Oakhill Veterinary Group - Ambleside

My dog developed a 'hot spot' and I rang Oakhill vets Ambleside to seek an appointment to shave the area and obtain some Isaderm medication. I was on holiday at the time and not close my regular vets and unfortunately had not brought with me any clippers/treatment to remedy the condition. I selected Oakhill as it was the closest vet to where I was staying and I was not familiar with other practices in the area. Although a simple fix of shave, clean and rub on prescribed cream, the 'hot spot' can escalate quickly and therefore I arranged to see the vet at the next available appointment. All went well with booking the appointment and just before closing the call I asked how much the consultation fee would be ... a figure of £87.50 was quoted. I thought that appeared expensive, and perhaps I had misheard, therefore checked the company website to see that the consultation fee quoted is £57.50. To my detriment, I didn't ring back to query as I was focussed on resolving the issue with my dog. Following the appointment, shaving of the affected area, obtaining the prescribed Isaderm and a small bottle of Hibiscrub, the bill presented was £146.89. Questioning the cost breakdown I was advised that Oakhill charge a £30 'Non Resident Fee' in addition to the consultation fee to obtain notes from my vets and complete a temporary registration. Additionally, the cost of the prescribed medication was also higher than what I was used to paying at my own vets. Unfortunately, whilst the visit to this practice covered what was required to treat my dog, it has left me feeling that Oakhill are unfortunately using the misfortunes of visiting animals to their area to enhance income and justify the cost by 'additional administration'. Obtaining existing records may be a requirement when visiting a new vets on a temporary basis, however surely the majority of work is from my own vets providing the records and what should the cost of basic medication be so different? In reality, the vet met, treated (shaved small area of fur, cleaned with Hibiscrub) and prescribed exactly what I had asked for on my initial call without the need for any past medical records. As an aside my own vets, charged less that £100 for the exact same procedure less that 2mths ago, so if your pet unfortunately requires the services of a vet in Ambleside area, and you are a 'non resident' ... prepare yourself for what may follow. For the record, I did contact the practice to explain my views and advise they need to be more transparent. I was directed to an area within their website indicating additional charges for non residents and temporary registration although to my detriment I did not find this upon my initial view. Unfortunately the overall response has done little to change my opinion.

My Jack Russell is quite a nervous dog when visiting the vets. Yesterday she was having a Healthcare check up and vaccinations . Becky was outstanding in her care and patience, working with my dog to calm her and get the treatment done. I couldn’t praise her higher or the overall service received from Oakhill Vets.

I’ve been with Oakhill Vets for nearly 24 years. They have always been courteous with me and friendly to my dog. I trust them implicitly when treating my dog. They also listen to my needs too.

Very professional and caring vet. Had to deal with our very excitable young dog but no problem, booster, nails etc all done with no stress.

Very friendly staff and a fantastic vet who was more than happy to answer all my questions and gave brilliant advice. Tina was also great with our cat who’s always very spicy with vets! Thank you for your very timely help and great service!

Oakhill Vets were really helpful when we took our 10 week old puppy for his first visit and 2nd vaccination. Gave us so much information and useful tips as first time dog owner. Highly recommend

Popped in today as my dog had a tick for the first time ever. Julie very kindly removed it for us and showed us how to remove them if we ever find them in the future. A big thank you so much.