Expanded Out of Hours Care: Choose Between Two Trusted Providers

When your pet needs urgent care outside regular hours, knowing where to turn can ease a lot of stress. We have heard your concerns about our out of hours service and are excited to share an important update. You now have the option to choose between two trusted emergency veterinary providers: the Royal Veterinary College at South Mimms, and Granta Veterinary Specialists in Linton. This new choice aims to give you peace of mind and better access to expert care when we are closed.

Why We Expanded Our Out of Hours Service

Pets don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and emergencies can happen at any time. We understand how worrying it is when your pet needs urgent attention outside normal clinic hours. Previously, we partnered with a single out of hours provider, but many clients expressed a desire for more options to suit their location and preferences.

Adding a second provider means:

• Greater flexibility in where you take your pet for emergency care

• Reduced travel time depending on your location

• Access to specialists with different expertise and facilities

• More appointment availability during busy periods

  
  

This change reflects our commitment to listening to your feedback and improving the support we offer when it matters most.

About the Two Providers

Royal Veterinary College at South Mimms

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is a world-renowned teaching hospital with extensive emergency facilities. Located in South Mimms, it offers:

• 24/7 emergency and critical care services

• Access to veterinary specialists across many fields

• Advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment

• Experienced emergency vets and nurses

  
  

The RVC is ideal if you want comprehensive care backed by a leading veterinary institution. It is well-equipped for complex cases and provides a calm, professional environment for your pet’s emergency treatment.

Granta Veterinary Specialists in Linton

Granta Veterinary Specialists is a dedicated referral and emergency centre located in Linton. It provides:

• Around-the-clock emergency care

• Specialist-led treatment in areas such as surgery, internal medicine, and diagnostic imaging

• A team focused on personalized care and communication

• Modern facilities designed for urgent and specialist cases

  
  

Granta offers a more local option for clients closer to Linton, with a strong reputation for compassionate care and expert treatment.

How to Choose the Right Provider for Your Pet

Choosing between the Royal Veterinary College and Granta Veterinary Specialists depends on several factors:

• Location: Consider which centre is closer or easier to reach in an emergency.

• Type of emergency: Some cases may benefit from specific specialist expertise available at one provider.

• Previous experience: If you or your pet have been treated at one centre before, familiarity can be reassuring.

• Availability: Check which provider has capacity at the time of your emergency.

  
  

We recommend reviewing both providers’ contact details and initial fees on our website before an emergency arises. This preparation helps you act quickly and confidently if your pet needs urgent care.

What to Expect When You Contact Out of Hours Care

When you call either the Royal Veterinary College or Granta Veterinary Specialists outside our normal hours, you will:

• Speak to a trained veterinary professional who will assess your pet’s condition

• Receive advice on whether your pet needs immediate attention or can wait until regular hours

• Be directed to the appropriate emergency centre for treatment

• Get information on fees and next steps

  
  

Both providers aim to deliver clear communication and compassionate support during stressful situations.

Preparing for Emergencies

Having two trusted out of hours providers means you can plan ahead to protect your pet’s health. Here are some tips to be ready:

• Save the emergency contact numbers for both the Royal Veterinary College and Granta Veterinary Specialists in your phone

• Know the quickest route to each centre from your home

• Keep a basic pet first aid kit and medical records handy

• Understand common emergency signs such as difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or sudden collapse

  
  

Being prepared helps you act calmly and quickly when every minute counts.

What This Means for You and Your Pet

This expanded out of hours service is designed to give you more control and confidence in emergencies. You can now choose the provider that best fits your needs, location, and your pet’s condition. Both the Royal Veterinary College and Granta Veterinary Specialists are highly respected and equipped to provide excellent emergency care.

We hope this update reduces worry and improves your experience when urgent care is needed. Your pet’s health and safety remain our top priority, and we will continue to listen and improve our services.

For full details on contact information, fees, and services, please visit our website. Having this information ready can make a real difference in an emergency.