HeathfieldVets Ltd

HeathfieldVets Ltd is an independently owned small-animal practice in Heathfield, Devon, and an RCVS-accredited clinic with clinical and surgical facilities. The practice says it provides emergency cover and aims, where possible, to let clients see vets they already know. Recent feedback remains largely positive about the team’s friendliness, calm handling and continuity of care, though there are also a small number of serious complaints around communication, diagnosis and billing.

Services

•General small-animal care, including consultations, vaccinations and routine preventative treatment.
•Clinical and surgical facilities at the practice, although specific procedures are not listed.
•Emergency cover, with the practice stating that it aims to offer continuity with familiar vets where possible.
•Repeat prescriptions, with online repeat request facilities mentioned by the practice.
•Veterinary nurse training at the clinic.
•Owners also highlight cat-friendly handling, including a separate room for cats to help reduce stress, with several reviews praising calm, affectionate treatment of cats.

Pricing

Published prices suggest the clinic sits above average, based on a partial sample of comparable services. Most recent reviews focus more on care than routine costs, but there are some negative comments about charges: one reviewer described a detailed dispute over insurance-related billing and claim handling fees, and another felt costs mounted during a contested diagnostic case.

People

•Phil / Phillip is the main named staff member in reviews. Feedback is mixed: older praise describes Phillip as especially helpful, while more recent complaints criticise Phil’s manner and communication during a cat appointment.
•Lucy is mentioned positively in earlier feedback alongside Phillip and the wider team.
•Reception staff are regularly described as helpful, welcoming and courteous.
•The wider vets and nurses are often praised for being caring, calm and professional.

Reviews

Google rating: 4.7/5 from 180 reviews.

•Many reviews are very positive, with long-standing clients describing the practice as caring, friendly, professional and trustworthy.
•Several owners value the ability to see the same vets over time, saying this helps build confidence and continuity, especially for dogs with ongoing care.
•Cat owners frequently mention calm, affectionate handling, and one review specifically highlights a separate cat room and helpful reception staff.
•Negative feedback is limited in number but serious in tone, including complaints about rude communication from Phil, a missed diagnosis later identified elsewhere, and a billing dispute involving insurance-related charges.

Reviews for HeathfieldVets Ltd

Note: Showing the 10 most recent Google reviews out of 180 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.

Matthew Hunter

1 month ago

The vets and nurses who treated our cat in July 2026 were good, and I want to be fair about that. This review is about billing and how the practice handled it when challenged. When we collected our cat after three days of treatment, we were told £418.11 had to be paid before he came home. Part of it was a 20% insurance "co-payment" of £271.41. We queried it at the desk and were told it was in our policy. We went home, read our policy again, phoned the practice, and it was refunded that same evening: it had never applied to us. It also included a £47.70 fee for handling our insurance claim. No document we were given, including the consent form and the written estimate, mentions that fee, and the practice later confirmed in writing that my wife was told only that a fee existed, not what it was. Their own internal paperwork listed it at a different figure (£37.50) from the amount we paid. The practice has declined to refund the £47.70 or offer any gesture, and considers the matter closed. We have moved both our cats elsewhere. My advice to any pet owner here: ask for every fee in writing before you agree to anything, and check your own insurance policy rather than taking a verbal assurance at the desk.

ashleigh hinze

2 months ago

Christopher Burgess

3 months ago

Grahame Jackson

Great vets, very caring, nothing to much trouble. Been a customer for years.

Liz Devereux

I have used Heathfield Vets on and off for over 20 years. When I have move to a more local vets to my home, I always return as Heathfield Vets are the vets I trust and have confidence in. Plus I can get to see the same vets if I want to and can build that trust and relationship so they get to know our dogs.

Trevor Owen

8 months ago

Very efficient, the practice has allowed my Dog to settle well into moving countries successfully. Staff always Courteous and respectful to both me and my Pet.

Gillian Archer

I have been with heathfield vets for 20 years with all 3 of my dogs .They are very caring and experienced at what they do they are always friendly thoughtful helpful and kind would never change.

Snappy David

9 months ago

Always a friendly face and good service

Me 1

Excellent service, thank you

Julie Jenner

Professional and calming vetinary practice . A room just for cats so less likely to be stressed. Reception staff helpful too.