Best Vets in Down

Flynn Vets Ballynahinch is a small-animal veterinary clinic that, based on the latest reviews available to us, is frequently chosen for sensitive end-of-life care as well as routine appointments. Owners specifically mention being able to arrange euthanasia at short notice, clear communication throughout a pet’s treatment, and having costs explained upfront (including a price breakdown before a pet was admitted). Several reviews also highlight calm handling of nervous cats, and a generally smooth appointment process.

Cromlyn House Veterinary Hospital is an RCVS-registered small animal hospital (established in 2010) that covers routine care and surgery, with on-site out-of-hours support via MiNightVet for emergencies. The website describes in-house diagnostics (including an on-site lab, ultrasound and X‑ray) and a wide service range from dentistry and neutering to more advanced areas like keyhole surgery. From the latest reviews available to us, many owners describe clear explanations and ongoing management of complex, long-term conditions (including regular monthly check-ins for an older dog, and discussing treatment options and costs for a dog with a cancerous tail tumour). A minority report a very different experience—raising concerns about transparency, pain management, and decision-making around tests and anaesthesia—suggesting experiences may vary depending on the clinician involved. Concrete specifics mentioned: - Out-of-hours/emergency care on site (MiNightVet is named on the website; emergency appointments are described in reviews). - Dentistry under anaesthesia and pre-anaesthetic blood tests are directly referenced in a cat case (review). - Treatment options discussed “with cost” to support decision-making (review). - Regular, scheduled ongoing appointments used to manage chronic/complex problems (review).

Barry’s Vets Dromore describes itself as an independent veterinary practice with a diagnostic imaging suite, in-house laboratory, on-site surgery, and purpose-built hospitalisation facilities. Reviews repeatedly mention Barry and the team handling both urgent problems (for example, a cat bitten by a dog and “seen… really quickly”) and complex/serious cases, including investigations for a very unwell senior dog and a partial mandibulectomy for oral squamous cell carcinoma with “amazing” aftercare. Several owners also highlight end-of-life care being handled with “sensitivity and care.”

Clanrye Veterinary Clinic treats both companion animals and large animals, and is listed as a veterinary nurse training facility. The clinic states it covers its own out‑of‑hours calls 24/7, 365 days a year. Recent reviews include specific examples of end‑of‑life support (being given time in a quiet room and leaving via a private door) and of handling a very anxious dog who settled within about 10 minutes before treatment. Reviews also contain sharp disagreements about front‑desk and clinical handling: some owners describe excellent vet care, while others report rude reception interactions or concerns about how animals were handled during urgent care.

Tullyraine Equine Clinic LLP is an equine-focused veterinary clinic with emergency veterinary services (24/7 or extended hours stated in the clinic data). Based on the written reviews available, it’s used for both planned care (for example, equine dental work) and more serious cases that may involve hospitalisation and end-of-life support. Owners repeatedly mention vets explaining what’s happening “step by step,” progress updates by phone while a horse is an inpatient, and staff staying beyond normal closing time so an owner could be present to say goodbye.

Downe Veterinary Clinic is set up for both routine preventive care and more involved procedures, with keyhole surgery listed on its website and emergency veterinary services listed in its clinic information. Recent reviews give concrete examples of: - Dental work: one owner describes their 12‑year‑old dog having teeth removed and being collected “fully recovered” the same afternoon. - Neutering: a dog neuter was prearranged via a shelter, with the owner saying their dog was well cared for. - End-of-life care: a reviewer describes having their dog put to sleep on Boxing Day, highlighting the vet’s reassurance and professionalism in a difficult appointment. The clinic is also listed as a veterinary nurse training facility.

Iveagh Veterinary Services is a long-established practice (over 60 years, per its website) treating both pets and farm animals. The clinic states it provides 24-hour emergency treatment for registered clients, and also offers routine care, repeat prescriptions, plus “puppy pack” and “kitten pack” specials. From the latest reviews available, owners most often describe clear, up-front explanations before procedures, detailed aftercare guidance, and specific hands-on outcomes such as dental tooth removal, spay/neuter and microchipping (“snip & chip”), and support around end-of-life care.

Hillsborough Veterinary Referrals describes itself (via its website) as a specialist-led, multidisciplinary small animal veterinary referral hospital. In the latest reviews available to us, owners most often describe referral-level surgery and case management, including BOAS surgery, orthopaedic surgery for a broken leg, and a case involving paralysis where a scan was done and immediate surgery was recommended. Several reviews mention structured communication after procedures (for example, phone calls multiple times per day during a 10‑day inpatient stay, plus texts/calls after discharge), and practical admin support such as help with insurance claims. One repeat reviewer reports a very different experience—saying only euthanasia was offered and that their visit was later disputed—so experiences appear to vary.

ANCU Veterinary Surgery appears to run as part of a multi-branch practice under the ANCU Vets name (the website lists more than one clinic), and it offers practical admin features like repeat-prescription ordering. Reviews describe both routine and urgent care: one owner brought in a dog struggling in labour on a Saturday morning and reports the vet identified a life-threatening risk (“moments away from a uterus rupture”), treated the dog and provided aftercare advice. Owners also mention staff handling very nervous, anxious puppies with care. A small number of recent reviews conflict sharply with this, describing a refusal to proceed without prior medical records, which the reviewer felt left their dog in pain.

Lagan Valley Vets is described by long-term clients as one of the few independent practices they’ve used over many years. The clinic is set up for both routine care and urgent needs, with emergency veterinary services listed and reviews describing prompt out-of-hours advice/examinations, including late at night. Owners also mention pets being kept overnight on the premises (at the practice’s other surgery) and being fitted in the same day when appointments are needed. A recurring downside in reviews is loss of continuity over time due to changes in vets.