Dog & Cat Vets in Redbridge

## Summary Goddard Veterinary Group South Woodford is part of the Goddard Veterinary Group (a multi-site practice) and is **RCVS-accredited**. The practice is set up for day-to-day consultations and preventive care (vaccinations, parasite control, microchipping), with **in-house blood testing and X‑ray** listed on its website, plus dental and neutering services. For out-of-hours emergencies, the website says care is provided via **Wanstead Veterinary Hospital (24/7)**. From the latest reviews available, owners most often describe pets being handled calmly during visits (including anxious animals), and several examples of practical help beyond the appointment itself—such as support navigating **animal travel paperwork**, **rabies vaccination**, and a **BOAS assessment** for a brachycephalic dog. A smaller number of reviews describe a sharp contrast: a complaint focused on front-desk conduct and dissatisfaction with how management handled the issue. ## Services Website-listed services and facilities include: - **Consultations** and routine care - **Puppy/kitten vaccination course** and **pet vaccinations** (rabies vaccination is also mentioned in reviews) - **Flea and worm treatment** - **Microchipping** - **Neutering** - **Dentistry** - **Blood testing** (with an **in-house lab** listed) - **Diagnostic imaging** (including **X‑ray**) - **Weight and diet advice** - **Wellness health screen** - **Nurse clinics** - **Animal Health Certificates** (reviews specifically mention “fit to fly” certificates) The website also lists specialty areas: **internal medicine, cardiology, orthopaedic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, soft tissue surgery, and ophthalmology**. Emergency/out-of-hours (as stated on the website): - **24/7 emergency service via Wanstead Veterinary Hospital** Other: - Listed as a **Veterinary Nurse Training** facility. ## People Named in the latest reviews: - **Adam (vet)** and **Thomas (nurse)**: praised for helping owners obtain **fit-to-fly paperwork/animal health certification**, arranging **rabies vaccines**, and completing a **BOAS assessment**, including stepping in when a travel company had provided incorrect information. - **Ahmed (staff member; role not stated in the review)**: described as remembering pets’ and owners’ names and helping make visits feel less daunting for a cat that can be difficult at the vet. - The “team” (not named) is repeatedly described as **calm and reassuring with anxious pets**, including speaking to a nervous dog throughout a **follow-up eye appointment**. ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.7 stars from 125 reviews.** The themes below focus on handling of nervous pets, help with travel-related paperwork, and a minority of complaints about front-desk service and how concerns were handled. **“Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.”** - Multiple owners describe pets that “usually hate vets” or become anxious being **noticeably calmer during appointments**, with staff talking to the animal and pacing handling to keep them comfortable. - Practical, admin-heavy care is mentioned more than once: **animal health/fit-to-fly certification**, **rabies vaccination**, and a **BOAS assessment** for a French Bulldog, with staff “going over and above” to prevent travel problems. - A small number of reviews report a negative experience centred on a **rude receptionist/secretary** and frustration with what the reviewer saw as **standardised responses** from management when the issue was escalated; the same reviewer also alleged **high fees** without commensurate service.

## Summary Goddard Veterinary Group Ilford is part of the Goddard Veterinary Group (not an independent practice). The clinic is **RCVS accredited**, offers **on-site blood testing, x-rays and operations**, and is also listed as a **veterinary nurse training facility**. Reviews frequently describe the team fitting in **urgent, last-minute appointments** (including for small animals) and being **thorough in examinations**—for example, a rabbit with a suspected fracture was rechecked and treated with pain relief, and owners reported a good recovery. A recurring practical downside in the latest reviews is difficulty getting through by phone, alongside otherwise positive care experiences. ## Services Services and facilities mentioned on the website include: - Consultations (including a **free new pet health check**) - **Blood testing** - **Diagnostic imaging / X-ray** - **Dentistry** - **Neutering** - **Operations** (performed on-site) - **Vaccinations** - **Microchipping** - **Flea and worm treatment** - **Nurse clinics** - **Weight and diet advice** - **Wellness health screen** - Pet healthcare plan: **ProActive Pets** (name referenced; inclusions not detailed in the provided summary) Care arrangements: - **24/7 emergency care** is stated as being available via **Wanstead Veterinary Hospital** for urgent assistance. Species/case types evidenced in reviews (not a complete list of what the clinic treats): - Cats (general care) - Rabbit with leg injury (assessed as muscle pull; pain relief prescribed; recheck mentioned) - Guinea pig with reduced appetite (problem identified; treatment discussed) - Chick with wing injury (assessed; advice and medication provided) ## People Named team members mentioned in reviews: - **Helena (vet)** – described as “extremely professional” by a cat owner. - **Claire, Elena, Heather** – praised by name for being helpful and supportive over a multi-year client relationship. What owners specifically highlighted: - **Thorough assessment and follow-up**: one owner reported the rabbit was checked twice, reassured it wasn’t a fracture, and was prescribed pain relief. - **Flexibility with urgent care**: multiple reviews mention being fitted in for urgent or last-minute appointments. - **Accommodation when running late**: one owner said staff moved their appointment later when they were delayed by traffic. ## Reviews **4.6 stars from 188 reviews.** Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - **Urgent appointments accommodated** (e.g., “last minute emergency appointment” for an injured rabbit; urgent slot for an injured chick). - **Clear clinical reassurance and treatment**: injuries assessed (fracture ruled out; organs said to be unaffected), with **medication/pain relief** and practical advice provided. - **Small-pet care discussed in detail**: guinea pig not eating was assessed and the vet “identified the problem.” - **Reliability issue raised**: more than one review says calls often **aren’t answered**, despite otherwise positive experiences of care.

## Summary Home Vets London is a mobile, in-home veterinary service for dogs and cats, with vets visiting pets in their own home (the website highlights “no waiting rooms” and “unrushed” appointment time). Reviews repeatedly describe pets being noticeably calmer during home visits—especially cats and elderly/nervous animals—and mention clear, step-by-step explanations during consultations. Several owners also mention help with time-sensitive pet travel paperwork and at least one case involving sedation for an elderly cat at home. A small number of reviews conflict on urgent care responsiveness: one describes a long wait and no proactive update when trying to get help for an emergency. ## Services Based on the website and the written reviews available to us, Home Vets London is described as providing: - **In-home clinical exams and check-ups** for dogs and cats (website: “full clinical examination” during a home visit). - **Vaccinations** (website). - **Diagnostic testing** (website; no specific tests described in reviews). - **Dental checks** (website). - **Pet export / travel paperwork support**, including arranging an **animal health certificate** in a last-minute situation (reviews). - **Minor procedures/treatments during home visits**, including: - **Sedation** mentioned for an elderly cat (review). - **Foreign body removal** (a thorn removed from a dog’s ear) (review). - **Ear cleaning** (review). - **Injection and take-home medication plan** for a suspected sprain, with a rehab/drugs regimen explained (review). ## People - **Dr Jose (vet)**: Mentioned in multiple reviews for talking owners through decisions and being calm with elderly cats; one owner specifically noted their cat seemed comfortable with him even before sedation. Another review describes him getting on the floor to play with dogs to build trust before starting the paperwork/exam process. - **Dr Cesar (vet)**: Reviews describe him arriving with a well-stocked kit and bringing a selection of muzzles on request, then taking time to acclimatise a nervous dog before examining them. He’s also credited with carefully removing a thorn from a dog’s ear, and with supporting a complex travel-documentation case (including working over a weekend to resolve paperwork issues). - **Isi (vet)**: Described as professional and knowledgeable during a cat home visit; the owner noted their cat stayed relaxed, and that communication was very clear. - **Nuria (office/coordination role)**: Described as the first point of contact who was prompt in replies, answered questions throughout a travel-certificate process, and helped reassure an owner from the initial enquiry through to the visit. ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.7 stars from 143 reviews.** **Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.** - **Pets staying calmer at home**: owners repeatedly mention reduced stress versus a clinic setting, including cats remaining relaxed during the visit. - **Clear explanations and unhurried consultations**: reviews describe vets “talking everything through,” outlining treatment/rehab plans, and taking time with nervous or elderly pets. - **Practical, hands-on handling**: examples include bringing muzzles when requested and easing a nervous dog into wearing one before the exam; getting on the floor to play with dogs to gain trust. - **Travel/export paperwork help**: multiple-step support and follow-up are described for relocation certificates and documentation. - **Conflicting experiences with urgent requests**: one reviewer reports waiting around two hours for an update on an emergency call and being unable to get an ETA, while other reviews focus on smooth scheduling and responsiveness for non-emergency needs.

## Summary Ilford PDSA Pet Clinic is part of PDSA (a charity provider) and is described on its website as offering free and low‑cost veterinary care to pets in need. Reviews suggest it frequently handles cats with acute illness and end‑of‑life situations: one owner describes hours on a drip plus blood tests for a senior cat with kidney failure, and another mentions a cat brought in for breathing difficulties. Experiences around euthanasia are mixed—several reviews describe empathetic support on “the hardest day,” while one recent 1‑star review reports a rushed, distressing process and a mismatch with what the owner expected from information “stated online.” ## Services - Free and low‑cost veterinary care for pets in need (stated on the clinic website). - Veterinary nurse training facility (structured clinic data). - Vaccinations (a cat “wasn’t fussed at all with the vaccination he had”). - Inpatient/supportive care for unwell pets, including being “put on a drip for hours” (reviewed experience). - Blood tests (mentioned during investigation of kidney failure). - Assessment and care for breathing difficulties (cat brought in with breathing problems). - Euthanasia/put to sleep (multiple reviews mention this; experiences reported as both compassionate and, in one case, distressing). ## People - **Petros (vet)**: described by one owner as taking time to listen to concerns and explaining things calmly and clearly; associated with ongoing care for a cat who had been “in and out.” - **Peter (vet)**: mentioned in multiple reviews for supportive communication and help with a kitten; also described as kind and polite during repeat visits. - **Alison and Shaynie (reception)**: credited in one review with being consistently welcoming and helpful when the owner called or visited. ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.6 stars from 1028 reviews.** **Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.** - **Clear explanations and not feeling rushed, even when busy:** one owner notes the clinic was busy but staff explained everything and they “wasn’t rushed at all.” - **Support for seriously ill cats:** examples include a senior cat receiving hours on a drip plus blood tests, and another cat seen for breathing difficulties. - **End‑of‑life care is a point of both praise and complaint:** some owners describe vets as “kind…empathetic” during euthanasia; one recent review reports a distressing experience, including the pet being taken away just before euthanasia and the owner feeling there was no proper chance to say goodbye. - **Clinic environment mentioned positively:** one review notes the place felt “clean and safe and secure for the pets.”

## Summary Vets for Pets Ilford is described on its website as a **locally owned** practice under the Vets for Pets brand, with a **modern, well‑equipped setup** (in‑house lab, digital X‑ray, ultrasound, operating theatre, hospital ward and isolation facilities) and **separate cat and dog waiting/ward areas**. It’s also listed as a **Veterinary Nurse Training facility**. The clinic appears set up for both routine care and more involved investigations/surgery, including **orthopaedics** (cruciate surgery, fracture repair) and dentistry. Recent reviews are mixed: some owners describe **clear explanations and successful treatment** (including a first kitten visit where the vet answered children’s questions), while others make serious allegations about **missed/slow recognition of urgent problems**, **aftercare issues**, and **unexpected add-on charges**. ## Services From the clinic website summary and structured data, services/capabilities mentioned include: - **Diagnostics & monitoring:** in‑house laboratory testing (biochemistry, haematology, electrolyte assessment), blood pressure monitoring, digital X‑ray, ultrasound - **Surgery:** operating theatre, anaesthesia, hospital ward support; orthopaedics including **cruciate surgery** and **fracture repair** - **Dentistry** - **Preventive/routine care:** microchipping, medication and prescriptions, nurse clinics, weight clinic, health plans - **Pet travel documents:** animal health certificate and pet passport - **Facilities for infection control/stress reduction:** isolation unit; separate cat/dog waiting areas and separated cat/dog wards/isolation units - **Species mentioned:** cats, dogs, rabbits - **Emergency cover (when closed):** provided by **Veteris**, with assessment by a Registered Veterinary Nurse and the option to arrange home visits or consultations (as stated on the website) ## Pricing Only specific prices mentioned in reviews: - **Rabbit annual vaccine + full health check:** **£70** (review from 4 years ago) - One reviewer reports an **added charge of nearly £80** for flea treatment during cat neutering, and says they were **not called to approve the extra cost** beforehand. ## People What’s described in the latest reviews (roles not always stated): - **A vet seen for a kitten appointment** is described as welcoming and “full of knowledge,” repeatedly answering children’s questions and reassuring the family about the kitten’s eyes. - **Reception/front desk** experiences are inconsistent: multiple reviewers describe staff as **rude/unhelpful**, while another review criticises having a front desk person present when they believed no vet was available. - **A nurse** is mentioned in one account as offering to **drop medication off** after a post-op discharge where the owner says no medication had been sent home initially. - **Practice manager:** one reviewer names **Cheryl Lucas** and alleges defensive email responses to a complaint and broader management concerns (this is an allegation from that reviewer, not independently verified in the provided information). ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.4 stars from 363 reviews.** **“Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.”** - **Serious complaints about clinical decision-making and urgency:** one owner alleges their dog’s GDV emergency was missed and that an X‑ray was not done despite requests; another alleges an 8‑day delay in addressing a suspected grass seed injury, no imaging before exploratory surgery, and medication/aftercare problems after surgery. - **Costs and consent for extras:** one review describes an unexpected additional fee (nearly £80) for flea treatment added to a neutering bill without prior approval. - **Communication and customer service vary sharply:** some reviews focus on rude/unhelpful reception, while others describe clear explanations and reassurance (including time spent answering multiple questions). - **Positive outcomes are also reported:** examples include a cat improving “straight after the visit” after receiving treatment, and a rabbit vaccination visit where the vet did a full health check (with a stated price).