Dog & Cat Vets in West Wickham

## Summary West Wickham Veterinary Surgery is a **purpose-built, independent small-animal practice**, part of an **independent group founded in 2006 by veterinary surgeons Alan van Heerden and Dane Walker** (as stated on the clinic’s website). The clinic covers **routine care through to surgery and medicine**, and for **24-hour emergency care** it says patients can access a **larger 24-hour hospital** within the same group. Recent reviews most often describe **clear explanations of options/next steps**, **calm handling of nervous pets**, and treatment for a mix of routine and more complex issues (examples include **ear infection with seizures**, **dental extractions**, and **booster visits/check-ups**). ## Services Services mentioned on the website and in recent reviews include: - **Surgery & medicine** (website) - **Preventative healthcare** (website) - **Health checks and clinics** (website; also reflected in reviews mentioning first kitten check-ups and routine check-ups) - **Pet travel advice** (website) - **Dental treatment**, including **tooth removal/extractions** (reviewed experience) - **Treatment for ear infection** and investigation/management of **seizures** (reviewed experience) - **Vaccinations/boosters** (reviewed experience) **Emergency / out-of-hours (as stated on the website):** - The practice says its patients have access to neighbouring sister surgeries, including a **24-hour hospital providing 24-hour emergency vet care**, and listing capabilities there such as **laser treatments, keyhole surgery, hospitalisation, orthopaedic surgery, CT scanning**. ## People - **Rebecca** (vet; role implied by review context): mentioned for a kitten’s first overall check. The owner describes her as **gentle with a nervous kitten**, and specifically values that she **listened to concerns, addressed them, and explained “next steps if needed.”** - Multiple reviews mention the wider team being **calm and thorough**, with time taken to **explain everything clearly** (e.g., during treatment for an ear infection and seizures), and that both **vet and nurse** helped keep a dog calm during visits. ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.8 stars from 123 reviews.** “Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.” - **Clear communication and explanations:** owners repeatedly mention staff taking time to explain what’s happening and what may come next (notably in a case involving **ear infection and seizures**). - **Handling anxious or nervous pets:** several reviews describe pets staying calmer because of how they were handled (e.g., a nervous kitten warming up during an exam; a dog remaining calm with vet and nurse support). - **Range of care described:** routine **boosters and check-ups**, ongoing support through a **VIP programme** for a cat, and a cat improving after **dental extractions**. - **Appointment flow:** one reviewer notes being **seen promptly** and assessed.

## Summary Tender Paws Ltd is a veterinary practice (no corporate group affiliation is stated in the provided information) that also operates as a **Veterinary Nurse Training facility**. Reviews suggest the clinic sees **cats and birds (budgies)**, with owners mentioning **same-day appointments for injuries** and a **separate/segregated area for cats**, which some found helpful for stressed or nervous cats. Recent feedback is mixed: several cat owners describe kind handling and practical wound-care advice, while multiple bird owners describe a very negative experience involving **minimal examination/testing and communication they felt was dismissive**, specifically naming a vet called **Judy**. ## Services - **Veterinary Nurse Training facility** (listed in the clinic data). - **Cat care**, including: - **Same-day appointment for a cat injury** (owner reports being seen the same day). - **Wound-care advice** (owner describes being advised to treat and wash a wound at home, with good recovery reported). - **Segregated area for cats** mentioned by an owner (intended to reduce stress for cats in the clinic environment). - **Bird (budgie) consultations** mentioned in reviews, including discussion of: - **Mites and possible lung infection** being suggested. - **Antibiotics prescribed** (as reported by an owner). - One owner alleges **no tests were performed** and that the bird was not handled during an assessment (this is an allegation from a review, not independently verified). ## People - **Judy (vet)**: named in multiple critical reviews from bird owners who describe her as dismissive/patronising and lacking empathy during a sick budgie visit. One review alleges a diagnosis and treatment plan was given with minimal examination/testing and that the bird deteriorated. - **Daisy**: praised in one review for end-of-life care, including keeping a pet comfortable with **heat pads, blankets, cuddles/strokes**, and supportive handling for the owner. - **Anna P**: praised alongside Daisy for the same end-of-life support and communication that helped the owner feel comfortable leaving their pet in the clinic’s care. ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.5 stars from 46 reviews.** The latest written reviews available include both strong praise and serious complaints. “Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.” - **Same-day care and practical advice for cats:** one long-term cat owner describes being seen the same day for an injury and following wound-washing/treatment advice with a good outcome. - **Cat-friendly setup:** a **segregated cat area** is specifically mentioned as helpful for nervous/stressed cats. - **End-of-life support:** one owner describes staff using **heat pads, blankets and gentle handling** and helping them feel comfortable during a difficult decision. - **Severe negative feedback about budgie care and communication:** multiple reviews allege dismissive behaviour and poor empathy, and one alleges a lack of tests/handling during the initial assessment and a poor outcome.