Hitchin Veterinary Surgery

Hitchin Veterinary Surgery describes itself as an independent, small-animal, employee-owned practice (Employee Owned Trust since May 2023). From the website and reviews, it appears set up for routine care and procedures (e.g., neutering and surgery) as well as short-notice urgent cases, with clients often mentioning prompt responses to queries and prescriptions. Reviewers also describe extra follow-up touches such as a “warming email” checking in after an emigration process and a condolence card after a pet’s death.

Services

•Small-animal veterinary care (stated on the clinic website).
•Emergency/urgent appointments: the clinic says it may be able to fit in emergencies at short notice (website).
•Surgery: a chihuahua’s surgery is mentioned (review).
•Neutering: multiple kitten neutering procedures referenced (review).
•Microchipping: microchip implantation for a kitten referenced (review).
•Ongoing condition management: support for an epileptic dog, including help during “more dramatic moments” (review).
•Support around traumatic events/bereavement: staff described as handling a road-traffic accident death with empathy and caring for the pet until collection (review).
•Pet travel/emigration paperwork support: a vet helped with the process of emigrating two dogs to Australia, including explanations and follow-up (review).
•Reactive dog handling: owners report the team is accommodating with reactive dogs, including arranging to meet outside rather than in the waiting area (review).
•Prescriptions: quick responses to prescription requests mentioned (review).

People

•Jonathan (vet): specifically recommended for helping with emigrating two dogs to Australia, described as explaining the process clearly and sending a follow-up email to check how things were going (review).
•Reception team: repeatedly described as friendly and efficient, contributing to a calmer experience for regular visits (reviews).
•Vets and nurses (general): owners frequently mention clear explanations and gentle handling, including being calm/supportive with an epileptic dog and accommodating a reactive dog by meeting outside (reviews).
•Conflicting experience noted: one reviewer describes a vet being dismissive/judgemental during a consult and patronising when questioned about an expired microchip kit (review).

Reviews

4.9 stars from 451 reviews. “”

•Responsive, organised front-of-house: quick replies to queries and prescription requests; reception described as friendly and efficient.
•Communication and explanation: several owners say vets explain things clearly, including complex processes like pet emigration paperwork.
•Handling anxious/reactive or complex cases: reports of calm, accommodating care for a reactive dog (meeting outside) and ongoing support for an epileptic dog.
•Procedures and aftercare touches: neutering and surgery are mentioned; some owners highlight follow-up gestures (check-in email; condolence card after a pet death).
•A notable negative outlier: one recent 1-star review reports a microchip kit past its expiry date and dissatisfaction with the vet’s manner and response when concerns were raised, contrasted with the same reviewer’s earlier positive experiences at the practice.

Reviews for Hitchin Veterinary Surgery

Note: Showing the 5 most recent Google reviews out of 451 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.

jon Shelbourne

2 weeks ago

Leanne Crowdy

a month ago

Lauren McEvaddy

2 months ago

A big shout out to all staff members, they are warm and welcoming, very quick to respond to queries and highly knowledgeable and professional I cant recommend vet Jonathan enough he's helped the process emergrating our 2 dogs over to Australia. He went above and beyond to help us understand the process and even a little warming email to see how they are doing which is next level commitment and dedication to both animals and there owners 👏

vicky parker

Highly recommended friendly reception staff and amazing vets they genuinely care!

Sian Davis

5 stars isn’t enough. You won’t find a better more caring veterinary practice. My 12 year old chihuahua Louie had surgery and I can’t thank everyone at HVS enough for their efforts and compassion. If you are considering using this practice, don’t think twice 🙏🏻

Vercin

3 weeks ago

Following microchip implantation of my kitten I noticed that the chip kit had expired 4 months prior when performing the registration a week later. The response I received from the vet was not apologetic, but actually patronising, suggesting there was confusion on my behalf. The vet attempted to reassure me that this conduct was totally acceptable, as it was 'just the packaging' that was expired. Expirations are calculated for assurance of product sterility, therefore in a medical capacity this is a significant faux pas. I also found the vet's demeanor unsatisfactory during the initial consultation. He was dismissive of my valid concerns & appeared judgemental when I said my cat was allowed outside on a lead only ('oh, she's one of those!' in a patronising tone). Is it too much to expect professionalism & impartiality when frequenting a vet practice!? It's a shame, as my 3 previous experiences at the practice were positive & the other vets & receptionists were extremely pleasant. I assumed because all the positive reviews & the fact the practice is independently owned my pet would experience outstanding care? I have now had an experience that completely opposes this theory. I always attempt to resolve issues, in the first instance, with effective communication instead of leaving negative reviews allowing the other party an opportunity for redemption. Sadly, on this occasion I was subjected to additional condescension!

Paula Marsden-Robbins

3 months ago

I go regularly to the Hitchin veterinary surgery with all my pets. The receptionists are friendly and efficient and there is a nice atmosphere in the waiting room. The vets are helpful and explain things very clearly. The vets and nurse are very kind and gentle with the pets, so it is less stressful for them. I would highly recommend this veterinary surgery for your pet care.

Tally Hall

I can't speak highly enough of HVS, the whole team are fantastic. Our Jasper is an epileptic dog and they have been wonderful as we have navigated looking after him, and cool, calm and supportive during some of his more dramatic moments (and he is a touch dramatic as shown below)! He wouldn't be here without their care and professionalism, and we are so grateful!

Laura Stapleton

4 months ago

I just want to say a huge thank you to all the wonderful staff at Hitchin Vets. Our three kittens are registered here and great care was taken during their neutering procedures late last year. Recently, our older cat Nala was brought into Hitchin Vets after a road accident that she did not survive. The staff handled breaking the news to us with such empathy, and looked after her until we could collect her and bring her home. We received a condolence card from the staff this week after losing Nala, and it meant so much to us as a family. We are so lucky to have such a fantastic team of people take care of our animals and we will forever be grateful for the work you do. Laura and Family xxx

ABI v

6 months ago

We have recently moved over to this surgery as advised from our dog trainer as they especially good with reactive dogs. We have been extremely impressed with the service for a our 2 dogs and cats. They allowed us to meet with our reactive dog outside the vets and were very calm and accommodating. They respond very quickly to any prescription request and all in has a very good for us and our pets. Thank you