Best Traditional Veterinary Clinic 2023 - Kent & Customer Service Excellence Award 2023 As well as its traditional clinic, veterinary practice, Skylark Vets Limited offers its clients a range of services designed to save time and worry. Based in Edenbridge, the practice specialises in the care of exotic species as well as domestic small animals. Practice owner and veterinarian, Charlotte Hussey tells us more about Skylark Vets’ services and plans for the future. Charlotte Hussey wasn’t always a vet. In fact, when she left school she completed a degree in physiology and biology. But later deciding to train at the Royal School of Veterinary Science in Edinburgh, she found her passion in caring for small and exotic animals. Beginning life as a mobile vet service, Skylark Vets was fast in gaining the attention and affection of pet owners in the local area. The practice’s home visit service uses the Skylark Vets animal ambulance and provides clients with a range of care services including diagnostics, surgery, and dentistry. Charlotte says, “We cater for domestic pets, and our caseload includes a large number of birds and reptiles too. This makes us unique because few clinics are able to cater for these species. Our mobile service is ideal for busy clients, and those that are housebound or unable to travel with their pets. Since lockdown, we’ve seen a huge increase in animal anxiety. It’s a relief to many of our clients when they discover we provide a comprehensive mobile service.” The service covers a 15-mile radius around Edenbridge. Although Skylark Vets does travel outside the area should the need arise. The Skylark ambulance has been as far south as Bexhill-on-Sea and travelled to Essex and Maidstone too. Due to the specialist nature of its services, the practice’s static clinic also attracts clients from far and wide. Situated on farmland, the clinic is a tranquil place with a soothing atmosphere. Charlotte tells us, “Our main aim is to provide a high level of care with as little stress for both the pet and the owner as possible. Our staff are friendly, honest, and open about our services. They are always prepared to go above and beyond for the sake of our patients. We run many diagnostic tests on-site including biochemistry analysis, cytology, and faecal parasitology. This enables us to deliver quick results to worried owners. The clinic is quiet and calm for patients staying over with us. We divide species into different wards to reduce stress and speed up recovery.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, Skylark Vets embraced technology to keep in touch with its clients. The practice still uses video technology to make post-operation checks and emergency evaluations. Skylark Vets' recent partnership with VidiVet provides its clients with access to a vet 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Charlotte says, “This service provides peace of mind to worried owners who are not sure whether they need to see a vet immediately. They get a video response from a veterinary surgeon, advising how urgent their pet’s need is, and whether there’s anything they can do at home to help. We hope this service will help people to feel more comfortable when the clinic is closed.” With the practice’s client base continuing to grow month on month, Charlotte and the team are always looking for ways to improve and refine the services they offer. She explains, “We promote a range of Britishmanufactured natural, complimentary, veterinary-strength healthcare products that work in tandem with the medical care we provide to support wellbeing and treatment recovery. These products are a tremendous help. We’ve even seen several ‘miracle’ recoveries in patients with considerable pathologies.” Skylark Vets is also looking to reduce its carbon footprint by using less paper and encouraging its clients to adopt green practices. This includes encouraging growing wildflowers and salads to use as pet food at home and caring for local wildlife. With its passion for education, Skylark Vets' website is full of practical articles and information to help clients learn more about caring for their pets. The practice is currently revamping the website to make it more user- and mobile-friendly. Charlotte tells us, “Our aim is to help educate our clients and the general public in relation to our pets’ care and needs. This both improves pet welfare and helps to prevent illness and disease. We have an archive on our website that includes animal first aid, poison information, and a symptom checker. When the new website goes live it will enhance our clients’ learning experience. We are creating a range of videos that we’ll add to the new website too.” For further information about any of the services mentioned, please visit the company website. Contact: Charlotte Hussey Company: Skylark Vets Limited Web Address: www.skylarkvets.co.uk
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