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😊

Arrived at noon. No promised/advertised triage by a nurse. It was a busy morning but only 1 vet meant we weren’t seen for 3.5hrs….and only then by a nurse…after I started to complain. Patience was wearing v thin. Dig bleeding on your floor. Dog was stapled as a temp fix but no pain killers etc could be prescribed without a vet. All in all a substandard service. RB

My dog had a torn ear which could not wait until Monday due to blood loss. The staff were first class, but the bill of 1500 to 1900 pounds was extreme to say the least. This iz why our insurance premiums are so high! My dog needed sedation and stitching this can't cost this much!!

Wonderful service from phoning in a panic about my dog to being seen by the vet, calm and kind and very efficient! Can not fault anything, even dealt with all the insurance matters. Peace of mind that in an emergency there is a vet who is amazing, thank you!

Friendly and caring staff in reception and the vet. They made me feel welcome and my pets safe. The vet was thorough and seemed knowledgeable, he took time to ensure I understood what was said and the treatment plan. Whilst it was costly I was impressed with the service received.

Please dont call vets now and go in thinking your insurance will cover your bill, the call centre in Scotland and vets now dont have any contact with each other. So the man on the phone telling you to bring insurance documents might aswell not bother. You will be charged there and then. I told the lady on reception what I was told before I went in, her whole attitude changed, she became extremely rude, and waved her nose in the air like she was posh spice herself, I won't bring my dogs back here! Im not sure how they get away with the theft there committing. I can check my dogs heart beat for 370£ any day 👍

Service was fine. But when vet took blood and put a bandage on cats leg where he took it from was put so tight it swelled up. We didn’t notice this until the next evening as she is not moving around. Very unhappy

Extreamly upset and disappointed in the cost of not only the out of hours service but also the markup of medication. Apparently an emergency vet is not to be used to prescribe medication to a sick animal which I was told if they did it would cost more for 1 days worth of antibiotics than a whole weeks worth from my regular vet because they are emergency... Pain relieve that can be bought on the Internet for under £5 cost over £100. Vulnerable pet owners should not be seen as cash machines and sick animals should not be seen as a money making opportunity!.

Took my cat in this evening after he had been missing for a few weeks, could not thank the team enough for their help. Molly on reception was incredible and went above and beyond for my cat and me who was admittedly a bit of a mess. Molly put my mind at ease and treated my cat with such care, a true credit to the company.