So far I have had zero problems taking my new kitten here, the staff are very friendly, understanding and helpful when I asked questions
I took my English Bulldog puppy to Vets4Pets for his second vaccinations. Unfortunately, from the moment we walked into the consultation with Kirstin, the experience felt extremely negative and judgemental.
I understand that English Bulldogs can be prone to certain health issues, and I completely appreciate that a vet has a responsibility to point out anything they are concerned about. However, I felt the way these things were communicated to me was completely unnecessary and very upsetting, particularly as I had not asked for him to be assessed for any of these issues — we were there for his second vaccination and to be weighed.
Almost immediately, Kirstin pointed out the large fold over his nose and told me that he would probably need the skin removed. She also asked me to look at him from the side and said that he should have more of a snout than he has. I found this particularly strange and upsetting because an English Bulldog is a brachycephalic breed and is well known for its characteristically short, flat face. If she had concerns about his breathing or airway health, I would absolutely expect her to explain those concerns and advise me what to look out for, but his nose is clear and he has no problems breathing.
She then told me that Bulldogs can develop severe skin problems. She raised the fact that one of his testicles had not descended and said that this was probably a good thing because she would not recommend breeding this type of dog due to how extremely unhealthy they are. She went on to say that, on a scale of healthy to unhealthy, she would consider him very unhealthy genetically. I was also told, more than once, that I had a “very awful genetic dog” and that, unfortunately for me, this was what I had “signed myself up for.”
I found these comments incredibly upsetting and felt very judged for choosing to own an English Bulldog. I was also left wondering why breeding was even being discussed, as I had never mentioned breeding him or asked anything about it.
What made the experience even more frustrating was that my puppy was absolutely fine at the appointment. He was weighed at 12kg, received his vaccination and, to my knowledge, is otherwise a happy, healthy puppy. I completely accept that some of the things mentioned may need monitoring as he grows, and I would much rather a vet tell me about a genuine health concern than ignore it. But there is a huge difference between professionally explaining potential issues and repeatedly telling an owner that their dog is genetically awful and that this is what they have signed themselves up for.
I left the appointment feeling anxious, judged and genuinely worried about my puppy when I had arrived simply expecting a routine vaccination appointment.
It is such a shame because the reception girls at the practice are absolutely lovely and have always been amazing with him. They are friendly, welcoming and clearly adore seeing him, so I have nothing but good things to say about them.
Unfortunately, because of the experience we had with Kirstin yesterday, we will now be moving to a different veterinary practice. I don’t feel comfortable returning after being made to feel so judged and negative about my dog and my decision to own him.
I really hope the practice takes this feedback on board, because a vet should be able to discuss genuine health concerns with an owner without making them feel ashamed or judged for the breed of dog they have chosen.
They've been so good with my dog Darcy the past couple weeks after she was attacked. I was actually excited to show them how well she's recovered when coming in for her stitches removed as they genuinely seemed to care 😊 she's alive and well because of this vets, thank you so much! 💕
My Angel, gsd, was left with a heart disease, undiagnosed, he died slowly in agony by this vet.
Only interested in money
Vets are nice and competent
I have used Vets4pets over 10 years ,the new franchise owner has no empathy for older pets ,they just say they are old and say they need to be put to sleep,I luckily ignored them and had another 13 months of love and fun from my old staffy Finn
Took my cat to vets for pets at nook South Shields on Wednesday 26 November 2026 for a second opinion as my cat was having breathing problems took to vets they said before I could have an appointment they needed the stuff from previous vets so any way the vets at nook were got a quote of £611 which I told him I couldn’t afford that day so any way I didn’t look like the we’re going to release the cat any way my boyfriend turned up and he was expected to pay so my cat had X-ray done he come for me to ask if I want to look a x ray which I did the cat had fluid around the lungs I did ask for medication as my previous vet was giving injections and the cat was responding off then the vet refused medication anyway I told them to drain fluid from the cat next minute he comes out with a syringe full off blood and said the cat need to be put to sleep so now I got no cat my child is heart broken the vet at nook refused medication it was responding to I would not recommend now these are saying something else different that I did not get notified about and I am going higher
