Medivet Pontefract

Friendly, caring service. Very knowledgeable professionals easily accessible

Very disappointing experience. I visited with my 10-month-old puppy as she has been having problems with her ear. She is extremely friendly, while we were waiting, she was happily receiving fuss from some of the other people in the waiting room. When we were called in, she was understandably nervous. She is still only a puppy and was in an unfamiliar environment. Unfortunately, I felt the locum vet was immediately very stand-offish with her, despite me explaining that she is very friendly. (Not muzzled) The vet initially had a quick look at her ear, but then became very hesitant about examining her properly. You can visibly see that the hair around my dog’s eye and ear has started to come away slightly because she has been scratching. The vet suggested that she may have alopecia. Then asked about her diet and suggested she might need to go onto a hypoallergenic diet. She then asked whether my puppy had ever had an operation before because she “doesn’t seem to like the vets.” I genuinely believe the vet’s own nervousness and approach didn’t help. My pup doesn’t normally bark or growl at people, but as her anxiety built up, she eventually did towards the vet. I had already reassured the vet that she is very friendly and enjoys people making a fuss of her. I was asked to face my pup towards the wall so that she could try to look inside her ear. I used a treat to help keep her calm, and the vet approached to examine her. My puppy moved her head slightly (not aggressively) and the vet immediately backed away and said she wouldn’t be able to look Despite this, earlier in the consultation the vet had managed to briefly fold her ear and take a very quick look. She then told me that my puppy would need to be sedated, have her ear flushed, and that this would cost around £630. After some discussion, they decided to give me antibiotics and medication for her to take daily and was advised to purchase an ear cleanser. My question is why sedation was presented as necessary so quickly when the ear had not been properly examined and we had not yet tried cleaning the ear, using the prescribed medication and antibiotics, and seeing how she responded. Surely these would be reasonable steps to try before jumping straight to a £630 sedation and ear-flushing procedure, particularly when the vet had only managed to briefly look at the ear? After paying for the consultation, I was essentially told that she might have alopecia and that she might need a hypoallergenic diet. The vet even told me that I could try getting her seen elsewhere to find it cheaper, which, quite honestly, says a lot. Afterwards I was told I could wait in the hallway because the waiting room had several people and dogs in it. My puppy was becoming agitated because the whole experience was new and stressful for her. I eventually had to take her outside and put her back in the van for a short while. I then went back inside and waited for 5-10 minutes, only for the receptionist to ask me, “Can I help you?” I explained that I was waiting for my puppy’s medication, (on the desk in front of her). The locum vet had never come to tell me it was ready. I could quite easily have been left standing there with a poorly, agitated puppy without anyone checking what I was waiting for. I know my dog, and I know that she is a very friendly puppy who had become frightened and anxious during the consultation. I expected more patience and reassurance from a professional dealing with a young dog. Overall feeling very disappointed with the consultation, the communication and the way my puppy was handled. I also feel that jumping from a brief examination straight to suggesting a £630 procedure, before trying the treatment and ear-cleaning that I was ultimately sent home with, was difficult to understand. I left having with no clear diagnosis — only possibilities such as “she might have alopecia” and “she might need a hypoallergenic diet.” I don’t feel that I was given the reassurance, explanation or level of care I expected. Unfortunately I won’t be returning.

Brilliant friendly staff.

Good service, very thorough, but a lot to pay, £57 for a 5/10 minute consultation. Although most vets probably charge this amount. Still a lovely friendly vet and would definitely recommend.

Beau & Bracken were due their vaccinations, and from the moment we arrived, the receptionist was welcoming, friendly and professional. We were seen by Stuart, the vet, and I have to say he was absolutely amazing. His compassion, professionalism and expertise were outstanding. Stuart went above and beyond during our appointment, taking the time to make sure everything was explained clearly, and nothing was ever too much trouble. We couldn’t have asked for better care for Beau & Bracken. Thank you so much, Stuart, for your kindness, patience and exceptional care. It was truly appreciated. ❤️🐾

Beau & Bracken were due their vaccinations, and from the moment we arrived, the receptionist was welcoming, friendly and professional. We were seen by Stuart, the vet, and I have to say he was absolutely amazing. His compassion, professionalism and expertise were outstanding. Stuart went above and beyond during our appointment, taking the time to make sure everything was explained clearly, and nothing was ever too much trouble. We couldn’t have asked for better care for Beau & Bracken. Thank you so much, Stuart, for your kindness, patience and exceptional care. It was truly appreciated. ❤️🐾