abbeyVET

Hey DJ Unilocaly, gimme a beat!
#Dum, dish, dum-​dum-​dum, dish
#Dum, dish, dum-​dum-​dum, dish
’I noticed sum fleas on my dog the other day,
so I took her to Dalston’s Abbet Vet straightaway.
You still gotta make an appointment though,
So dont be turning up expecting help, and good to go.
The honey at the desk talked to us very gently,
Helped to chill my dog by being loving and friendly.
The vet there gave me some really great advice,
‘Bout how to rid ma bitch of those motherf**kin’ lice.
She took a long shot of dat strong ass shizzle,
To make her skin, fleas, tics and fur begin to fizzle.
Now she clear, fine, bo, happy and good,
That those pesky little fcukers aint no longer in our hood.
Word.
(Disclaimer: I actually have a cat — a very cute cat — but just wanted to say ‘ma bitch’)

I’m probably slightly biased (disclaimer: I grew up next door ;) but the staff here have always been super-​lovely — both as neighbours and as carers of my various cats. Some of the vets are also rather sexy!

I don’t use it often as it’s pricey, but no more so than other private vet practices. I’ve seen 2 different vets over the years, they know their stuff and I’m satisfied with their service. It does feel brusque and perfunctory in there, the reception staff just get on with it, so if it matters to you to have a friendly greeting, go elsewhere. On 2 occasions, we’ve asked for alternatives to the recommended treatment and the vet came up with a cheaper solution, so I’d recommend that you push them on alternatives rather than accept what they say, if money is of concern to you. Example one of my cats was off her food and very upset, he said she had to have a general and teeth taken out, which we could not afford, he gave her an antibiotic injection instead and ointment, and she was right as rain after that. Saved us about 250 quid. But only because we asked.

My young healthy dog was neutered at Abbey vets last year but sadly he died on the operating table.
I have found it too difficult to attend that surgery anymore and the staff were very unsympathetic about my situation when I contacted them regarding my new puppy.

Along Dalston Lane there’s a row of the most disreputable shop fronts you’ve ever seen. Mostly boarded up, several burnt out. If the road wasn’t so busy you’d avoid it at all costs. Stuck in this row of unfortunates, the front of Abbey Vets is so small you’d easily miss it. But if you do notice it, you’ll see a difference. The tiny windows are bright with green plants. Inside the tiny waiting room is bright and clean. There’s only room for four or five chairs, a couple of stands of foods and accessories and a big notice board. In back they only have one small consulting room.
To be honest I haven’t used them as a vets for a few years: as my cats have become older and their health issues more complex I’ve not been able to afford a private vets and so go to the local RSPCA hospital. I remember them as being efficient: generally you’d be able to get an appointment quickly, wait only a few minutes and have results of blood tests the next day. My cats were also neutered there (on a voucher scheme for low income folks which they take part in) and later had dentals, all of which went well. I still drop in occasionally for something I can’t get elsewhere. Recently I’ve been going to get prescription diet. It was nice to find they still had my cats on the computer, and I haven’t been able to find the foods I’m buying cheaper, even on the internet. Going in is always a pleasure: the receptionist is nice (though you may have to wait while she takes a call or sorts out another customer: this place is busy!) and there’s a nice atmosphere.