Independent vet group opens sixth practice
The new practice has invested in bespoke pods in the waiting area.
An independent, family-owned veterinary group has opened its new practice – its sixth in the three years that it has been open.
Harrison Family Vets has invested £350,000 in its new practice in Tyldesley, Wigan, which joins its existing sites in Reading, the Midlands, Manchester, Stockton and Doncaster.
Through this investment the group has been able to install Casco cat, dog and exotic pet kennels, which have in-built heat pads, an advanced lighting system and a cleaning mode to illuminate organic materials. It includes cat kennels with removable partitions, so cats can sleep separately from litter boxes or sleep with other cats they are brought in with.
The new practice has further invested in bespoke pods in the waiting area, as well as mood lighting, pet-friendly pheromones and music in the wards
Kristie Faulkner, operations director, said: “We like to do things differently and that’s why we are always looking at new ways to deliver the very best care to our pets and clients.”
The practices’ veterinary teams are also working towards a Fear Free Veterinary Practice Accreditation, after its Reading site became the first practice outside of North America to achieve the accreditation.
The Fear Free Accreditation is designed to prevent pets from experiencing fear, anxiety and stress in veterinary practices. Through online and in-person certifications, veterinary teams are encouraged to promote calmer interactions during veterinary visits.
Mr Harrison, managing director, said: “To significantly reduce fear, stress and anxiety for both pets and their owners, helping to make every pet’s visit to Harrison Family Vets as positive as possible, is the ultimate goal.”
The independent veterinary group was founded by Mr Harrison and Ms Faulkner in 2021. Mr Harrison originally developed his previous family business, White Cross Vets, which had 20 practices before being acquired by IVC Evidensia.
Harrison Family Vets’ latest practice forms part of its long-term goals to open 50 practices by 2030. The group plans on launching practices in Leeds, Stoke, Darlington and Newcastle.
Image © Harrison Family Vets
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
