I'm looking for a vets in Solihull (for when I get my GR in 4 weeks and 3 days!). Also, what questions should I ask when I find one? Should I visit in advance? I'm picking up my pup on Good Friday all being well, so should I take pup for a check up on the following Tuesday?
All advice gratefully received.

Thanks,
Sarah

Hi sarah - I am in solihull and I use Willows just off the Stratford Road in Shirley. I have beenw ith them for 15 years and never had a problem. One of the senior partners is the top eye surgeon and gets referrals from all over the UK. I think also another is a highly respected orthepdic (SP) surgeon. Their tel no. is 0121 745 1354. My 3 dogs and cat are all under them. There is however another really good vets in the centre of Solihull, 608 opposite the St. Johns Swallow hotel. I use them for my horse as one of their horse vets was the British Team Vet at the last Equestrian Games and is again very highly respected. My friend has her BC with diabetes and her BT with them and has never had any probs. I am sure either would be more than happy for you to look round and ask all the questions you want.

Wherabouts in Solihull are you - I am on Monkspath (lego land) so slap bang between the 2 vets.

I also know of a good respected vets, that our breed club has on its recommended list. One of my last litter, his owners is registered there to.

Ian & Heidi Strong
82 Damson Lane, Solihull, 0121 711 3775

Regards
Karen

Thanks Lisa and Karen for your replies.
I'm close to the by-pass/Lode Lane junction, so the one on Damson Lane is very close for me (about a mile away). I had seen it, but wondered if anyone had any experiences with vets round here.

So should I register/visit in advance? Should I ask any particular questions? And should I take pup for a check up when I first get him?

Thanks,
Sarah

Not too far from me then Sarah. I can only advise on my experiences and I think if you can be recommended to a vet that is the best advertisment. I moved to willows after buying my EBT from a breeder North of Birmingham, she travelled to Solihull just to use Willows and still does so I was quite glad I had my cat already registered with them.

Things I have experienced in the last few months which might be worth asking are:-

a. out of hours service - what happens in an emergency
b. On site nurses 24 hours a day (my cat recently was kept in at Willows for 3 days and they have a nurse living on site.
c. Payment terms - are they happy to wait for payment direct from your Insurance company or do you have to pay first then claim back.
d. Referrals - Many times when at my vets I meet people from all over the country who have driven to my vets on referral from their own. Seriously I have been in there and someone walks in from Essex just to get their dog treated. So I would ask (sorry if I am wording this incorrectly) but what they can deal with and what would they refer and to whom. I would rather be at a larger practise with specialists in site than a smaller one who deal with the basics (hope you know what I mean. It has been known for a Panther to be brought to my vets for an op on his eye by Peter Renwick one of the specialists on site.
e. Additional services - my EBT breeder ran puppy socialisation classes and my vet would recommend new patients to her classes. It's always useful if they can point you in the right direction on other issues.
f. Average appointment waiting times - I can always get in on the same day I phone even if I call at 5pm
g. Testing clinics ie. eyes etc Do they hold them there and if so how often

I would call them and tell them about your impending arrival, ask the questions you want to ask and also see if you can go and visit to have a look round. Hopefully they should be more than happy to spend time talking/seeing you however I suppose you can never allow for emergencys that may distract them.

I am sure there must be a million and other things that more experienced can advise on - like I said I am no expert. If you need anything else though relative to Vets in this area feel free to mail me.

Hi Sarah

Ian & Heidi

My 10 week old Sharpei went there last week for his 1st pup vacs, and from what his owners told me went over him with a fine tooth comb and spent quite a while giving him his all clear on his first check-up, his new owners were very impressed. They even run puppy training parties weekly on a Tuesday I think.

My puppy owner, went to the surgery about 3 weeks before they actually brought puppy home, and talked to the nurses, had a look around etc, found out about the practice and what they offer :-) and found it just what they wanted :-) so registered Ziggy there and then :-) and that was before he left me :D

Personally I'd let your puppy settle for a few days in your home and his new surroundings and then take him for his first check up. (My own opinion that is :-) Or what your breeders stipulate in their contract.
HTH
Karen

When Dime had her accident she was referred to the Willows and the ortho guy, Carlos Macias not only saved her life but did an incredible job repairing her spine and hock. they were wonderful there.
Sue

Nice to hear that Sue. I am always amazed whenever I go in the distance some people have travelled for a referral. I know Peter is one of the top eye surgeons and knew they had an ortho surgeon there but never knew his name and is was really funny when a Panther was brought in for surgery. I wouldn't change them for the world now and whilst the other practise I use for my horse is also highly recommended I still keep the dogs and cat with Willows.

Hi Karen,

Just to let you know that I phoned that vet earlier today and was invited to the puppy party that is held most Tuesdays. Your pup Ziggy was there with his new owners! I've never met a Sharpei before, but he was lovely and friendly. I've registered my pup with that vets and will be taking him for a check up the day after I collect him. The nurse showed me round and was quite happy to chat - even though it was after 9pm by the time I left!

Thanks for the recommendation.

Sarah