Your opinions of the vet practices in the area.........

Sat 22 Feb, 14:34

So glad we have a local independent vet - have a read of this guardian article for what it can be like with the big chains. Hook Norton vets have always been good for us - as others have said, all vets are expensive.

Fri 21 Feb, 18:33

The only problem I have had with Charlbury Vets is that they are small, and on a couple of occasions when we have had animals which have needed to see a vet urgently, they have had no one available. They have always said that we can go to Hook Norton to see someone, but it’s quite surprising how far Hook Norton is when you have a poorly animal in the car. We have used Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital a number of times and have always had good service but when you’re just after regular nail trimming and worming tablets, you don’t really want to be driving to Chippy. On the whole, we are happy with Charlbury Vets, and the service you get from Emma, the nurse is second to none. 

Fri 21 Feb, 15:26

Personally, I can highly recommend Charlbury Vets they have been great, even when it came to the end of life for my dogs, the vet either came to my house to put the dog to sleep or as with my last dog they came out to the car park and did it there whilst I was sat in the boot with her resting on me, they then carried her into the surgery and cleaned her up and brought her back out to my car so that I could give her a suitable burial. Then a couple of days later I received a condolence card through the post much appreciated. 

Fri 21 Feb, 13:25

We've found the Charlbury branch of Hook Norton generally good if expensive, except with end-of-life care which was appalling. PM me if you want the full horror story. I know other people have had this experience and gone elsewhere, but we still use them for convenience.

Fri 21 Feb, 10:05

All vets are very expensive but Hook Norton are great. Used them for 17 years with different pets, mostly dogs. Several I fostered / adopted had health issues. Love Gary in particular, so friendly & professional - they will also provide home service at the ‘end’ if you wish, saving much stress, reasonably priced.  Catherine at Hook Norton has been wonderful support with cancer etc.  I use Many Pets insurance who have been marvellous support - you can choose level & excess to suit, I pay £16.50.

Fri 21 Feb, 09:41

I have used Hook Norton Vets for my pets, also when I have been fostering for Border Terrier Rescue.  It is great to have treatment here in Charlbury, plus advantage of further facilities at Hook Norton.  My favourite vet here is Gary - so professional & caring.  When the ‘end’ is known PTS is available your home to ensure less stress at a reasonable charge.  At ‘Hooky’ it is Catherine, she has been wonderful when one had cancer. Many Pets insurance allows you to choose the level & excess you need. I only pay £16.50 monthly. Great when things are painful. 

Fri 21 Feb, 08:55

Another thumbs up here for HN Vets. My dog loves going! Plus point too is the wonderful hospital @ Hook Norton itself.

Fri 21 Feb, 08:47

We have used Hook Norton vets for the past 20 years and our pets have always received excellent care.  

Fri 21 Feb, 08:08

Hook Norton Vets are accepting new clients. I think it was down to Covid and the increase in people getting pets that made them turn away new clients. 

Fri 21 Feb, 07:59 (last edited on Fri 21 Feb, 08:00)

We take our cats to chippy, they seem very good (one of ours has IBD). This is because when first cat arrived a couple of years ago I was told by Charlbury/hook Norton that they weren't taking any more small animals unless you'd had an account with them in the past, which we hadn't. They may since have acquired more staff and changed this policy. 

Fri 21 Feb, 07:23

I have always had very good service from the Chipping Norton Vetinary Hospital.  Always been willing to go he extra mile with my cats.

Fri 21 Feb, 01:19

Hook Norton vets is great, and still independent.

I will also say that if it wasn’t for Gary Jennings, we’d be lost. He’s looked after all our animals for the last 15 years, right from when they arrived to the very end. He’s the very best. 

Fri 21 Feb, 00:13

Hook Norton vets have provided my pets including dogs with outstanding care. My current dog has twice eaten objects which have obstructed her, she has received prompt scans, same day surgery and excellent nursing care in the Hook Norton animal hospital. She has also caused herself 3 further hospital admissions as she never learns from her stupidity. She is still very happy to see the vets and vet nurses !

I would certainly advise insurance to cover high potential vet fees, our 8 year old serial offender now costs £99 per month to insure with LV. Most dogs are more sensible and don’t cost anything like as much to insure but it is part of the costs to be budgeted for.

It is also worth noting that Hook Norton vets are still independent which few are.
Their kindness and professionalism with end of life care of our animals has also been consistently wonderful.

Thu 20 Feb, 23:00

It seems that all vets have eye-watering prices, especially around here, but the Hook Norton vets here in Charlbury do seem to go the extra mile.  For example:

- shortly after I moved in here a little black cat in a terrible state found its way into my flat and shortly afterwards died in my arms.   Not knowing what to do, I took it to the vets, who scanned it for chips, said they would look after it for a while in case anyone came looking, and wouldn't take anything:

- just recently something similar - we found an injured cat, took it to the vet; thanks to a posting in the forum from a distressed owner we tracked down its home.   The injury wasn't recoverable, but they were really good at keeping in touch with the owner and ourselves;

- my neighbour's beloved Teddy was obviously not long for this world.   Teddy was the only source of love in her life, so she was really upset, but they were really good at talking her to the right decision, held him very tenderly, and the following day brought us each a paw-print.   

Sorry there's so much death in my recommendation.   Where I live there are several healthy moggies including my two, and I'm happy that they're in good hands.   But if you need regular medication it's worth asking for a prescription that will enable you to buy online at a lower price.  

Thu 20 Feb, 20:30

We are thinking of getting a puppy and would like peoples opinions of local vets. I have been warned that fees are now quite expensive but I want to try to ensure we get good care. I have heard of Hook Norton vets in Charlbury so they would be ideal if generally people feel they do their best for our animals. There are also of course a couple within a reasonable driving distance.

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks...