Goddard Veterinary Group Wanstead Veterinary Hospital-London

I've attended Goddards for many years - since my late greyhound took ill over Christmas and I needed a 24 hour service. At that point it made sense for them to become my regular vet. I've rated them 5 stars because at the end of the day their treatment is excellent, they truly care for the animals they see, and they ensure the appropriate expert sees you on each occasion. However there are some things that are unique so I have bulleted them below. I will leave it to the reader to decide whether these are pros or cons, as I believe vet selection is a very personal choice. However at the end of the day I do always recommend Goddards. Truly. * When a chicken was ill, they pointed me at Midland because they felt they were more experienced in treating birds. * They cost more than other nearby surgeries. They counter this by offering various packages for annual treatments (eg de-flea, Worming) but if like me you only apply these treatments during relevant months, you can pay for something you don't use. And the general appointment charges are more costly than others I've used. * On the subject of costs... I just saw the itemised bill for my dog's surgery. Some things seemed really reasonable such as £50 to prep the theatre. Or £15 for the screws / wires to fix my dog's leg. But then £16 for a disposable gown and £38 for a drill bit? I feel like saying hey, I can get those in poundland, what sizes? (Joking, but it's a mystical world...) * They push Petplan insurance. However, if you take it thru them, they offer a month free. They also liaise direct with Petplan so the £3k surgery my dog has needed will be paid direct to them, rather than me having to fork out then claim back. Obviously that makes life - and cash flow - much easier! * Their clinics end at 7pm which means we can see them after work - convenient! They also run clinics on Saturday though I think this costs more. * They can generally offer same day appointment - and of course walk in for emergencies - although if you want to see a specific person for continuity of care or particular expertise, it can be a few days. * When my dog went for his 8 week old checkup & jabs, and we'd only had him a few days, and didn't want to let our baby out of our sight... they took him away to show him off and "pass him round" the staff out back. I get it, he's adorable - but I couldn't help worrying that he'd be bewildered, possibly exposed to illnesses, and I just wanted him in my arms! If you all want to appreciate my boy, come in, sanitise, and fuss him in my sight! * They often run late. I get it - if an emergency comes in, that has priority, and I'd want the same if it was my pet! But if you don't want to be too delayed, try a midweek appointment at the end of the day. * Their seating is really uncomfortable. I'm physically disabled and their seats are benches with a gap between seat and back so I can't put my support cushion there, nor stand up / sit down unaided. A single seat, taller, with arms, for disabled customers, would make soooo much difference - especially if there's a while to wait! Their door is heavy too. * Similar issues with parking. They have very limited space and I do understand that. But the bays are very narrow so you can't get a pet in or out of the side - so I need to attend with my husband so one of us can get the dog or cat out and hold it while the other then finishes parking. * Worse than that, they used to have a disabled parking bay compliant with Dept of Transport recommendations, with hatching either side. Now it's been converted to two "normal" spaces, no additional width. The wheelchair sign is still in the middle so people don't know which space is assigned for disabled users, and if it's the last space going will often try to argue that it must be intended to be the other one. However that's irrelevant as I can't get in or out anyway due to the narrow width... I flagged this when it changed, but no response. * All staff, from receptionist to senior surgeons, truly care. Ultimately - I do trust and recommend Goddards!