POORLY pets have received a boost following a £30,000 revamp of Hexham’s oldest veterinary practice.

Hadrian Vets, in Dene Avenue, now boasts some of the most modern facilities and equipment after the significant investment.

The latest phase of improvements have seen the installation of luxury dog kennels and a separate cattery to help minimise the stress suffered by pets during their stay.

The revamp also includes a new examination area in a fully equipped cat ward away from barking dogs, while the practice has undergone further modernisation with underfloor heating, new lighting and a new dental x-ray machine for cats, dogs and rabbits.

Hadrian Vets senior veterinary surgeon Honor Etherington has overseen dramatic improvements to the surgery since her arrival in 2017, shortly after the practice became part of VetPartners, a group made up of some of the UK’s most trusted and respected veterinary practices.

Last year, the practice invested in £15,000 in new equipment and technology, including an upgraded digital x-ray, new anaesthetic machine and a multi-parameter ECG monitor.

Honor said: “The practice has undergone a massive transformation, making it much more modern and comfortable for pets and a great place for the team to work.

“The veterinary profession recognises that good accommodation can really improve the experience of pets during their stay and improve the outcome, so we have taken that on board and dramatically improved our dog and cat kennels.”

The new dental x-ray machine cost £10,000 and will transform the care of pets coming into the practice for treatment.

The improvements have earned the practice core standard in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS) Practice Standards Scheme, which quality assures practices.

The scheme aims to promote and maintain the highest levels of veterinary care, and becoming an accredited practice is one of the profession’s most prestigious honours. Hadrian Vets is now aiming for General Practice standard and the final assessment will take place on September 25.

Improving facilities for cats is also a step towards the practice’s aim to achieve Cat Friendly Clinic status.