Mercer and Hughes Veterinary Surgery

We were loyal clients of Mercer & Hughes in Bocking for years — until a recent experience left us shocked and disappointed. After saying goodbye to our beloved Jack Russell, we were sent a cremation bill for £436, with £316 for cremation alone. This invoice arrived weeks after the visit — we were not shown pricing at the time. Out of curiosity, we took the invoice to a respected independent local vet. They told us the exact same service would have cost £160, and were genuinely shocked by the prices charged. We raised this privately with Mercer & Hughes. They refused any refund or adjustment, stating: "we don't compare ourselves to other practices." It’s worth knowing Mercer & Hughes is no longer an independent vet — they were acquired by Kin Vet Community, a larger group rolling up vet practices across the UK. In our view, the service and pricing have changed dramatically since. We’ve now moved to Linkswood Vets in Halstead, who are not only significantly more affordable, but felt more focused on both our pet and our family. Just sharing this experience in the hope it helps others make a more informed decision.

We were loyal clients of Mercer & Hughes in Bocking for years — until a recent experience left us shocked and disappointed. After saying goodbye to our beloved Jack Russell, we were sent a cremation bill for £436, with £316 for cremation alone. This invoice arrived weeks after the visit — we were not shown pricing at the time. Out of curiosity, we took the invoice to a respected independent local vet. They told us the exact same service would have cost £160, and were genuinely shocked by the prices charged. We raised this privately with Mercer & Hughes. They refused any refund or adjustment, stating: we don't compare ourselves to other practices. It’s worth knowing Mercer & Hughes is no longer an independent vet — they were acquired by Kin Vet Community, a larger group rolling up vet practices across the UK. In our view, the service and pricing have changed dramatically since. We’ve now moved to Linkswood Vets in Halstead, who are not only significantly more affordable, but felt more focused on both our pet and our family. Just sharing this experience in the hope it helps others make a more informed decision.

There was plenty of parking spaces when we arrived. There were a couple of other people in the waiting area and the receptionist asked if we wanted to sit outside (we were there for a euthanisation). We waited half an hour before deciding to leave. The vet spoke to my sister, stating There was no flag on the appointment to let him know why we were attending the surgery today. Disappointed with the communication/ service on this visit. This is not how they used to work when they were owned by the head vets. We have had many, better experiences with this vet surgery in the past, but this was the worst. Especially at such a delicate time.

Recently I had the awful time of having to put a very beloved pet to sleep after many consultations and a long illness! the vets at this practice were not only so very compassionate but took time with both myself and Pixie to explain exactly what was happening. Rachel on reception was nothing but kind and professional to a blubbering wreck and Chloe is one of the best ver nurses I've ever come across and I think my remaining dog Groot is a little in love with her!! suffice to say I cannot recommend higher and say all of this with sincere thanks to all involved

Dog having castration, given one price over the phone then day of operation given another around 50 pound higher, on arrival didn't ask much about my pet just tried to sell me extra care, so much so they had to ring me twice to get information that they should have gathered at the pre op procedure. Not sure about this place, didn't feel pets come first, just money. My pet was not greeted just straight into sales pitch. I don't think I will be using them again.

I absolutely do not recommend it, they are not interested in animals, only money. I had the opportunity to use their services 4 times and 4 times they didn't know what was wrong with my dog, they couldn't make a diagnosis, even after performing an ultrasound or urine test. prices are twice as high as others. the dog only got pills that could have killed him!!! A week ago my dog ​​underwent steroid therapy because something appeared around his mouth, but the doctor did not make any diagnosis. After today's visit, I left terribly embarrassed because during the check-up the doctor didn't even notice the skin lesions in my dog ​​and immediately suggested excision, which costs £900. Fortunately, I sought the advice of another vet, who carefully examined the lesion, reassured me that it was nothing serious, and when I asked what the price was if it needed to be removed, it was £430. I do not recommend, keep your butts away from this place!!!!!!