Major boost for pets as veterinary practice revamped

A PAISLEY vets is set to transform its 116-year-old building into a state-of-the-art

veterinary practice to provide the best possible care for Renfrewshire’s pets and farm

animals.

Work is now underway on the first phase of a major refurbishment of Abbey Vets, which first

opened its practice in Paisley in 1910.

The practice has outgrown the site due to the demand for high quality veterinary care, and the building is in need of an extensive upgrade.

The refurbishment will greatly improve facilities for patients and clients as well as create a great place to work for their 41 vets, veterinary nurses, receptionists and support team colleagues.

The rear of the building in Canal Street has been demolished to make way for a large extension, before a second phase of work starts to completely refurbish and improve the rest of the building.

Investment for the project has come from VetPartners, a vet-led group with veterinary practices and animal healthcare businesses across the UK and Europe, of which Abbey Vets is a part. The work is expected to be completed in the summer.

Once completed, Abbey Vets, which also has a branch in Greenock, will boast:

* Two operating theatres

* Increased number of consult rooms from four to five

* Large prep room

* Dental suite

* X-ray room

* Isolations kennels for poorly pets

* Separate cat and dog waiting rooms

* Farm examination room

* Room for team members

* Disabled access with a ramp

* Laboratory

The extra consult room will provide a private space for grieving owners who have had their pets put to sleep.

Separate cat and dog waiting rooms will create a calmer, safer and more comfortable

environment to help reduce stress, anxiety and fear in cats by eliminating direct visual contact.

Rachel Clark, Abbey Vets practice manager, described the refurbishment project as one of the most exciting times in the practice’s long history.

She said: “We’re replacing the rear of the building with a brand new, purpose-built extension, designed and built to the highest quality that will enable us to provide the best possible care of our patients and an excellent service for our clients.

“We have simply outgrown our current building, which is starting to fall into disrepair, and we want to expand our service because of the extra demand from clients.

"The building will be completely transformed into a fresh and modern practice and, while there is a lot of upheaval, it is going to be really worth it.”