During each appointment we aim to involve you directly in your pet’s healthcare, ensure you are confident their optimal health has been prioritised and that you understand all that is discussed.
Appointments must be booked. This will allow you to see the vet or nurse of your choice at a time which suits you.
We are open for vet appointments every day of the year.
Nurse appointments also run every day except Bank Holidays.
Our opening hours are:
- Monday to Fridays: 9am to 8pm
- Saturdays: 9am to 5pm
- Sundays: 9am to 5pm
- Bank Holidays: Closed
To make an appointment for today please call 01245 328400 and our client care team will assist you.
Our client care team will contact you by your preferred contact method to confirm your appointment.
If your animal needs to be seen in an emergency, please call us immediately on 01245 328400 for advice.
We will then be able to advise you of the best time to bring your pet in (immediately if required), and we can also make preparations for emergency treatment on your arrival.
A visit to the vet can be stressful for our pets as they don’t understand what is happening (although sometimes they appear to)!
For their safety:
- Place all cats and small animals in appropriate carriers.
You can hire a cat carrier for your visit if required. A refundable deposit will be charged.
A towel or blanket placed over the carrier can also help to reduce stress.
For cats who become particularly stressed with travelling, products are available to reduce their anxiety. Please call us if you would like to discuss this.
- Please place all dogs on a lead for their safety.
You will find free parking on the forecourt.
Additional parking is also available to the rear of the practice.
Please register your arrival with our client care team at Reception.
They will then direct you to our Dog waiting area or Cat and Small Animal waiting area as appropriate. These have been designed for the comfort of you and your pet.
Our vets or nurses will collect you from the waiting area at the time of your appointment.
If your dog does not like other dogs, or if you prefer, you can leave your pet in the car for a few minutes to register your arrival at reception and then return to your car to wait there.We will note that you are waiting in your car and will be happy to collect you from there for your appointment.
Cats and small animals have different needs to dogs while they wait to be seen by the vet.
Dogs are generally inquisitive and like to see what is going on. Our dog waiting area allows them space to sit with their owners while they do just that!
Cats (and other small animals) on the other hand are often very stressed by a trip to the vets. At Essex Vets their separate waiting room is very quiet and peaceful and their carrier be sat on the bench alongside you.
During your appointment the vet or nurse will discuss all concerns you have about your pet.
In all vet appointments your pet will have a full head to tail examination and the vet will explain the examination findings.
The vet or nurse will advise you on any treatments or tests your pet may need as well as an estimate of expected costs. This will allow you to discuss all options for your pet with the vet or nurse and together to formulate the right healthcare plan for your pet.
Often a lot of information is given during an appointment and we understand this can be difficult to take in.
We will provide further information on your pet’s condition as needed either in a printed advice sheet or a link to our website. However, if you are still unsure about any aspect of your pet’s healthcare plan we will always be happy to discuss this further.
The vet or nurse will accompany you back to reception.
Our client care team will make sure you have any medication your pet needs and will book any further appointments as required.
Payment for the appointment and treatment will be taken and you will be given an itemised receipt for your records.
Please note that payment must be made in full at the time of the appointment.
If you are unsure about any aspect of your pet’s healthcare plan following your appointment we will always be happy to discuss this further.
Please call us on 01245 328400 and we will arrange for the vet or nurse who examined your pet to call you back at a suitable time.