Rabbit getting nails clipped at vet

Farm Vets in Down

Featured Clinic Overview

Updated January 2026
Independent Clinic

## Summary Saintfield Veterinary Clinic describes itself on its website as an independent, primary care practice (part of the Ashwood Vets site) offering both medicine and surgery, including soft tissue and orthopaedic procedures. Recent reviews back up that surgical capability with multiple first-hand accounts of dogs undergoing operations (including TPLO surgery) and owners describing thorough aftercare and follow-up advice when needed. Several reviewers also mention urgent/emergency appointments being accommodated and a communication style that includes clear explanations and regular updates by message during a pet’s stay. One cat owner explicitly notes there was “no hard sale” and that a more conservative plan was supported for an elderly cat. ## Services Based on the website summary and the latest reviews, the clinic is associated with: - Small animal medicine / primary care - Soft tissue surgery (website) - Orthopaedic surgery (website), with reviews specifically mentioning: - TPLO surgery for a dog, with “thorough aftercare” - Other surgery for a dog, with an owner reporting a strong recovery - Diagnostic workups, with reviews mentioning: - X-rays - Tests performed during a puppy consultation - Registered nurse consultations (website) - Urgent/emergency appointments, with reviews describing joining/attending during a medical emergency and booking an emergency appointment for a cat ## People Names and roles mentioned in reviews: - Patrick (vet): Mentioned in emergency and surgical contexts, including a dog’s TPLO surgery with thorough aftercare, and being available to address concerns (one owner mentions support via WhatsApp while they were away). - Niall (vet): Repeatedly credited with clear explanations and taking time in consults; mentioned in cases involving surgery and a puppy workup with X-rays and tests, plus updates throughout the day. - Kelly (receptionist): Praised for being friendly and professional during an emergency registration. - Reception team (unnamed): One reviewer describes a receptionist staying calm and practical while fixing a booking mistake between practices. ## Reviews 5.0 stars from 25 reviews. Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - Surgery and orthopaedics with aftercare: Owners mention procedures including TPLO and other surgery, highlighting recovery outcomes and aftercare. - Good communication during investigations/stays: Reviews describe consults that weren’t rushed, things being well explained, and regular message updates during the day. - Emergency/urgent help: Multiple reviewers mention being seen during a medical emergency or getting an emergency appointment. - Pragmatic decision-making: One owner notes no pressure to buy extras and choosing a conservative approach for an elderly cat.

Showing 1-5 of 5 clinics

#2 Ranking

Our Score (59/100)

5.0(2 reviews)
Emergency Services
Independent Clinic
Treats:

Shanaghan Veterinary Services focuses on horses and describes itself as an integrated veterinary referral service with a holistic approach to equine medicine, welfare, and rehabilitation. The website highlights hands-on musculoskeletal and rehab-style care (e.g., acupuncture, chiropractic work, laser treatment, and clinical rehabilitation), alongside equine dentistry. The small amount of written review detail available is consistent and outcome-focused—one owner repeats that the practice “always keeps our ponies right.”

#3 Ranking
5.0(25 reviews)
Independent Clinic
Treats:
dog
cat

Saintfield Veterinary Clinic (Ashwood Vets) describes itself as an independent, primary-care practice. Based on the website and recent reviews, it appears set up for routine small-animal care as well as surgical and diagnostic work, with owners repeatedly mentioning clear explanations and ongoing communication. Concrete examples owners mention include: - Orthopaedic surgery, specifically TPLO surgery, with “thorough aftercare” described as involving the wider team. - Diagnostics during a consult (one puppy visit included X‑rays and tests), with the consultation described as not rushed and explanations given in detail. - Same-day/urgent problem handling in reviews (multiple “emergency appointment/visit” mentions), including a receptionist helping fix an incorrectly booked appointment at another branch. - Conservative treatment choices supported where appropriate (e.g., an older cat’s care plan described as avoiding a “hard sell” and opting for a more conservative approach).

4.7(94 reviews)
Emergency Services
Independent Clinic
Treats:
dog
cat

The Veterinary Clinic is a mixed practice treating both companion animals and farm/equine species, with on-site facilities for procedures and overnight care (including operations and “sterile vaccinations”). The website also states an emergency service is offered, with appointments handled on a priority basis. Review details most often describe hands-on treatment for injuries and acute illness (for example, care for a dog with a “very nasty wound,” and intensive attempts to treat a cat with a lung infection), plus practical travel requirements such as rabies vaccination and issuing a pet passport. One review reports serious concerns about triage and missed findings (including an allegation of delayed attention to an unresponsive kitten, a misdiagnosis, and a tail injury not identified after an RTA), so experiences appear mixed despite many positive accounts.

4.5(31 reviews)
Independent Clinic
Treats:
dog
cat
exotic

Peninsula Veterinary Clinic is a small-animal practice where reviews repeatedly describe being fitted in at short notice and getting practical treatment for urgent problems. Owners mention last‑minute appointments (for example, a torn dew claw) with “immediate care,” and support during serious illness (including near-daily care during a pyometra case). Several reviews also describe the team’s help during end‑of‑life situations, with owners noting both pet care and support for the family. A vet named Michael is singled out across multiple years of reviews, alongside reception staff who are described as helpful.