Best Vets in Durham

Medivet Chester-Le-Street (Cestria Vets) is part of the Medivet group and appears set up for both routine care and more complex medical/surgical cases. Recent reviews repeatedly mention vets taking time to explain treatment plans, handling anxious animals gently, and managing urgent urinary emergencies (including repeated catheterisations for a blocked cat). Owners also describe dental work (full tooth removal) and sensitive, owner-led euthanasia where they could cuddle their pet throughout.

Medivet Darlington – Stanhope Road is part of the Medivet group. Based on the information available, the practice is set up for routine care (including vaccinations and check-ups) as well as ongoing management of complex, multi-condition cases—one owner describes detailed support for a dog with IBD, diabetes and IVDD, including medication balancing and quick call-backs for advice. The clinic is also listed as a veterinary nurse training facility, and Medivet states it provides access to 24‑hour emergency care via one of its emergency centres (with a stated out‑of‑hours consultation fee). Concrete specifics owners mention include: pets being kept calm during visits, consultations where vets “take the time to listen” and answer questions, and prompt follow-up phone calls with advice when owners leave messages.

Grange Vets treats dogs, cats, rabbits and other small pets, and is an Approved Veterinary Nurse Training Centre (as stated on its website). For emergencies outside normal hours, the practice says care is provided by Wear Referrals. From the latest reviews, owners most often describe a clinic that takes time with nervous dogs (one owner says a dog that previously needed sedation elsewhere did not need it here) and where vets set clear treatment plans that can work quickly (one report of improvement “in days”). A minority of recent reviews report a very different experience, including conflicting diagnoses and being advised an MRI when the owner wanted an X‑ray, plus complaints about a particular staff member’s manner.

Darlington Vets4Pets Ltd is part of the Vets4Pets group (the website describes the wider Vets4Pets network, and this practice uses the Vets4Pets brand). Based on both the clinic data and recent reviews, the practice appears set up for routine small-animal care as well as supportive end-of-life appointments, with multiple owners describing euthanasia visits handled calmly and with minimal stress for the pet. Clinic data also lists it as a Veterinary Nurse Training facility. Concrete specifics owners mention include: staff making pets “peaceful and not stressed” during euthanasia; a nurse carrying out a thorough examination in one case; and at least one owner bringing in a snake repeatedly and feeling supported. Some owners also report problems getting through by phone and one review alleges an animal was left in pain, suggesting experiences can vary.

Westway Veterinary Group is a general veterinary practice that’s also listed as a Veterinary Nurse Training facility. Recent reviews describe it as set up for everyday companion-animal care, including routine surgeries (spays/neuters) and microchipping, alongside longer-term support for ongoing conditions such as kidney disease. Practical details owners highlight include talking through optional add-ons and any extra costs before surgery, reassurance during appointments, and support during end-of-life visits.

Westway Veterinary Group is listed on the Value Vets website (value-vets.co.uk) and is noted as a veterinary nurse training facility. Recent reviews focus on practical, emotionally difficult care as well as routine visits: one owner describes a euthanasia appointment where staff were “extremely respectful” and allowed as much time as needed to say goodbye, while another mentions a dog diagnosed with an eye condition and supported on lifelong medication. Multiple reviewers also point to staff taking time to answer questions and handling pets gently enough that some animals “love coming” and appear relaxed at appointments.

Durham Vets4Pets Ltd is described on its website as a locally owned practice, operating from a modern, “state-of-the-art” clinic with in‑house diagnostics and an operating theatre. Based on the website and recent reviews, it appears set up for routine care plus investigations and surgery (for example, tail amputation with frequent rechecks is described in a recent review, and the site lists an in‑house lab and X‑ray). Owners often mention continuity with named clinicians (especially Richard; also Kevin and Aitor), and examples include making time to discuss worries, shared decision-making, and adapting handling for anxious cats (including, in one case, offering follow‑up decisions by phone due to a cat’s anxiety). Reviews also show a clear split in experiences around end‑of‑life care, with two recent 1‑star accounts describing distressing cannulation/euthanasia-related situations, contrasting with multiple long-term clients describing supportive care (including bereavement/ashes handling).

Prince Bishop Vets is a long-established practice (supporting pets since 1984) operating from purpose-built premises, with onsite facilities such as an in-house laboratory and laparoscopy. The website also states they provide their own out-of-hours service until 10pm Monday–Friday, and clinic data lists it as a veterinary nurse training facility. Recent reviews describe a mix of routine and urgent care: one owner highlights support after their dog was attacked, while another describes a critically unwell puppy that was treated and survived. Cost and clinical decision-making come up too—one reviewer calls the practice “expensive,” and another alleges a serious misdiagnosis (oral cancer) that led to sedation and dental extractions but “no sign of cancer” afterwards.

Gilmoor Vets is a multi-site veterinary practice (three branches are mentioned on its website). Based on owner reports, it appears set up for routine preventive care (vaccinations, boosters and check-ups), planned surgery (spaying is described in detail), weight management support (regular weigh-ins and body condition scoring), and at least some out-of-hours appointments. Reviews strongly disagree on experience: many describe friendly, informative staff and good handling of nervous/anxious pets, while a small number report feeling rushed, facing high costs, or being unhappy with how a sick pet was assessed. Concrete specifics mentioned by owners include: out-of-hours care for a dog with “extreme anxiety”; calming medication offered for a nervous dog’s next visit; a spay plan for a Labrador with false pregnancy plus medication beforehand; and ongoing weight-loss support with a personalised diet plan and repeat weigh-ins/body condition scoring.