Emergency Vets in Billericay

## Summary House & Jackson LLP describes itself as an **independent equine and small-animal practice** that has been caring for animals **since 1980**. It appears set up for **routine and urgent same-day care** (one owner reports calling in the morning and being given an appointment that same day, with a planned recheck **48 hours** later), and it also provides **emergency/out-of-hours cover**, with some calls forwarded to **Vets Now (Witham)** outside stated times. Decision-relevant points from recent reviews are mixed: several owners describe **kind handling and clear guidance**, including support around **pet loss**, while others report issues around **fees for Sunday emergencies** and **inconsistent continuity (different vets each visit)**. One long-term client describes a serious customer-service problem involving **lost insurance claim forms** and a complaint about a nurse’s phone manner. ## Services - **Small-animal and equine veterinary care** (practice description). - **Emergency and out-of-hours services** (practice policy described on the website). - The website states that calls between **6.30pm–7.45pm (Mon–Fri)** and emergency appointments **after 12pm on Saturdays, plus Sundays and Bank Holidays**, incur **emergency fees**. - The website also states that calls **outside these hours** are forwarded to **Vets Now, Witham**. - **Time-sensitive appointments and follow-ups**, as described by one owner: same-day assessment for a dog, medication provided, and a planned review **48 hours** later. - **Chicken medication supply** is mentioned in two reviews (specifically **Exholt**), with the reviewer noting they could access appropriate medications for chickens. ## People - **Kim (vet)** is named in a review as being notably **empathetic and understanding**, with the owner highlighting her **knowledge and experience** and also thanking reception. - **Sam Brown (nurse)** is named in a negative review alleging **rudeness on the phone**, including the reviewer stating they were **hung up on** during a call about **missing claim forms**. - **Molly** is mentioned in the same negative review as being **understanding and trying to help**. ## Reviews **4.4 stars from 74 reviews.** The latest written reviews include both strong praise for urgent support and empathy, and criticism about emergency fees, continuity, and administration/communication. “Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.” - **Fast access for urgent problems:** one owner reports a same-morning call leading to an appointment later that morning, diagnosis explained, medication provided, and a **48-hour recheck** arranged. - **Handling and stress-awareness:** one reviewer says staff **stopped when the dog became too stressed** and handled her carefully; reception staff reportedly noticed active bleeding and quickly gathered supplies and advice. - **Support around bereavement:** reviewers describe staff showing **sympathy** and giving **next-step advice** after a dog died. - **Continuity concerns:** one owner says there is “always a different vet,” leading to **lack of consistency**. - **Fees and tone in emergencies:** one recent reviewer describes being quoted a **£200 Sunday fee** before consultation/other charges, and felt the phone response was **short** and uninterested. - **Administration/customer-service complaint:** a long-term client alleges **unprocessed/misplaced claim forms** and reports an upsetting phone interaction with a named nurse.

## Summary Summerdale Veterinary Centre Ltd describes itself as a **family-run** practice providing veterinary healthcare and diagnostic services **since 1994**, with facilities including an **on-site laboratory**, **X‑ray**, **ultrasound**, and **separate dog and cat wards**. The website also states a **24‑hour emergency service** for urgent circumstances. In the latest reviews, owners repeatedly mention **thorough examinations and clear explanations**, including a cat seen for a **second opinion after a leg injury** where the team “took concerns seriously” and outlined what treatment was needed. Dentistry also comes up in reviews, with cats receiving **dental surgery/teeth work**. Feedback is mixed on the people side: some reviews praise specific vets for gentleness and empathy (including at euthanasia), while others describe a vet/owner as **rude** and mention **long waits and organisational problems**. ## Services From the clinic’s website summary and the latest reviews, services and capabilities mentioned include: - **24‑hour emergency service** (stated on the website) - **Diagnostics and imaging** - **X‑ray** - **Ultrasound** - **Electrocardiograms (ECG)** - **On‑site laboratory** - **Endoscopy procedures** (website) - **Hydrotherapy** (website) - **Microchipping** (website) - **General pet care** (website) - **Dental work / dental surgery** (mentioned in reviews) - **Euthanasia** (mentioned in a review describing a final visit) Facilities mentioned on the website include **separate dog and cat wards**. ## People - **Alan (owner)**: Reviews conflict. Some owners describe Alan as “so knowledgeable, kind & considerate,” not rushing appointments, and being gentle and empathetic during euthanasia. Other reviewers report **no apology after a 1.5-hour wait**, and describe him as **rude** and lacking compassion. - **Irena**: Specifically praised by name for supporting an owner through a dog’s ongoing, multi-issue treatment, including being “amazing,” supportive during emotional times, and remembered for knowledge and commitment. - **Support staff / reception**: Also mixed. Multiple reviews praise the wider team as kind, patient, gentle, and good at remembering a pet’s history; however, other reviews describe **poor organisation at reception** leading to pets not getting the care owners felt they needed. ## Reviews **4.4 stars from 122 reviews.** Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - **Thorough, explanatory consultations**: owners mention careful examinations and being clearly talked through what was happening and what treatment was needed (including a second-opinion visit for a cat’s leg injury). - **Gentle handling and emotional support**: several reviews describe patient, gentle treatment of pets and empathy with owners, including during euthanasia. - **Dental care experiences**: dental work/surgery for cats is specifically mentioned. - **Conflicting reports on professionalism and organisation**: alongside strong praise, other reviews report **rudeness**, **very long waits**, lack of apology, and repeated **reception/organisation issues** serious enough for some owners to change practice.