Hillsborough Veterinary Referrals
#2 Vet in Hillsborough, Down
Hillsborough Veterinary Referrals – Vets in Hillsborough
Clinic Overview
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.
Services
Based on the website summary and the latest written reviews available to us, services/capabilities mentioned include
- •Small animal referral hospital care (website).
- •BOAS surgery (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome) with follow-up appointment(s) (reviews).
- •Orthopaedic case management for a broken leg, including discussion of costs and an overnight stay with nursing care (reviews).
- •Diagnostic scanning mentioned as part of an assessment before urgent surgery (review).
- •Surgery with inpatient hospitalisation (one owner reports their dog was cared for for 10 days after surgery) and post-op rechecks (review).
- •Cardiac-related referral consultation mentioned as a “heart issue,” with detailed explanation during the visit (review).
People
- •Rachel / Rachael (reception/admin): mentioned for handling insurance details/claims and helping owners feel calmer during anxious visits; one review also notes she helped the visit “go smoothly” and assisted with rebooking (reviews).
- •Julie (vet): described as explaining everything in great detail and listening during a visit for a dog’s heart issue (review).
- •Darren: named as the clinician who performed BOAS surgery; an owner describes being talked through what would happen and why it could improve their dog’s quality of life (review).
- •Aidan: named for a follow-up appointment after BOAS surgery (review).
- •Phil (surgeon): credited with examining a dog, doing a scan, recommending immediate surgery, and providing frequent updates during hospitalisation; the owner also mentions two post-op checkups and follow-up texts/calls after discharge (review).
- •Andrew Burns: named in an orthopaedic case (broken leg) for detailed explanations including costs, and going “above and beyond” (review).
Reviews
4.9 stars from 113 reviews. The - Clear explanations and communication: owners mention clinicians explaining plans in detail (including costs in one case) and listening to concerns.
- •Post-operative updates and follow-up: one owner reports 2–3 phone calls per day during a 10‑day stay, plus ongoing texts/calls and rechecks after discharge.
- •Reception/admin support: multiple reviews call out help with insurance claims/details and low-pressure rebooking.
- •Specialist surgery experiences: BOAS surgery and orthopaedic surgery are specifically described as going well.
- •Conflicting experience reported: one reviewer (posting the same complaint twice) says the clinic only offered euthanasia when they wanted treatment options, felt owner input wasn’t welcome, and alleges the clinic later said there were no records of their visit.
Animals Treated at Hillsborough Veterinary Referrals
Animals We Treat
Animal type information not yet available for this clinic.
Opening Hours – Hillsborough Veterinary Referrals
Opening Hours
Hours
Reviews for Hillsborough Veterinary Referrals
Note: Showing the 5 most recent Google reviews out of 113 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.
Ewa Kaliszewska
2 months ago
Avril Gibson
4 months ago
Would definitely not recommend this Veterinary clinic. No no no! They trade as specialists but could only offer the option of putting my dog down when I wanted possible treatment options for my dog. It is in direct contrast to what I was looking for. Go to UCD veterinary clinic if you want expert specialist. treatment for your dog. Found also the vets did not like the owner's input, almost an ethos of listen to me and don't question it which is not conducive for getting the best outcome. It's not up to you to determine. I paid a significant amount of money to tell me to have my dog put down. Furthermore, my appointment was with vets at this clinic and not as you suggest with Carolyn House nor MiNlight. It is important to accept the facts. No point in further discussion I listened to two staff advising me in having him put down. He lived on for some time. I would definitely not recommend this clinic based on my experience. Additionally, like so many places they deny that you have been there finding no records. Convenient.
Avril Gibson
a month ago
Would definitely not recommend this Veterinary clinic. No no no! They trade as specialists but could only offer the option of putting my dog down when I wanted possible treatment options for my dog. It is in direct contrast to what I was looking for. Go to UCD veterinary clinic if you want expert specialist. treatment for your dog. Found also the vets did not like the owner's input, almost an ethos of listen to me and don't question it which is not conducive for getting the best outcome. It's not up to you to determine. I paid a significant amount of money to tell me to have my dog put down. Furthermore, my appointment was with vets at this clinic and not as you suggest with Carolyn House nor MiNlight. It is important to accept the facts. No point in further discussion I listened to two staff advising me in having him put down. He lived on for some time. I would definitely not recommend this clinic based on my experience. Additionally, like so many places they deny that you have been there finding no records. Convenient.
Karen Neill
2 months ago
Our first visit and all the staff could not be more helpful and put us at ease. Rachel was great dealing with our insurance claim and took the pressure off me at an anxious time. All reception staff were welcoming and helpful and couldn’t do enough for us to help our visit go smoothly and rebook another visit without any pressure. Julie the vet was great. Explained everything in great detail, listened to us without an issue and cared for our dog. The whole team cared for both pet and person and I cannot praise them highly enough. Brilliant is all I can say. Thanks to all the team on making our visit easy when we were worried about our dogs heart issue.
Karen Neill
5 months ago
Our first visit and all the staff could not be more helpful and put us at ease. Rachel was great dealing with our insurance claim and took the pressure off me at an anxious time. All reception staff were welcoming and helpful and couldn’t do enough for us to help our visit go smoothly and rebook another visit without any pressure. Julie the vet was great. Explained everything in great detail, listened to us without an issue and cared for our dog. The whole team cared for both pet and person and I cannot praise them highly enough. Brilliant is all I can say. Thanks to all the team on making our visit easy when we were worried about our dogs heart issue.
Elaine Tanton
6 months ago
Excellent service staff friendly and knowledgeable
Tammy Corbett
4 months ago
My dog had boas surgery with Darren and a follow up appointment with Aidan. I can honestly say from the minute you walk in the doors; you are welcomed with such professional attitude. Rachael on the desk helped me with insurance details while giving Daisy the best cuddles. She calmed me down and I was so thankful for her as I was very nervous. Darren talked me through the whole surgery explaining what would happen and how Daisy’s life would be better following the surgery. Daisy’s surgery went extremely well and I’m so glad that I chose to go to NIVS!
Tammy Corbett
6 months ago
My dog had boas surgery with Darren and a follow up appointment with Aidan. I can honestly say from the minute you walk in the doors; you are welcomed with such professional attitude. Rachael on the desk helped me with insurance details while giving Daisy the best cuddles. She calmed me down and I was so thankful for her as I was very nervous. Darren talked me through the whole surgery explaining what would happen and how Daisy’s life would be better following the surgery. Daisy’s surgery went extremely well and I’m so glad that I chose to go to NIVS!
Sandra Adamson
7 months ago
Kenny and I would like to thank each and every one of you for the wonderful care you gave and are still giving to Toby since he went for his surgery on the 18th February. From the moment I rang and spoke to Rachel and on meeting Phil the surgeon we knew Toby was going to get the best treatment.The love care and dedication of Phil was so evident .We arrived with Toby at 4.30 when Phil had his days work done and on examining Toby he did a scan and said he needed immediate surgery and was willing to stay and do all he could for Toby.His words of reassurance meant everything to us after getting devastating news previous that day from our vet that Toby was paralyzed and may be put down. Toby was cared for for 10 days after his surgery and we got phonecalls twice if not 3 times a day to let us know how he was doing(and we knew he was getting spoilt) and that put our minds at ease each day.Since coming home Toby has had 2 checkups with Phil ,and we have had texts and calls to find out how he is doing Honestly this is the best place ever and we would totally recommend this vets.Toby is recovering well and we thank each of the team for all their dedication, encouragement,love, professional care and attention towards our wee Toby. Sandra and kenny
Caroline Morris
9 months ago
What an absolutely incredible team! Massive thanks to the fantastic Andrew Burns who really went above and beyond with my puppy Izzi who broke her leg over the Christmas period. I genuinely don’t know where we would be without him, he explained everything in detail including costs which is obviously a big part (it may seem expensive but believe me they are so beyond worth it for the care/ attention your pet receives and the wealth of knowledge between the team) Also thanks so much to the nurses who looked after Iz for her over night stay, and lastly to the loveliest receptionists. I felt completely at ease leaving her in your care. I wish I could give a 10 star review. If you are considering a surgery for your pet, this is by far the most professional, caring and qualified place to go. Izzi is such a lucky girl to be referred to you. THANK YOU! ❤️
