
Tone Veterinary Centre is a long-established small-animal practice (established in the early 1900s) that works closely with a sister practice. Based on its stated facilities (in-house lab, X‑ray and ultrasound) and services list, it’s set up for routine care plus investigations, dentistry and referrals (including a dermatology referral service). It’s also a veterinary nurse training facility.
From the latest reviews available to us, owners describe very different experiences around end-of-life decision-making: one reviewer felt strongly pressured toward euthanasia for an elderly dog with suspected UTI (which they say later resolved with antibiotics), while another describes being given clear explanations, as much time as needed, and a condolence card and respectful handling of ashes after a euthanasia appointment. Reviews also mention dental work leading to prompt referral for advanced imaging (CT) when something more serious was suspected.
Services and capabilities mentioned on the clinic website include
Emergency care arrangements stated on the website
Species listed on the website include dogs, cats, rabbits, small pets (e.g., hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, ferrets), reptiles/tortoises, and backyard poultry.
Accreditations listed: RCVS General Practice; Cat Friendly Clinic (Silver).
Google rating: 4.5 stars from 97 reviews. - End-of-life support can be experienced very differently: one owner describes a respectful, unhurried euthanasia appointment (staying nearly an hour after closing), clear explanations, a condolence card, and staff using the pet’s name when ashes were collected; another owner describes feeling pressured toward euthanasia and upset by the tone used.
Note: Showing the 5 most recent Google reviews out of 97 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.
2 months ago
2 months ago
I visited Tone Vets on 5th July 2024 with concerns for my elderly dog, Mungo, who was weeing blood and showing signs of a possible UTI. This was our first visit after moving to the area and transferring from our previous vets, with whom we had always had a brilliant and compassionate relationship. We saw Kelly Foden, whose advice was to immediately “do what was right” and have Mungo put to sleep. I was taken aback by how strongly this was suggested and how I was made to feel selfish for questioning it. I explained that I wanted to try antibiotics first, and that if the infection didn’t clear or became recurrent, I would of course reconsider. I found Kelly’s attitude dismissive and lacking in compassion. It was extremely upsetting to feel pressured into such a serious decision when Mungo was otherwise a happy, loved, and well-cared-for dog. I was even sent a “quality of life” questionnaire afterwards, despite explaining several times that he still enjoyed his meals, walks, playtime and cuddles. I would never put my own emotions above my animal’s welfare, and being made to feel like I was being selfish for not wanting to euthanise him at that stage was completely unacceptable. When the time does come to say goodbye, it will be a decision made with him in mind, out of love and compassion — not pressure. Thankfully, after one course of antibiotics — and even by the next day — Mungo was back to his usual self. He has since had no further issues, and more than a year later, he is still happy and healthy. I sent an email a month after the appointment to express my concerns and received a reply back from Kobus Engelbrecht which essentially said he trusted Kelly’s professional opinion. We have since moved to a different practice. Had I followed the vet’s advice that day, my dog would have been unnecessarily put to sleep for what turned out to be a simple, treatable UTI.
in the last week
I visited Tone Vets on 5th July 2024 with concerns for my elderly dog, Mungo, who was weeing blood and showing signs of a possible UTI. This was our first visit after moving to the area and transferring from our previous vets, with whom we had always had a brilliant and compassionate relationship. We saw Kelly Foden, whose advice was to immediately “do what was right” and have Mungo put to sleep. I was taken aback by how strongly this was suggested and how I was made to feel selfish for questioning it. I explained that I wanted to try antibiotics first, and that if the infection didn’t clear or became recurrent, I would of course reconsider. I found Kelly’s attitude dismissive and lacking in compassion. It was extremely upsetting to feel pressured into such a serious decision when Mungo was otherwise a happy, loved, and well-cared-for dog. I was even sent a “quality of life” questionnaire afterwards, despite explaining several times that he still enjoyed his meals, walks, playtime and cuddles. I would never put my own emotions above my animal’s welfare, and being made to feel like I was being selfish for not wanting to euthanise him at that stage was completely unacceptable. When the time does come to say goodbye, it will be a decision made with him in mind, out of love and compassion — not pressure. Thankfully, after one course of antibiotics — and even by the next day — Mungo was back to his usual self. He has since had no further issues, and more than a year later, he is still happy and healthy. I sent an email a month after the appointment to express my concerns and received a reply back from Kobus Engelbrecht which essentially said he trusted Kelly’s professional opinion. We have since moved to a different practice. Had I followed the vet’s advice that day, my dog would have been unnecessarily put to sleep for what turned out to be a simple, treatable UTI.
5 months ago
We wanted to use the vets our dog is registered at for an animal health certificate however at £260 we decided to travel to PassPets in Bristol for £99. Extortionate inflated fees for the same job.
3 months ago
We wanted to use the vets our dog is registered at for an animal health certificate however at £260 we decided to travel to PassPets in Bristol for £99. Extortionate inflated fees for the same job.
7 months ago
Just rang for a genetic medication for my Frenchie and they don't stock it ( really )
8 months ago
I have used Tone Vets over the last few years and the service has always been brilliant. Unfortunately, I lost my dog recently and the compassion and kindness from Tone Vets has been more than I could have wished for. The receptionist who booked that final appointment was so caring and gentle. The vet who helped us was so respectful and explained everything clearly so I understood what was happening. I was reassured that I was making the best decision for my dog and I was given as much time as I needed to say goodbye. I think I stayed nearly an hour after they had closed. I even had a card of condolences posted to my house. When it came to collecting the ashes, the staff were so respectful and always referred to my dog by his name which felt very personal and showed acknowledgment of how much he means to me. They made a very tough time that little bit easier and I will forever be grateful for that. Thank you very much to all the team.
11 months ago
I have used Tone Vets over the last few years and the service has always been brilliant. Unfortunately, I lost my dog recently and the compassion and kindness from Tone Vets has been more than I could have wished for. The receptionist who booked that final appointment was so caring and gentle. The vet who helped us was so respectful and explained everything clearly so I understood what was happening. I was reassured that I was making the best decision for my dog and I was given as much time as I needed to say goodbye. I think I stayed nearly an hour after they had closed. I even had a card of condolences posted to my house. When it came to collecting the ashes, the staff were so respectful and always referred to my dog by his name which felt very personal and showed acknowledgment of how much he means to me. They made a very tough time that little bit easier and I will forever be grateful for that. Thank you very much to all the team.
a year ago
We recently registered our kitties here and since day 1 we’ve been impressed. Best vets out there! Staff are so welcoming and helpful, they treat our boys with upmost care and respect. Our kitties absolutely love going to the vets because of these guys. Highly recommend.
2 years ago
Last week we booked Betty in to have her teeth done as we thought there was a problem as she came became worse during the week. We contacted vets explaining what happened on our concerns they got her in on Thursday. Thursday afternoon we were given really upsetting news that Betty may have a growth behind the eye, and that Tone Vet could not pick up exactly what was going on. We were referred up to Bristol by Kelly did say it could be a tumour behind the eye, With her immediate action, it actually saved Betty‘s life The referral vets were so impressed with Kelly’s actions, she had to have a CT scan to find out what it was it was Betty had an abscess on the side of the face. I can’t thank Kelly enough for her quick action, even the vets in Bristol said, she basically saved her life by acting on it immediately . Thank you again Kelly and the Tone Team yours sincerely Trish Nick and Emma whitemore and Jake Roberts
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