Kelston Vets near Bath is celebrating its first anniversary, after opening their practice in a converted outbuilding on owner Gwen Cardiff’s parents’ dairy farm in Kelston. The old ‘cheese making rooms’ were adapted into a fully functioning veterinary surgery, complete with consult room, pharmacy, surgical theatre, digital x-ray and ultrasound facilities, dental machine and in-house laboratory.
“The aim was to provide a more peaceful and relaxed experience for our animal patients and their owners,” recalls Gwen.
“The old cow collecting yard has provided us with a large, enclosed private car park helping to reduce the stress and worry for clients when it comes to parking and transporting their pet to the surgery. Many of them also take advantage of the nearby footpaths to walk their dog, either before or after their visit, or even take a stroll down to the nearby Bath Soft Cheese coffee shop for a treat. The quiet, village location away from the hubbub of a busy main road also helps to make the cat vet visit a little less stressful, for both feline and owner alike.”
“As a small, independent, family run practice we are able to offer longer than average consultations, taking the time to get to know our clients and their pets,” added co-owner and Gwen’s husband Ian. “Continuity and good communication are important to us and people often comment on how nice it is that the phone is always answered by one of the team, a real person ready to help, and not an answer machine with a list of options.
“Being husband and wife vets means that ongoing or complex cases often end up being discussed around the kitchen table at supper time. Luckily we are blessed with three very encouraging and enthusiastic daughters. It is wonderful to have their support and interest in our clinical discussions. Also, the obligatory photos of the cutest puppies and sweet kittens that we have seen that day are a must!
“It is amazing to look back over the last 12 months and think of all the things that have happened at Kelston Vets. From the highs of puppies being born in our consultation room and watching pets recover from medical conditions or surgical procedures, to the inevitable lows of more serious illnesses where we need to spend the time explaining and helping our clients understand the condition and what options are best for their pet. We love hearing people praise the calm, tranquil atmosphere and comment on how relaxed their cat is when being examined or how keen their dog is to come in to see us when they get out of the car and realise where they are, pulling them into the building with great enthusiasm.”
“From tiny Siberian hamsters to super-sized Great Danes, we have treated them all,” adds Gwen. “Everyday is different and you never quite know what is about to walk through the door next. One day it’s complex surgical orthopaedics to correct a dogs damaged knee joint, the next it’s repairing the shattered beak of a goose with superglue and silicone sealant.”
“Being vets is what we love, trying to establish and run a successful business has been the steepest of learning curves. It has been hard work and not without its sacrifices, but as we approach year year old, we are extremely happy and proud of what we have achieved. We have gathered a friendly and loyal client base, met some interesting people and a most wonderful array of pets. After 20 years in the veterinary profession, we are in a good place and are excited and looking forward to the future.”