Briar Dawn Veterinary Centre, on Manchester Road, opened in October 2004, on the site of an older veterinary surgery. The buildings have undergone a program of extensive investment and a refurbishment program has seen the practice overhauled and new up to date equipment installed.

From the open, friendly reception to the state of the art operating rooms, the surgery is designed for the comfort and well-being of its patients and their owners.

While regular vaccinations and worming tablets are, of course, available (and strongly encouraged), Briar Dawn’s diagnostic facilities mean that owners do not have to wait days/weeks for test results, but can have many results the same day. Animals do not have to be sent elsewhere for blood tests, x-rays or the majority of operations, but can stay at Briar Dawn. Fast diagnosis means more efficient treatment.

Briar Dawn is dedicated to companion animals and has particular interests in surgery, dentistry, acupuncture, skin disease and rabbit health and husbandry. All care is taken to ensure that stress is minimised for animals being treated by providing separate kennels and cattery, a quiet area for cats to wait for their appointments away from dogs, and calming pheromones in the waiting room for cats and dogs.

The Centre offers a remarkably high standard of care to animals, with the accent being as much on prevention as cure. “We aim to try to keep animals healthy, rather than wait until they get ill and hope we can sort things out,” says Jocelyn.