Pennine Veterinary Referrals

Pennine Veterinary Referrals is a referral practice focused on complex surgical and imaging-led cases, particularly orthopaedic and spinal problems in dogs. Reviews consistently describe fast workups, clear explanations, and regular updates through diagnostics, surgery, and recovery. Owners also frequently mention helpful reception support, especially with insurance paperwork and appointments.

Services

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Referral surgery for complex cases
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Commonly mentioned procedures include TPLO for cruciate disease, patella luxation repair, knee surgery after injury, and surgery for broken legs and more complicated fractures.
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Reviews also mention urgent spinal surgery and major surgery following investigation of a suspected mass in an older dog.
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Spinal and neurology-related care
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Acute spinal disease and emergency spinal cases are a recurring reason for referral.
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Advanced diagnostics
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CT, MRI, and blood tests are specifically mentioned as part of rapid workups in some cases.
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Post-operative support
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Owners describe updates during the day, clear discharge and aftercare instructions, and next-day follow-up emails after surgery.
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Insurance and admin support
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Reception and admin staff are often praised for helping with insurance claims and making appointments run smoothly.
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Training
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The practice is listed as a Veterinary Nurse Training facility.

Pricing

A very limited amount of published pricing suggests the clinic may sit above average, but this is based on very few comparable services. Reviews show some owners felt treatment was expensive, especially for major surgery, though they also say pricing was explained clearly and the standard of care felt high.

People

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Alasdair Frost (vet/surgeon)
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Named repeatedly in reviews covering cruciate surgery, patella luxation repair, knee surgery, fracture repair, spinal cases, and major surgery for a suspected mass.
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Owners often mention his clear, honest explanations and reassuring manner.
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Sophie (reception/admin)
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Specifically thanked for helping with insurance and arranging appointments.
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Phillipa (nurse)
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Previously mentioned positively for a reassuring photo update during an overnight stay.

Reception staff more broadly are frequently described as friendly, calm, and helpful during stressful referrals.

Reviews

Google rating: 5.0 stars from 46 reviews.

•Owners regularly describe the team as professional, efficient, kind, and reassuring, with particular praise for how well they handle stressful referral cases.
•Recent reviews cover a mix of orthopaedic and spinal referrals, including cruciate surgery, patella luxation repair, broken legs, knee injuries, and urgent spinal surgery, with outcomes generally described very positively.
•Communication is a standout theme: people mention clear pre-op and post-op explanations, patience with questions, updates through the day, and follow-up contact after procedures.
•Reception and admin support is praised for making insurance claims straightforward; a smaller number of reviews also note that treatment can be costly, especially for major operations.

Reviews for Pennine Veterinary Referrals

Note: Showing the 10 most recent Google reviews out of 46 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.

Shane Moralee

1 month ago

We were referred here from our normal vets and we were looked after from day one , very professional , staff on the front desk were great . The only down side is for financial reasons , yes we had insurance but how any one can justify charging you nearly 5000 pound for an operation on a pet is just crazy . But I suppose for that sort of money you would expect a top notch service . Who ever is reading this of you don’t have insurance for your pet when you get up tomorrow make sure it’s the fist thing you do .

Stephen Hall

Very professional and efficient staff and a great outcome for my Labrador

Sarah Isherwood

2 months ago

We were advised by our vet that our beloved dog had a mass that could be cancer and required further investigation with the possibility of having to have him put to sleep. We were of course devastated. We had never heard of Pennine Referrals before and in all honesty were a little apprehensive. We had no need to be. On my first conversation getting Bertie booked in, I found them to be gentle, empathetic and efficient, immediately putting my mind at ease. Alasdair came across as extremely knowledgable and confident that he could help our Bertie and I felt encouraged and supported in his expertise. Deciding to put a senior dog through major surgery was not an easy decision but with Alasdair’s clear explanation of what the surgery would entail and his honest and realistic assessment of Bertie’s condition and outcome made the decision making process so much easier. I felt thoroughly supported and confident in his ability to do the best for our boy. The staff have been excellent and extremely patient with Bertie’s very stressed owner and have made me feel like nothing is too much trouble. A truly wonderful team who hopefully have given us a few more years with our cheeky chap. Thank you just doesn’t cover it.

Jenni Claber

From first contact from my local vet practice through to discharge, Pennine referrals have been exceptional. Pre-op instructions, surgery, post-op instructions and pricing were all clearly explained. I was confident that my dog was in very safe and skilled hands. Surgery went really well with no complications, after care was brilliant and everyone was so friendly. Big thanks to Alasdair for performing the surgery, Sophie for dealing with the insurance company and setting up appointments, and all the staff who cared for Arlo post operatively. I cannot recommend the practice highly enough Thank you

Nadean McNaught

Outstanding. Alasdair and the team were amazing. Helpful, kind and super talented. If your fur baby needs urgent spinal surgery - this is the best place to go!

Kieran Malone

4 months ago

We cannot say enough wonderful things about the care Blue received. Unfortunately, Blue had acute spinal disease but from the very beginning the entire team was absolutely outstanding. They were incredibly attentive, compassionate, and thorough every step of the way. They always took the time to answer our endless questions with patience, kindness, and encouragement, which meant the world to us during such a stressful time. We never once felt rushed or dismissed, and it was clear how genuinely invested they were in Blue’s well-being. Knowing Blue was in such caring and capable hands gave us so much comfort. We are deeply grateful for their expertise, empathy, and unwavering support. Truly exceptional care.

susan king

I had to take my dachshund Philip here following a particularly complicated break which subsequently required surgery. Alasdair and the team there were amazing. The surgery he was undergoing was explained to me in great detail and, in terms I understood. I felt confident throughout that he was in the best hands. I was updated throughout the day and the girls emailed the next day checking up on him which was a nice touch. He has since been back and his leg is healing very well. 5 star care made a distressing time much easier. Thank you!

susan potter

Outstanding care from start to finish Pennine Veterinary Referrals recently carried out patella luxation surgery on my little dog Coco, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the exceptional care we received. Alasdair and his team did an amazing job—professional, skilled, and truly compassionate throughout the entire process. Every team member we met was kind and considerate, taking the time to explain everything clearly and reassure us. The reception staff were especially lovely—friendly, helpful, and always welcoming, which made a stressful time so much easier. Thank you to everyone at Pennine Veterinary Referrals for looking after my fur baby with such genuine care. I highly recommend them to anyone needing specialist treatment.

Antonia Isaacson

Absolutely fantastic. Our puppy injured himself and required surgery on his knee. Alasdair Frost and his team were brilliant in the treatment of our puppy and generally amazing. I would highly recommend this practise.

Rup Hoyland

Massive thank you to Alasdair and the team for their outstanding care and patience with our Lab puppy's broken leg. We couldn't have asked for more, the team were superb with him and he looked forward to the stokes and fuss they gave him on each visit. Communication was excellent and it was never too much when we had a question or wanted to check something. Thank you again, you've really helped us during what has been a very stressful time. Rup, Abbie & Alfie