New independent vet practice The Berkshire Vet opens in Greenham Business Park near Newbury

A new independent veterinary practice has opened near Newbury.

The Berkshire Vet, which is located in Greenham Business Park, opened its doors to customers and their furry companions last week.

Five vets who have all worked in the area for some time came together to start the new business.

Naomi Murdoch, one of the five vets and a director of the business, said: “We were all working at other local practices that were bought up by big corporate entities and none of us were very happy with that.

“We decided we wanted to set up as an independent business to give us back more clinical control over things as well as over the whole business.

“I think the big thing for us is that we wanted to ensure that we had in-house out-of-hours provision as well, and that we would treat other people’s pets how we would want our own pets to be treated. That is our main ethos.”

Facilities within the new practice include three consulting rooms, an imaging room with x-ray and ultrasound, a dental area, a lab with machines for running blood and urine tests, a surgery theatre, kennels, a cattery and isolation facilities too.

There is also an outdoor area out the back for dogs to run about and exercise in if they are having an extended stay at the vets.

The Berkshire Vet had a successful launch event on Saturday, March 9, before officially opening on Monday, March 11.

Speaking about the launch event, Miss Murdoch said: “It was nice to meet lots of clients who are pretty passionate about what we are doing as well.

“There was a lot of interest in us being an independent practice, especially with the out-of-hours. I think that’s the big thing that people are really happy about.”

Until recently, pet owners in the Newbury area would have to travel as far as Swindon or Reading to access out-of-hours care.

But now there are two independent practices that do.

To find out more about The Berkshire Vet and the services it can offer your pet, visit its website at https://www.theberkshirevet.co.uk/

Miss Murdoch added: “We are all really excited to get started seeing clients and using the facilities we’ve been planning for quite a long time now.

“The first conversation we had about this as a team was about three years ago so it’s been a long process.

“Quite a lot of thought has gone into designing the building around how we want to use it so I think now we’re at the stage that we’re just excited to use what we’ve been planning.”