Acorn Vets - Hove

Thankyou so much Mariella and the team working with her on Saturday. We had a very scarey experience with our dogs who we thought had ingested chocolate. Mariella and her team turned the trauma around and treated our dogs quickly. One dog had actually eaten quite a lot ( my fault entirely i know) so their prompt action definitely saved her. Wonderful service. We have used Acorn for many years and wouldn't go anywhere else. THANKYOU ACORN Vets!

Always such a warm welcome. Very grateful for the support and understanding of our darling little spaniel. A really kind and reliable practice, Charlie gets so excited to go here!

Verity is a fantastic, empathic, professional and friendly veterinarian. My cat Frankie always receives the best care and attention and I'm always kept fully informed of any treatments and costs. The reception staff including Mia and Taylor are exceptionally friendly and professional. They are attentive to any concerns or questions I have. I believe the staff themselves are an integral part to any successful practice.

Unfortunately, our experience with Acorn Vets in Hove has been consistently disappointing. While we have seen a couple of genuinely kind and compassionate vets, the overall standard of bedside manner has too often been poor. When our cat has received treatment, I can see that he has been clinically well cared for, and it is clear that many of the vets genuinely care deeply about animals. However, there seems to be far less understanding or empathy for what pet owners themselves may be facing — emotionally, practically, or financially. On multiple occasions we have been made to feel guilty or irresponsible for questioning treatment costs, despite only trying to make informed decisions in the best interests of our pet. This approach feels judgmental rather than supportive, particularly during what are already stressful and emotional situations. One particularly upsetting incident involved a vet telling me, in front of my two young children, that we were essentially terrible pet owners and that we “should put the cat down next time instead of letting him get this bad.” This comment was deeply distressing, inappropriate, and entirely lacking in compassion. We later felt compelled to make a formal complaint about this interaction. We have also found pricing to be unclear, with VAT added on top of invoices rather than being presented transparently upfront. In a profession where trust is essential, clearer communication around costs would make a significant difference. As pet owners who are genuinely trying to do the right thing, we expect to be treated with respect and empathy alongside good clinical care. Sadly, that balance has too often been missing here.

I am no longer taking my cat there but i felt like the review was due. I called them to book an appointment for my cats travel document. I asked how much it would cost me and they said £145. Because they changed my appointment i belive twice i had confirmed the price on every phonecall. When i got there they charged me 175 and when i asked politely why the increase the two girls at reception looked at each other and said the price changed in the meantime. I think thats a lie and if its not i think i should have been made aware. Anyway after this and as i was about to travel with my cat i asked if it was ok to place the cat carrier with my cat inside on the scales and they were rude once again saying that its for dog actually. I said ??? This wouldnt make a difference to them and i dont see why they wouldnt let me. One of them very rudely said to the other ugh let her its fine. Like i dont understand are you guys ok?? If you hate your job its not our fault?? The actual vets have always been very polite but the vibe on the reception is extremely toxic. Get a life and maybe stop scamming people by charging them extra for nothing… lol

I visited Portland road surgery yesterday. I'm so glad I joined the pet club a few years ago because it's really great value for these tuff times.Most people are experiencing financial difficulties and your pet is so important. My dog Charlie is getting on like myself and yesterday was an eye opener for me as I love my dog very much I don't have children but he is my boy. I seen verity who is a lovely person but also a really good veterinarian. Very professional caring and knowledgeable. She explained about my dogs health going forward and as I no about joint pain my dog is going down the same road. So I recommend joining the pet club and acorn veterinary surgery are very good.