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There is no better way to start the day than to be surrounded by half a dozen wriggling spaniel puppies, writes Johanna Bolhoven. This was my (very warm) welcome when I went to meet Paul Adams, clinical director at Knutsford Veterinary Surgery, a family-run, independent practice based on the outskirts of Knutsford.
Paul Adams with a patient
As you can imagine, it took us a while to get started.
It is an exciting time for Knutsford Veterinary Surgery: it is celebrating its third birthday in 2017, and with a plethora of regular clients, a team of six well qualified and highly motivated veterinary professionals, and two complimentary grooming salons offering first class pet pampering, business is better than ever.
Located at Fryers Garden Centre the surgery enjoys a bright, modern and relaxed environment.
Always innovative, Paul was one of the first vets to offer a cat friendly clinic. He has continued that progressive approach to developing services for clients, large and small, investing in state-of-the-art equipment such as a dental X-ray machine and an in-house laboratory.
As a result, most tests required for diagnosis and treatment can be accommodated during your pet’s consultation.
He has invested just as much in his team of veterinary experts which now includes three full-time vets and three registered veterinary nurses who, collectively, pride themselves on being a reliable, respected and trusted source of pet health information.
The result? Honest, tailored care for you and your pet.
Patients are seen by the same vet at each visit and the surgery undertakes its own emergency out-of-hours service, helping to promote continuity of care.
And, because prevention is better than cure, Knutsford Vets offers free nurse health consultations, a full range of booster vaccinations, micro chipping, neutering of dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and much more.
This is a real family affair. Charlie Adams, Paul’s wife, also a veterinary surgeon, helps with Paul’s on-call rota and his mum, Naomi Adams, an advanced nurse practitioner, supports the team on reception.
Paul is an award-winning vet who has extensive training in ophthalmology and completed his post-graduate certificate in 2011.
All the vets are experienced medics and surgeons, proficient in a wide range of procedures from dog and cat neutering right up to fracture repairs and complex soft tissue surgery.
Clients have the added peace of mind of their Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Small Animal Practice Accreditation, which is only awarded to the best veterinary surgeries around the UK.
During my time there I had the pleasure of meeting one of their clients.
Heather Cake is the owner of several Cypriot rescue dogs and a key supporter of Bay Tree Rescue (& Boarding Kennels), an organisation that looks after countless animals waiting to go to new adoptive homes.
Heather works tirelessly to support and run Bay Tree’s fundraising shop. She told me: “I first came to Knutsford Veterinary Surgery because one of their vets is a veterinary eye specialist. I now come here all the time, not just for their expertise but because of their clear passion for, and commitment to, animals.”
And, from August, they will be offering an entirely new service; one that will further enhance their reputation as a leading local veterinary clinic.
“The Roaming Vet” is a home visit service that allows routine care to be administered to pets in the comfort of their own home.
Paul told me: “We have noticed an increasing demand for home visits, so wanted to offer clients a dedicated and cost-effective solution that works around them and their pet rather than around the demands of a busy vet practice.
Pets are more relaxed and our vets get the truest idea of the health status of an individual.
Heart rate, blood pressure and temperature are all less likely to be artificially elevated by ‘white coat syndrome’!”
Initially, the new service will be available to residents within a 10-mile radius of Knutsford, including Hale, Bowdon, Chelford, Goostrey, High Legh, Lymm, Mobberley, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge and Holmes Chapel.
Consultations, at £48 (with no call out fee) will last half an hour. Vets will offer a range of services including vaccinations, pet passports, pregnancy diagnosis, and some minor procedures.
A website will be available soon at www.theroamingvet.co.uk . Bookings will be taken online or over the telephone on 01565 337888.
Paul is, in his own words, “in it until I retire”. I firmly believe he will continue to innovative and grow the business to provide the best possible care for pets and their owners.
I stayed far longer than planned (when animals are involved, I can’t seem to help myself) but it was fascinating to watch Paul in action; he really is the Dr Dolittle of Knutsford, much loved by staff, clients and animals alike. www.knutsfordvetsurgery.co.uk
