broadview Animal & Bird Hospital

Phone: (216) 524-1141

Address: 7553 Broadview Road Seven Hills, OH 44131


I have never brought a hamster here BUT I did take my pet rats here and a sick cavy from my work and they are very kind and can usually get you same day. They also sent me a little memorial grave made out of plaster or paris with my rat's feet prints in it after they put him to sleep for me. They are very caring and try to do whatever they can to help. 48.95$ per vet visit.

-or-

Bartels Busack Pet Hospital Resort & Spa

Phone: (440) 845-7141

Address: 6270 State Road Parma, OH 44134

Also a good choice, gave good service and got me in same day as the appointment. Also cut nails of rats for free. $50.00 vet visit.

[Christiane]

Hi guys,

i live in Sheffield and i would not recommend Highfield Vets on London Road because of bad experiences there, but i would recommend vets4pets on Abbeydale Rd, Millhouses area.

:)

xxx

[kyrilliondaemon]

I'm near Aberystwyth in Mid-Wales and thought I'd mention the two local vets I know of.

Do NOT go to WJ Downes on Park Avenue (the one on the same road as the retail park with pets at home in).
We registered there as it was the only vet we knew of in the area but are changing asap now.
The receptionist refused to regard "sable" as hamster colouring, and when I asked if they treated "roborovski dwarf hamsters" I got the staff really confused before they went "are they smaller than mice? because we treat mice". I've since heard nasty stories about their treatment of animals belonging to other people and discovered that they "have particular interest and experience in treating cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs and goats".
Turns out that hes an ex-farm vet. Lovely.
They won't be seeing any of our hamsters.

We've been advised to try this place instead. Ystwyth Vets (http://www.ystwythvets.co.uk/)
The person who reccomended them used to own rats and usually goes there for her cats to be treated.
We haven't been there yet but I can't find any vets other than this one or Downes, so unless I find another then its guaranteed to be no contest, these are the better vets.

We'll be registering as soon as I sort out a fact-sheet of our hamsters.
(I get frustrated when repeating the same info for multiple hamsters and figure a fact sheet will tell them all they need to know about each hamster, and save me getting asked. We'll also be using photos to show the colouring so that they can decide what they want to call it and save us a job lol)

[Gamina]

Is there a good one in London? The vet nearest to me says they'll see hamsters, but a mere consultation is almost thirty pounds!

I go to Companion Vet Care in P@H Charlton.

Companion Care - Charlton
Inside Pets at Home,
Peninsular Park Road,
Bugsby Way,
Charlton,
Greater London,
SE7 7TZ,
United Kingdom
Tel: 0208 269 1440
Fax: 0208 269 1444

I have had great experiences here with a variety of small animals that so many vets seem to know very little about or think they are untreatable.

They have treated four of my gerbils including Carbuncle who had severe abdominal blockages and muscle problems. He was only a month old. Another vet told me putting him down would be the kindest thing but after one visit, a 10 day course of baytril and some steroid injections as well as syringe feeding from the vet at Charlton and he is now coming up to a bright healthy and happy 12 months.

Cat my last hamster visited them twice. They gave great advice in making him comfortable and treating him as he got older. I took him their to be put down as well.

They really know what they are doing and have never failed to fit me in the same day often within a few hours of me calling.

[bathgerbilrescue]

YORKSHIRE recomendation:
Battleflats vets in north yorkshire, saw Mark at the Stamford Bridge branch and the hammie was successfully spayed

[Roxie]

Grove Lodge, Brighton

Brighton Surgery
104 Preston Drove
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 6EW

Tel: 01273 558838
Fax: 01273 552245

Wonderful surgery full of very caring staff. No pet is too small and they have a wonderful "exotic pets" expert who is great with any species of small furry.

[Amethyst_ice]

Midlands

MANOR VETS

Halesowen, Edgbaston, Northfield & Cradley Heath

I went to Halesown...on 2 occassions...first time they treated Bear and had a small animal specialist, very friendly, no rushing. Second time to help my rat to the bridge...were very professional and caring.

Not overly expensive but the level of service supercedes any costs.

Manor Vets, Manor Veterinary Centres, Vet Halesowen, Edgbaston vet, Cradley Heath, vet Northfield, Exotic Pets, pet MRI (http://www.manorvets.co.uk/)

OPEN EVERY DAY AT NO EXTRA COST

[SnickersTheFirst]

I couldn't recommend this vets enough:

The Wylie Vetinary Centre (http://www.wylievets.com/wyliehtml/p1.html)

They were very kind when I took Snickers to be put to sleep, they just charged me for the euthanasia and not for the emergency consultion.They have a specialist for pretty much everything too.

Sorry Minnie, I have no idea where Loughton is. :mad: Will have to look on Google Maps. :p

[Hamtastic]

U.S.A. Eastern Massachusetts:

Dr. Patrick Hallisey, Kindness Animal Hospital
Kindness Animal Hospital- Waltham, MA (http://www.kindnessanimalvet.com/)

A rare thing to find: specializes in "exotic animals" such as rats and hamsters, offering diagnostic and surgical services. Very knowledgeable (knows about Cushings disease and keeps up with current research) and generally a good guy. Offers lots of information and discusses all options, even if there aren't solid treatment options available.

Visits are not cheap: $77+any tests (~$30 for urine test, for example), though not out of the normal range for my area. Many vet clinics around don't have exotic specialists, and those that do frequently only do simple diagnostics and refer to Angell Memorial (insanely expensive) for anything serious.

[Demecat]

For Scarborough and nearby villages, Swanzdale Vets (http://www.swanzdale.co.uk/) is the best for all animals. For hamsters, ask for Matthew!

[acapae]

Vet Name: Steve and Laura
Practice Name: Skeldale Veterinary Centre
Address: Skeldale Veterinary Centre, York Road, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3BT
Telephone: 01845 522297
Website: Skeldale Veterinary Centre, Thirsk News (http://www.skeldalevets.co.uk)

Comments:
I'm listing this practice by nature of the thread, however really I'm only reccomending a couple of specific vets. It is a mixed practice in a very farming-centric area - so not all the members of staff have quite the same, er, standard of care for small rodenty things.

Laura keeps hamsters herself, and she's sort of "the hamster person" at the practice.
Steve is the vet I've seen most and I'm training him up to be a very good rat vet.
I tend to ask to see Steve first (for rat and hamster things), but will happily see Laura if he's not in.

While not an experienced vet (he only graduated a couple of years ago), Steve used to own rats himself, genuinely likes them and wants to do the best he can for them. This is extended to hamsters and other small pets. He's friendly, approachable and explains everything through very clearly so I know exactly what the options are. His examinations are also incredibly thorough and he's very good at handling both very wriggly escapist rats and senile, grumpy likely-to-bite hamsters. Steve is also happy to take advice from other vets (I've taken along a print-out of an email conversation on dosages) and knows [and is happy with the fact that] I get advice from both more knowledgable friends and online resources.

One of the things that made me trust him initially is that he's also incredibly honest - both with regards to capabilities and experience. And said information is volunteered, rather than having to be weedled out as with some other vets. If he doesn't know something medically he's also willing to look up there and then if possible, or to look up the info later on.

Steve is also happy for me to take an active role, rather than passively going off things he's said. I've been allowed to listen to chests by stethescope to get more of an idea as to what he's going off. Also when a rat of mine was seriously ill over the festive period and was on daily dex, he showed me how to inject it myself so that I didn't need to pay a daily out of hours fee.

Occasionally I will also see Laura too, but as said she's my second choice. I've only used her for diagnostics post-death so can't really comment on her skill there, but in this specific situation her thoughts were on the same line to mine. She's very good at handling hamsters and good at handling rats so long as they're not overly pingy. She's happy to prescribe non-liscenced drugs at suitable doses, and goes out of her way to put the animal first. Laura's approachable and also very good at calming one down and making sensible suggestions should you phone up panicking and being angry/ upset with how another vet [different practice] handled a situation :oops:

Both vets are happy to let me buy meds by the bottle and give good amounts of drugs to keep costs down my end. I've only been using this practice since moving to the area in August 2011, but so far my rats (kindly having lots of health problems...) and hamster have been prescribed: Baytril, co-amox, doxy, septrin, zithromax, draxxin, loxicom [cheaper brand of metacam], vetergesic, dexamethasone, prednisone, frusemide and bisolvon. Cephalexin and galastop have also been considered, and ruled out for reasons to do with the situation rather than external pressures such as stupid lisencing rules. In other words, they don't treat rodents or rodent owners as lesser beings, and are willing to try the less common based on the merits of the drug itself and the sitution in question.

Additionally prices are on the cheap side. Hamster consults are ~£10 ("child's pet") and this price isn't bumped up for an extended consult or if you bring multiple rodents. Follow-up consults aren't always charged, depending on specifics of the situation. Out of hours fee is £50 and they have a rota for that themselves, rather than employing seperate people. PTS costs £7-14 for rats, so I'd assume lower end of that for hamsters. Their preferred method is gas chamber before fatal injection. As an owner you're more than welcome to be present - unlike some surgeries who think it's a H&S risk to let you go out back. Drugs are cheap too, especially those in pill form.

I've not needed any operations doing while I've been living here, so I can't comment on that specificially myself. If you're wanting to talk to them about it I'd phone up and ask to speak directly to one of Steve or Laura - they're more than happy to help on the phone.

So overall, while they're not necessarily specifically experienced, they have all the other qualities of good vets. Personally I'd rather vets like this than a specialist who treats customers like dirt. And I say this more than just theoretically - this situation happened when I took my rats to an exotics vet in the area, and I refuse to go back.

[edited review from a rat POV]

[mikew]

I'd like to recommend Laura Cole at Meopham Vets in Kent Meopham Veterinary Surgery, professional, fully qualified, surgeons, Martin Hobbs, Vets in Kent (http://www.meophamvets.co.uk/index.html)

She's a natural with hammys, knows just how to approach/handle them/put them at ease and is very caring and knowledgeable in the hammy field.

[atrixa]

Vets 4 Pets
199 Grange Road
Darlington.

Rob was very knowledgeable about hamsters, and a consultation is £15.

[Lynternette]

Value Vets
130 Lodge Road
West Bromwich
West Midlands
B70 8PL

I can thoroughly recommend these vets. They have been brilliant with all of our pets. No problem whatsoever with hammies.

[CharlieB]

Vets Gloucestershire | Woodlands Vets, Cheltenham (http://www.woodlands-vets.co.uk/)

This is the Vets I use, they are fantastic and do everything they can to make the animals comfortable :)

They are in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire

[TraceyH]

Kingston Vets - Park Street - Clinic & Animal Hospital (http://www.kingstonvet.co.uk/surgery/park_street_-_clinic_andamp;_animal_hospital/4)

I use this one. Usually see David Robinson, he's also a good avian vet.

[linford27]

I'd like to reccomend

Walton Lodge Veterinary Group
Poole, Dorset
101 North Road
BH14 0LT

I can 100% reccomend them, excellent knowledge, fair prices, and have also offered to board charlie in the hospital when I was struggling to find a hamsitter.

Ask for Ally, she's very friendly, knows what shes talking about and lets me email her if i am worried (she puts up with me lol)

[MandyP]

Hart Vets in Bicester and Aylesbury (http://www.hartvet.co.uk/)

Hart vets are brilliant. They are very caring and have nurses on site 24/7 to help look after the sick animals.

[Minnie]

Here's a list of my preferred vets. My favourite is the first one - who has just given me this little Russian to look after.

Elena
Goddard's Veterinary group
159 Ley Street
Ilford
Essex IG1 4BL
Tel: 020 8478 2122

Elena frequently operates on small furries and has a genuine love of all animals. She successfully carried out a hysterectomy on Smudge when she had suspected pyometra.

Other veterinary practice I would recommend is the Midland Veterinary Centre in Leyton
655 High Road
Leyton
London E10 6RA
Tel: 020 8539 3538

This team of vets (all with an interest in exotics) helped Smudge to cope with suspected liver disease even though this ultimately resulted in her death ultimately. She was always a sickly little mite - that's why her previous owners got rid of her :-(

[Minnie]

Hi I've just found this link to a website listing vets with a specialism in small furries / exotics.

Vet Index Online Directory - Avian & Exotic Referrals (http://www.vetindex.co.uk/vetindex/avian_ref.htm)

It covers all of the UK.

[Eriklover555]

Here's the best exotic vet in Arizona:

Wright Bird & Exotic Pet House Calls
(480)495-3420
webph.com

He used to be one of the main doctors at the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital, but he left to start his own practice. He's also the only vet I talked to that knew what an "impacted cheek pouch" was.

[squishyhammy]

uk vets by area (covers whole uk) Vets | Veterinary Surgeries at PetsLocally UK (http://www.petslocally.co.uk/uk/vets)

[Tutu]

Surgeon Simone Dent
Companion care Ltd
Chelmer Village retail park
Chelmsford
Saved my hammy's life from wet tail and recommended as she treats P@H small animals all the time.
Ps. If anyone goes to p@h could you check their animals as I try to patrol that shop just in case if their hammes having wet tail!!

[csockman]

I have recently released a web site that enables people to find, submit, and review exotic mammal veterinarians across the globe. We are currently indexing approximately 1500 veterinarians in 34 countries. As of right now, it is English based, but we have plans for language translations so we can better support the global community.

This web site is exclusively for exotic mammal veterinarians, and is account-free (there is no need to create an account to submit/review vets), ad-free, and nobody pays to be on the site or to get information from our site. In other words, we built this site out of love and to fill a gap that we felt existed.

If you are so inclined, please visit Home - Vetective? - A community driven exotic mammal veterinarian locator (http://www.vetective.com) and submit a review for a vet that is already in our system. If by chance your awesome exotic mammal vet is not in our system, please submit them as well!

Feedback is welcome.

Regards,
Cliff

[TracyMM]

Hi, does anyone know of a good vet in North London, N6 isn? I have tried PetVet and although nice and willing to accommodate hamsters, they are incredibly expensive (I was paying almost £60 a month for teeth trim and check up of previous hamster). Also when I took Alfred I noticed they had got him down on the form as a 'mixed' hamster. I indignantly corrected them, as Alfred is a pedigree Syrian! They don't clip teeth as they say it can cause chipping or damage to the tooth root; they use a drill. Alfred was so traumatised that this genial hamster (who has never bitten in his life), after suffering his teeth being drilled, brutally attacked the cloth he was being held in! He looked so upset when I collected him I vowed never again. Luckily his breeder just clips them whenever, and Alfred is really laid back with her. But just in case I ever need a vet for something other than teeth, does anyone know of a good hamster vet in my area.

BTW, I have no complaints with PetVet, but i don't think they see too many hamsters. This is Cockapoo territory....

[acapae]

Vet Name: Steve and Laura
Practice Name: Skeldale Veterinary Centre
Address: Skeldale Veterinary Centre, York Road, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3BT
Telephone: 01845 522297
Website: Skeldale Veterinary Centre, Thirsk News (http://www.skeldalevets.co.uk)

Comments:
I'm listing this practice by nature of the thread, however really I'm only reccomending a couple of specific vets. It is a mixed practice in a very farming-centric area - so not all the members of staff have quite the same, er, standard of care for small rodenty things.

Laura keeps hamsters herself, and she's sort of "the hamster person" at the practice.
Steve is the vet I've seen most and I'm training him up to be a very good rat vet.
I tend to ask to see Steve first (for rat and hamster things), but will happily see Laura if he's not in.

While not an experienced vet (he only graduated a couple of years ago), Steve used to own rats himself, genuinely likes them and wants to do the best he can for them. This is extended to hamsters and other small pets. He's friendly, approachable and explains everything through very clearly so I know exactly what the options are. His examinations are also incredibly thorough and he's very good at handling both very wriggly escapist rats and senile, grumpy likely-to-bite hamsters. Steve is also happy to take advice from other vets (I've taken along a print-out of an email conversation on dosages) and knows [and is happy with the fact that] I get advice from both more knowledgable friends and online resources.

One of the things that made me trust him initially is that he's also incredibly honest - both with regards to capabilities and experience. And said information is volunteered, rather than having to be weedled out as with some other vets. If he doesn't know something medically he's also willing to look up there and then if possible, or to look up the info later on.

Steve is also happy for me to take an active role, rather than passively going off things he's said. I've been allowed to listen to chests by stethescope to get more of an idea as to what he's going off. Also when a rat of mine was seriously ill over the festive period and was on daily dex, he showed me how to inject it myself so that I didn't need to pay a daily out of hours fee.

Occasionally I will also see Laura too, but as said she's my second choice. I've only used her for diagnostics post-death so can't really comment on her skill there, but in this specific situation her thoughts were on the same line to mine. She's very good at handling hamsters and good at handling rats so long as they're not overly pingy. She's happy to prescribe non-liscenced drugs at suitable doses, and goes out of her way to put the animal first. Laura's approachable and also very good at calming one down and making sensible suggestions should you phone up panicking and being angry/ upset with how another vet [different practice] handled a situation :oops:

Both vets are happy to let me buy meds by the bottle and give good amounts of drugs to keep costs down my end. I've only been using this practice since moving to the area in August 2011, but so far my rats (kindly having lots of health problems...) and hamster have been prescribed: Baytril, co-amox, doxy, septrin, zithromax, draxxin, loxicom [cheaper brand of metacam], vetergesic, dexamethasone, prednisone, frusemide and bisolvon. Cephalexin and galastop have also been considered, and ruled out for reasons to do with the situation rather than external pressures such as stupid lisencing rules. In other words, they don't treat rodents or rodent owners as lesser beings, and are willing to try the less common based on the merits of the drug itself and the sitution in question.

Additionally prices are on the cheap side. Hamster consults are ~£10 ("child's pet") and this price isn't bumped up for an extended consult or if you bring multiple rodents. Follow-up consults aren't always charged, depending on specifics of the situation. Out of hours fee is £50 and they have a rota for that themselves, rather than employing seperate people. PTS costs £7-14 for rats, so I'd assume lower end of that for hamsters. Their preferred method is gas chamber before fatal injection. As an owner you're more than welcome to be present - unlike some surgeries who think it's a H&S risk to let you go out back. Drugs are cheap too, especially those in pill form.

I've not needed any operations doing while I've been living here, so I can't comment on that specificially myself. If you're wanting to talk to them about it I'd phone up and ask to speak directly to one of Steve or Laura - they're more than happy to help on the phone.

So overall, while they're not necessarily specifically experienced, they have all the other qualities of good vets. Personally I'd rather vets like this than a specialist who treats customers like dirt. And I say this more than just theoretically - this situation happened when I took my rats to an exotics vet in the area, and I refuse to go back.

[edited review from a rat POV]

Both of these vets have since left. I would no longer personally recommend this practice.

[icklemunch]

Beech house vets.
Stopes Rd,
Radcliffe
Greater Manchester.

01617231759.
Beech House Veterinary Surgery, Radcliffe, Manchester (http://www.beechhousevetsradcliffe.co.uk).

Great small family run practise. Can't recommend enough. Ask for Shaun (the owner) or Evan. Both brilliant!!

[Eriklover555]

Here's the best exotic vet in Arizona:

Wright Bird & Exotic Pet House Calls
(480)495-3420
webph.com

He used to be one of the main doctors at the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital, but he left to start his own practice. He's also the only vet I talked to that knew what an "impacted cheek pouch" was.

Dr. Wright recently passed away, and his practice was closed. I'll update when I find a suitable vet replacement.

[kimlck]

Budget Vets Newport
On Malpas road.
01633 855825.

Always ask for Ian as he's the exotics vet

[Fluffagrams]

Garston Veterinary Group

Have surgeries located in Trowbridge, Westbury, Warminster and Frome. They can book you an appointment with any of the surgeries within the practice so there's the best chance of getting your pet seen, however they will try to accommodate your request for a particular location where possible. You can register your pet in advance but you can also register them when you call for an appointment if necessary. They run a dedicated emergencies service for registered pets rather than outsourcing them which is reassuring if your pet is taken ill and you are unable to travel long distances.

Vanessa Lucas (works out of Trowbridge) was excellent with Meat when I took him recently as was Kate Wilsher (works out of Frome) and they're the vets that I'd recommend asking for if you can.

to give you an idea on pricing, Meat's consultation plus antibiotic eye drops was £29 and his tooth trimming was £6.

There's no central number for the group so my advice would be to contact the practice that would be your first choice of location as they will be able to book at the others too. Telephone numbers are on their website.

Garston Veterinary Group (http://www.garstonvets.co.uk)

[WinnieTheHam]

YORKSHIRE

WESTWOOD VETERINARY PRACTISE
106 HIGH STREET, BOSTON SPA, WEST YORKSHIRE
01937 842210

Im registered with this vets for my ham Sammi, the prices are great, they are very friendly and make it a great experience for both pet and owner, would always come back here! (about £14 for a consultsion and baytril antibiotics + 2 syringes)

This is only an 18 min drive from me! :D thanks!

[Lozz]

One specific vet at Bay Vets in Lancaster- I'm unsure of his name but he is middle-aged and Scottish (I'll update as soon as I find his name!)
He's brilliant with hamsters.

Baldrand House‎
Bowerham Rd
Lancaster
Lancashire
LA1 3AJ
Telephone: 01524 32696
Fax: 01524 849690
Email: [email protected]

[StarlightSerenity]

Animates in Thurlby, Lincolnshire, has an excellent exotics department. I've had experiences with them with hams and rabbits and they have been brilliant with both. There's two exotics vets and both are very good.

Website - Animates (http://www.animates.org.uk/)

[Lozz]

Stuart Becker at Clarendon Vets in Altrincham is brilliant, he has a PHD in Mouse Behaviour and is really interested in small furries, so he really knows his stuff.

Clarendon Veterinary Surgery
Clarendon Avenue
Altrincham
Cheshire
WA15 8HD

Tel: 0161 928 0106

[Blueberry]

Hi All,
Do you know any good vet who understand dwarf hammies, around south London or Surrey?
Many thanks

[leedsgurl]

Holly House Veterinary Hospital
468 Street Lane
Moortown
Leeds
LS17 6HA
Tel: 0113 2369030
Fax: 0113 2663048
Receptionists and general queries: [email protected]

Holly House is an RCVS Accredited Small Animal Hospital. Both mine and my mums hamster have had operations there and received wonderful care - they respect all animals no matter what size, unlike some other vets I've been to.

[WinnieTheHam]

Holly House Veterinary Hospital
468 Street Lane
Moortown
Leeds
LS17 6HA
Tel: 0113 2369030
Fax: 0113 2663048
Receptionists and general queries: [email protected]

Holly House is an RCVS Accredited Small Animal Hospital. Both mine and my mums hamster have had operations there and received wonderful care - they respect all animals no matter what size, unlike some other vets I've been to.

Myrcella had an operation here also, I agree, They're a great veterinary practice.

[spacebyte]

I want to recommend hyndland street vets for those of you in Glasgow:
Hyndland Street Vet in Partick - Modern small animal... (http://hyndlandstreetvet.co.uk)

I have been visiting frequently with Luna recently and every member of staff I've talked to seem to know their stuff, they've handled her well, gave me good advice for giving her her antibiotics, and are possibly going to perform a surgery on her soon. They are linked with the Glasgow vet school and small animal hospital as well, and will refer you there or help you get emergency care there if it's needed.

Appoinment + antibiotics cost me just under £30, checkup to see the progress with antibiotics was free.

[Sara H]

Holly House Veterinary Hospital
468 Street Lane
Moortown
Leeds
LS17 6HA
Tel: 0113 2369030
Fax: 0113 2663048
Receptionists and general queries: [email protected]

Holly House is an RCVS Accredited Small Animal Hospital. Both mine and my mums hamster have had operations there and received wonderful care - they respect all animals no matter what size, unlike some other vets I've been to.

I totally agree with the above. Amazing vets and wouldn't take my little ones anywhere else.

[Ria P]

My trio is fine but i'd like to locate a vet who knows about hamsters just in case. There are lots of vets and vets4pets where i live but i don't know which one is any good for hamsters.

Can anyone recommend a vet in Wiltshire?

[Fluffagrams]

My trio is fine but i'd like to locate a vet who knows about hamsters just in case. There are lots of vets and vets4pets where i live but i don't know which one is any good for hamsters.

Can anyone recommend a vet in Wiltshire?

Where about’s in Wiltshire?

I use Garston Vets who have surgeries in Warminster, Westbury, Trowbridge and Melksham and they have been fantastic with my hamsters.

https://www.garstonvets.co.uk/

If you’re the Swindon side, I’ve also heard from a friend that Drove Vets are good with small animals. They have branches in Marlborough and Wooten Bassett as well as a couple of others in the Swindon area. I think my friend uses the Wooten Bassett branch.

https://www.drovevets.co.uk/

[Ria P]

Where about’s in Wiltshire?

If you’re the Swindon side, I’ve also heard from a friend that Drove Vets are good with small animals. They have branches in Marlborough and Wooten Bassett as well as a couple of others in the Swindon area. I think my friend uses the Wooten Bassett branch.

https://www.drovevets.co.uk/

Thank you Fluffagrams. I'll use my local Drove Vets should my trio ever need one.