This very busy practice was originally established as an independent veterinary surgery by Brian Kirby in 1967 - principally dealing with farm animal and horse work. The numbers of small animal patients in the early days were minimal, but over the last forty years there has been a massive increase in the local pet population and a corresponding decrease in large animal patients.

Chris Cook joined Brian as a partner in 1974 and then continued on his own with assistant vets following Brian's retirement in 1992.

In April 2000 Stephen Pegg became a partner at the practice, joining Chris for 6 years until his retirement in 2006 (after more than 32 years of service). At the same time as Chris retired Louise Coates joined the partnership and the practice was renamed Pype Hayes Veterinary Centre.

In 2004 after many years of declining farm work the practice decided to become a small animal practice only. Although this was a difficult decision to make after so many years serving our farm and equine clients it allowed us to improve and concentrate our resources on becoming a superb small animal practice. In 2002 we became a veterinary nurse approved training centre and in 2004 we became BSAVA approved. In January 2006 we automatically became registered as a tier 2 RCVS approved practice (this new scheme has replaced the BSAVA scheme - See the links to the RCVS to find our more about the new system of practice checking and approval).

We have a client car park as well as excellent local parking availability. To accommodate our disabled clients we have wider doors for entry and regularly provide home visits – for further information please ask at reception or give us a call. All prescription and non-prescription food can be purchased competitively (giving twenty-four hours notice). We also stock a large range of leads, collars, bowls, toys and other accessories, including the best flea and worm treatments. We continue to provide a comprehensive 24 hour emergency service shared with another local practice and maintain our policy of fair and realistic pricing.

The practice now has five full time qualified vets, a part time locum vet, as well as five fully qualified veterinary nurses (one of whom  is a pet health councillor). We also employ several part time and one full time nursing assistant as well as dedicated reception staff and an extensive support team. We have invested heavily on the best diagnostic and surgical equipment and provide an outstanding service for all of our patients.

Please browse the links to find out more about us and to see the surgery 'behind the scenes'.