SERVICES
Other Services & Treatments
Acupuncture
At Bridge Vets, we are proud to offer acupuncture as part of our comprehensive approach to your pet’s health and wellbeing. Ann, one of our highly trained and experienced team members, is fully qualified to administer veterinary acupuncture.
Acupuncture can be a highly effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, chronic pain, mobility issues, and recovery from injury. It works by stimulating specific points on the body to encourage natural healing processes, relieve pain, and improve overall quality of life.
If you would like to find out more about how acupuncture could benefit your pet, we warmly invite you to book a consultation with Ann. She will be happy to discuss your pet’s individual needs and create a personalised treatment plan.
Pet Passports
Planning to travel with your pet? At Bridge Vets, we are here to make the process as smooth as possible.
Ann, our Official Veterinarian (OV), is fully authorised to issue pet passports, ensuring your pet meets all the legal requirements for travel abroad. Before travelling, your pet must have a valid microchip and an up-to-date rabies vaccination, both of which we can arrange for you in practice.
We recommend that you allow plenty of time before your planned departure date to ensure all requirements are met, as some countries have additional regulations.
For detailed information on travelling with your pet, you can visit the official DEFRA website here.
Alternatively, feel free to call us or pop into the practice — our friendly team will be happy to guide you through the process and help you prepare everything your pet needs for a safe and happy journey.
ID Chipping
Microchipping is a quick and straightforward procedure where a tiny microchip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, is placed just under the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. It can easily be carried out during a routine consultation or while your pet is with us for procedures such as neutering.
Each microchip contains a unique identification number that is registered on a national database alongside your contact details. This ensures that if your pet ever becomes lost, they can be quickly and safely reunited with you.
It’s important to remember that if you move house or change your phone number, you must update your information with the microchip database provider to ensure your contact details remain accurate.
House Visits
Where possible, we prefer to examine your pet at the practice, where we have full access to treatment facilities and equipment to provide the highest standard of care. However, we understand that in some circumstances, bringing your pet to the surgery may not be possible.
In these cases, we are able to arrange home visits. A veterinary surgeon and a qualified nurse will attend your home to assess and treat your pet. Please note that home visits are subject to availability and will incur an additional charge.
To arrange a home visit or to discuss your needs, please contact the practice.
Out of Hours Emergency Care
At Bridge Vets, we understand that emergencies can happen at any time, not just during normal opening hours. If your pet requires urgent veterinary attention after the surgery has closed, we ask that you call the usual practice telephone number. Your call will be automatically redirected to the on-call veterinary team, who will be available to offer immediate advice and support.
If it is necessary for your pet to be examined, arrangements will be made for you to meet the vet and a qualified veterinary nurse at the surgery. Upon arrival, your pet will be assessed and appropriate treatment will be provided based on their needs.
Should your pet require hospitalisation, we are able to admit them to the surgery for overnight care, ensuring they receive the attention and monitoring they need until further treatment can be provided.
Your pet’s health and wellbeing are our top priority — whenever you need us, we’re here to help.
Early Neutering
Early Neutering Policy for Cats and Rabbits
We recommend neutering cats and rabbits from 16 weeks of age. Early neutering offers several benefits:
- Preventing Overpopulation: Reduces unwanted litters and helps manage the stray animal population.
- Health Benefits: Lowers the risk of cancers and infections, improving overall health.
- Behavioral Improvements: Reduces undesirable behaviors like aggression and territorial marking.
- Faster Recovery: Younger pets recover more quickly with fewer complications.
- Better Long-Term Well-Being: Promotes a healthier, calmer pet.
Our team is here to answer any questions and help you decide what’s best for your pet. Contact us to learn more or book an appointment.
Free Animal Weight Checks
We routinely weigh all patients during consultations to monitor their health. You’re also welcome to pop in for a free weight check between 11:30am and 2:00pm on weekdays – no appointment needed.
Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for your pet’s well-being, as obesity can lead to serious health issues like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. If needed, we may recommend a prescription weight-loss diet or invite you to our nurse-led weight clinic for personalised support and advice.
If you have any concerns about your pet’s weight, please get in touch – we’re here to help!
BVA/KC Hip & Elbow Scoring
We offer BVA/Kennel Club (KC) Hip and Elbow Scoring to help breeders promote healthier dogs.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are inherited conditions that can cause pain and mobility issues. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and The Kennel Club (KC) have created screening schemes to assess joint health and support responsible breeding.
The process involves taking X-rays under sedation or light anaesthesia. These are then sent to the BVA, where experts assess and score them. The scores guide breeders in making informed breeding decisions.
If you are planning to breed or want to check your dog’s joint health, please contact us to arrange an appointment.
Nutrition & Pet care
At our practice, we stock the Hill’s Vet Essentials range for both cats and dogs, offering high-quality nutrition to support your pet’s health at every life stage. Dietary advice is available on request, and we also carry a range of prescription diets tailored to specific medical needs.
For rabbits and guinea pigs, we offer the Excel range, including premium pellet food, high-quality hay, and a selection of complementary snacks to help keep your small pets happy and healthy.
Our on-site shop also features a variety of toys, leads, harnesses, and other pet accessories, with new products added regularly. If you’re looking for something specific that we don’t currently have in stock, we are happy to order it for you through our trusted suppliers.
If you would like more information about any of our products or need advice on choosing the right items for your pet, please speak to a member of our team.
Animal Prescriptions
Repeat prescriptions for medications, as well as written prescriptions, can be requested by phone. We aim to process most requests within 24 hours. However, please note that special order medications not routinely kept in stock may take a little longer to arrive.
For the safety and well-being of your pet, patients receiving ongoing medication will require regular veterinary reviews, typically every 3 to 6 months depending on their condition.