Our team have put together a list of frequently asked questions, which we hope you find useful. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, just phone or email and we’ll be happy to help.
Our team have put together a list of frequently asked questions, which we hope you find useful. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, just phone or email and we’ll be happy to help.
You’ll need an appointment. These can be made either at reception or by contacting the practice by telephone. Consultations run from 9am until 7pm.
Yes, all four surgeries provide parking facilities.
On Monday to Friday we’re open 8am until 7pm.
On Saturdays we’re open 8.30am until 12.30pm.
We have a dedicated on-site emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In an emergency, phone the practice on 01903 746028 and our out of hours team will help. We have the facilities to keep patients in overnight at our Storrington Hospital.
To provide patients with the highest standards of care we encourage our clients to visit the practice – but a home visit can be arranged when specific circumstances arise or in an emergency.
Yes, we offer a practice Pet Health Plan so our clients can save money on all the things insurance doesn’t cover. Please visit the Pet Health Plan section for more details or pick up a leaflet from reception.
At Arun Vet Group we have the facilities and training to care for all companion animals. However, most of our patients are dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and chickens. Birds and exotics such as reptiles and amphibians require expert knowledge and we occasionally need to refer these to specialist centres. Please contact the surgery for more advice.
Our staff know that minimising stress is extremely important. So, we’ve got a range of actions we can take, from booking your pet in at a quiet time to providing you with a towel to cover their basket. We also encourage nervous patients to visit in between consultation times for a more relaxed, informal introduction to the practice – plus a cuddle and treat from the reception staff.
We have extensive laboratory equipment enabling our team to run many in-house blood and urine screens. For those tests that we can’t do in house, our nursing staff will safely package and send samples to reliable external laboratories.
All our qualified Veterinary Surgeons perform surgery based on a daily rota.
Operations can be booked via the telephone or at the practice. Patients are admitted in the morning and are generally kept at the practice for the majority of the day.
Normally your pet will return home the same day following an operation. Sometimes they might have to stay overnight, especially if additional treatment is required. Under these circumstances, the duty Veterinary Surgeon and Veterinary Nurse will be assigned to your pet’s care and you’ll be kept updated. We’ll always discuss whether your pet needs to stay overnight before they’re admitted.
We have advanced facilities to perform digital x-ray, ultrasonography and endoscopy. We also have comprehensive operating and anaesthetic monitoring equipment.
Under certain circumstances we can board patients overnight before surgery the following day. We don’t offer a boarding service but we can recommend local kennels.
We work very closely with local charities and organisations to treat stray patients. Although we can provide first aid treatment to wildlife, they require expert handling and are often referred to specialist local centres. Please contact the team if you have any concerns about local wildlife and strays.
Our staff are all very experienced and many have advanced skills in different areas. All our Veterinary Surgeons are registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. We have nine Veterinary Nurses, all are registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Take a look at our expertise and capabilities section to learn more about key team members.
Of course. We have both male and female vets and we always try to book an appointment that suits you and your pet.
We have four. The main surgery is in Storrington, with branch practices in Pulborough, Westergate and Ashington.
Yes, repeat prescriptions can be ordered by phone with medication usually available 24-48 hours later. To follow recommended guidelines we ask that pets have visited the practice in the preceding 6 months to review their health status and medication before repeat treatments can be dispensed.
We accept debit and credit cards, including American Express. We also accept cash but no longer accept payment by cheque.
Yes, we offer complimentary evening puppy socialisation classes – which is extremely important for young puppies. It also enables them to become familiar with the practice. Please call for further information.
We offer nursing clinics on allocated days. The nurses offer consultations for clipping nails and expressing anal glands at a discounted fee. There are also complimentary nursing consultations for weight, dental, diabetic and geriatric advice.
Prevention is better than cure and we advise that all patients are vaccinated. The vaccinations we use are made by Virbac. Vaccines aren’t always compatible with each other and it’s important that the ‘primary vaccination course’ involves compatible vaccines. Please contact us to talk about your pet’s needs if they’ve already had the first injection at another practice.
It comes from the heart when we say that we understand the sadness associated with losing a pet and the void that’s left when they’re gone. It’s an extremely emotional time and we use all means possible to ensure that ‘saying goodbye’ is peaceful, respectful and tailored to your needs.
We understand that some families would like their loved one at home when the time comes to say goodbye. In these circumstances and subject to availability of our vets, we’ll always try to visit your house if you want. The team can also organise cremation for you using a local, reliable service. Please call us to talk through your options.
We spend a lot of time completing insurance claims for our clients at no extra cost. Direct claims are agreed at the discretion of the Practice Manager and an administration fee will be applied. Whenever practical, direct claims require preauthorisation. Payment of the excess and any extra fees not recoverable by the insurance company will be expected before treatment.
We offer a wide range of prescription and life stage diets. Food can be ordered through the practice and is usually available within 24-48hours.
The team is committed to giving you the best customer service. But if you feel we’ve let you down, we always welcome the opportunity to put it right. So please contact the Practice Manager in the first instance and they’ll deal with your concerns quickly and professionally.
All four of our practices provide disabled access.
Every member of our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care for your pet. We believe one of the key reasons for the long-lasting relationships we build is our principle of continuity of care. That’s why we’ll always try to arrange an appointment with your preferred vet or nurse, whenever we can.
We’re devoted to our patients, always considering their best interests above all else. Our practice is accredited and checked by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons ensuring that we maintain the high standards demanded by the profession’s governing body.
We understand that pet care doesn’t stop with medical advice. Our team are on hand to provide lifestyle advice for your pets whenever the need arises, We welcome questions and will try to give you all the support you need whilst looking after your loyal companion.
Continuity of care is an essential part of what we and for this reason we will always endeavor to ensure you see either your preferred vet or the same vet following your last visit to the practice.
Whilst reading the West Sussex County Times recently you may have seen a rather familiar face. Gracing the business pages was Arun Veterinary Group and South Downs Emergency Vets owner Matt. Those of you who may be new to the practice or new to the local area may not know that Matt and family live locally...
Pet Travel to the EU Post-Brexit From 11pm (GMT) on 31st December 2020, UK-issued Pet Passports ceased to be valid for travel from the UK to the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland (NI). Instead, owners now require an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) to be issued for their pet(s): valid for a single...
COVID UPDATE The Coronavirus situation continues to prove to be quite a challenge to us. Once again, we awaited guidance from our regulatory bodies, the British Veterinary Association – BVA and the RCVS – Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in order to then plan the most appropriate means...