Bobby went for teeth extractions, the nurse explained everything in detail and he was well looked after
I would give 0 stars if I could.
I contacted Ayres by telephone as they are my out-of-hours veterinary service because my dog, Mouse, who has a heart condition, was experiencing breathing difficulties.
I explained that Mouse had been hospitalised earlier this year through Moorview Referrals and that, unfortunately, our pet insurance had been exhausted during that hospitalisation. I was therefore concerned about how I would be able to pay for emergency treatment.
I asked whether Ayres offered any option to pay for treatment by instalments. I was told that this was not available and that payment would need to be made upfront. I was subsequently called back and told that the consultation fee could be waived that evening, but that if Mouse was considered unfit and I was unable to pay for the necessary treatment upfront, euthanasia would be the recommended option for her welfare.
I found this incredibly distressing. I was not refusing to pay for Mouse's care; I was asking whether there was a way for me to pay in instalments because I had exhausted my insurance through her previous hospitalisation.
I was given an estimated cost of approximately £240 for the consultation, plus around £400 for treatment.
I was also asked to call back with an update regarding what I was going to do with Mouse of which I can only assume was because of concerns for her welfare if she couldn’t breathe. I found this difficult to understand given the information I had just been given about the financial requirements for treatment. From my perspective, it left me feeling that my ability to pay immediately was a significant factor in the options available to me.
I subsequently contacted Moorview Referrals immediately after that phone call who had treated Mouse earlier this year. Although they would normally require a referral, they agreed to see her. They checked her oxygen levels, carried out scans and an evaluation, and adjusted her medication. Their consultation was £255 and included these assessments. They also offered me the option of paying by instalments.
Mouse's total treatment for this episode at Moorview came to under £300, compared with the approximately £640 estimate I had received from Ayres. I appreciate that treatment costs and clinical circumstances can vary between practices, so I am not suggesting these figures are directly comparable in every respect. However, the difference in my experience was significant.
I completely understand that veterinary practices have to charge for their services and that there are financial policies that practices need to follow. My concern is the way this situation was handled when I was contacting an out-of-hours service because my dog was having difficulty breathing and I was actively trying to find a way to fund her treatment.
I found being told that euthanasia could be an option if I could not pay upfront extremely upsetting and frightening. Thankfully, Moorview was able to assess and treat Mouse and work with me regarding payment.
I am extremely grateful to Moorview for their help, and based on my experience, I will not be using Ayres.
I am sharing this review because I would want other pet owners to be aware of my experience and to understand the financial arrangements that may apply if they need to contact Ayres in an emergency.
The staff at Ayres vets are fantastic, can’t fault them one bit, from the receptionist when you walk the the door to the vet actually treating your pet, all very polite and provide a great service
Amazing Vet ,first time seeing Barek ,very thorough consultation and examination, extremely patient with my little dog who is always nervous at the vet's. Barek made me feel at ease answering all my concerns . Professional, friendly and lovely manner, definitely the best vet we have ever been seen by .
I can not fault the staff, always helpful, have time to talk through options and don't complain when they tell me for the 4th time.
Brought my rabbit in for neutering and cannot thank Harriet and her team enough. I could tell my Murphy was in safe hands. He recovered quickly under their professional care. Special thanks to Katelyn who took the time to text me an update on my little pal, which put my mind at rest. Thank you. My Murph is now living the dream having free roam of the house :-)
Great vets, friendly, helpful and caring and will do their best to keep your bill down. Above all, they really do care about the animals, I can truly say that we would be lost without them.
Visted ayers on Saturday spoke to laura on the phone she got me appointment straight away Raymond was lovely explained everything to me about jakes eyes and what medication he was going to need.The whole experience from phone call to seeing the vet was very professional thank you so much ayers
Always been great looking g after pooch and giving honest advice!
