For more information on us as a practice and the service we provide, please read on ...
  • Why choose us?

    We aim to provide a high standard of patient-centred veterinary care, driven by a large team of committed veterinary professionals who have a genuine interest in the welfare of your pets. Most of us have our own pets so when we say we will care for your pet as if it was our own, we mean it.

    You can find out about us, our services and the care we give throughout our website but the following points may answer some of the questions you may have about us.
  • Are you an independent or corporate practice?

    We are a completely independent veterinary practice and are not owned by any other organisation or partnership, three of our team of veterinary surgeons own and run this practice. Robin, Stefaan and Lindsey lead a team of over 50 members of staff who are dedicated to the care of our owners and their pets.

    Our vets have the clinical freedom to choose the right treatment for your pet. They have a wealth of knowledge between them and can support each other when faced with more challenging cases.
  • When is your practice open?

    We open our doors at 8am - 8pm weekdays, 8am - 6pm Saturdays (and emergencies only from 9am -  1pm on Sundays).   Our consults run constantly throughout these times, so you can book an appointment as early as 8am or as late as 8pm. All of our consults are by appointment only.
  • Who will I speak to when I ring the practice?

    Our client care staff are a mix of experienced veterinary receptionists and veterinary nurses who are always happy to help you.
  • Can I see the same vet or nurse each time?

    We will try, where possible to book your appointment with your preferred vet or nurse, as we believe this is important for continuity of care. Please ask when you make your appointment.  If you are booking online you will be able to see which who is consulting and when.
  • Do I always have to see a vet?

    We have a team of registered veterinary nurses who consult. They offer a range of nurse consults including post of checks, wound care, dental care, second vaccinations, blood sampling, behaviour, weight clinics, senior pet clinics and of course routine procedures like nail clipping and ear cleaning. Our consult nurses will also be regularly involved with your pet if your dog or cat is on our Millennium Care Plan.
  • What animals do you treat?

    We are a small animal practice and routinely treat dogs and cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, small mammals and poultry.

    We have the expertise and equipment to treat most conditions at our practice. This makes the time it takes from presenting your pet to us, through to diagnosis and treatment quicker, more convenient, more cost-effective and all under the same roof.  All good news for the recovery of your pet.

    We have a number of staff who have chosen to take their area of interest to a higher level, gone on to take further training and qualifications and have expertise in dermatology, oncology, orthopaedics, medicine, poultry medicine and soft tissue. In fact, we receive referrals from other veterinary practices throughout Essex and Suffolk. We also have visiting specialists in cardiology, internal medicine and ophthalmology.  Members of our nursing team also have further qualifications in different areas of nursing including emergency and critical care, nutrition and behaviour.
  • Do you treat wildlife and strays and are there any fees for this?

    We take the welfare of animals seriously, whether they have an owner, are stray animal or wildlife. Where possible we help injured stray pets, make them better and rehome them to a forever family. We raise money for our own MVP Kitty Fund to help with this. We do not charge for the treatment if a member of the public presents wildlife to us. Where possible ring us first before bringing the animal to us so we can advise you of what to do.

    Our aim is always to rehabilitate injured wildlife so they can be returned to the wild, providing it is in their best interest to do so. We are lucky to have several members of staff who are experienced in this and are also are supported by a number of wildlife rescue centres.
  • What are your fees?

    We provide a high-quality service at an affordable price. We believe our pricing is fair throughout our services. We are always happy to give you an estimate for the treatment your pet needs. If your pet is hospitalised we make it our policy to keep you informed of their proposed treatment and cost, with the exception of some emergency treatments.  Payment is required at the time of consultation, before your pet is discharged from our ward and/or before any medication or food orders are collected.
  • Do you have any Care Plans?

    We have comprehensive preventative MVP Care Plan for dogs and cats.  This is available as an annual plan or monthly direct debit as a 12 month contract.
  • What happens in an emergency?

    For all emergencies, ring 01376 325511.   You will be able to reach a vet 24 hours a day / 7 days a week using this number.

    Outside of our opening hours, you will be automatically transferred to the VetsNow emergency service.  

    Hospitalised patients in our care are cared for by our staff out of hours and are never moved to another practice for overnight care.  If patients are admitted to the Vets Now Clinic, their owners will need to transport them back to our practice.   They will not leave our care until they are well enough to go home.   For more information please ring us.
  • Do you offer house calls?

    We do offer house calls.   House calls are carried out during our opening hours.  Availability and timing is dependant on staffing on the day.  Please ring us to discuss your needs. 
  • How is my pet cared for when hospitalised?

    We nurse our patient’s as individuals and draw up care plans when they are hospitalised. This also means we can provide a similar routine the pet has at home, making them feel more comfortable which speeds up recovery.

    We never move our patients to an emergency clinic for overnight care. We have registered nurses on duty and if necessary they will stay overnight to care for critical hospitalised cases. This is supported by our own duty vet who will also attend throughout the night if necessary.
  • How do I know I am seeing qualified staff?

    Our large team of vets and nurses are all registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. We follow a strict code of conduct including a continuing program of professional development. You can check an individual is currently registered and legally allowed to practice as a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse by visiting the RCVS website.

    We only use registered veterinary nurses to lead the nursing care of our patients, from our wards to our theatre. We take anaesthesia very seriously, our registered veterinary nurses monitor patient's anaesthetics, this is never carried out by support staff.

    Please visit our team page, to find out more about us.
  • Can I see my pet's records?

    Providing you are the registered owner, we are happy to provide you with a copy of your pet's records. If you wish to discuss any part of your pet's treatment, please contact us.
  • Do you offer pet insurance?

    We can give you guidance on what to look for when investigating the right policy for your pet and will recommend you look at 'lifelong' policies.  We recommend that all dogs have third party insurance, this may already be covered as part of your home insurance or if you are a member of the Dogs Trust.  
  • Do you have a pet shop?

    We sell a range of pet accessories and toys.  We also stock the Hills Vet Essential life stage range for both cats and dogs. Our shop items are competitively priced and if we haven't got what you need in stock we can order it in for you.  Please just ask.   
  • Is the practice affiliated to any other organisation?

    Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)


    Our practice is accredited by the RCVS through their practice standards scheme. This is a voluntary initiative to certify vet practices in the UK, offering peace of mind.

    International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM)


    We are a Cat Friendly Clinic, accredited by the ISFM,  and have silver status.  This means we will continue to follow a cat code to help our feline patients settle into the practice. Cats stress more quickly than dogs and it is important to keep them calm.

    Rabbit Welfare Association (RWA)


    We are currently applying to the RWA for listed rabbit friendly practice status.

    Chicken Friendly Practice 

    We are an associate practice for the Chicken Vet - this means we have completed training to enable us to care for your chickens. We have vets with a special interest in poultry and this is lead by Robin Creighton.
  • Facebook and Instagram?

    We have an active Facebook and Instagram page. Follow and like us on Millennium Veterinary Practice - Official Facebook page and on Instagram: millennium_vets_essex