Vets Now Portsmouth

I brought my Doberman here last year with bloat — a life-threatening, time-sensitive emergency. Instead of rushing to help, I was told nothing would be done until I paid £2,000 up front. Once I managed to get the money, the amount was raised again to £3,000. While every minute counted, my dog lay on the floor in pain as I begged for help. The staff were cold, detached, and dismissive — I was even told I could “go somewhere else if I didn’t like it.” The vet spoke down to me, and the receptionist showed no compassion. It felt like a “computer says no” situation, with no urgency or care for what was happening in front of them. I sat in tears while my boy was slipping away. This was one of the hardest experiences of my life. My dog died on the table before the operation was even completed, yet they still demanded full payment. When I asked to see him the next day, I was told he had already been placed in the freezer. My family had to go back to collect his collar because I couldn’t face returning there. This nightmare didn’t just cost me my dog. It has left me with a CCJ, £2,400 in debt, damaged credit, and the loss of the home I had been saving for. In total they charged £4,400 for a dog who was left waiting over an hour without proper care. I understand bloat can be fatal, but time and compassion make all the difference — and both were absent here. I have since tried to resolve this with the company, but all I’ve received is the usual corporate runaround: passed from person to person and told I could “make a complaint” if I wished. Again, detached and uncaring. Corporate vets like this care only about money, not the animals or the families who love them. Please — avoid Vets Now and Downland at all costs. Trust independent vets who still put patients first.

Everyone at the practice was so lovely and helpful. I was given options for treatment and the costs were clearly outlined. The wonderful receptionist Molly even looked after my dog so I could use the bathroom. The most important part was how thoughtful and caring they were to my dog, particularly when he had to stay in overnight. Thank you from a very grateful owner and a recovering Ayrton😊