Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Veterinary Care in East Sussex
Downwood Veterinary Centre has been serving East Sussex for over 20 years from its purpose-built Horam practice, combining 32 years of collective veterinary expertise with compassionate care. Our independent, client-focused approach ensures every animal receives individualised attention, reflecting our deep commitment to both pet health and owner peace of mind. With two fully equipped branches in Horam and Ringmer, we offer comprehensive services including preventative healthcare, surgical interventions, and emergency referrals.Our team of experienced veterinarians and nurses maintains rigorous professional standards, evidenced by our Gold-accredited Cat Friendly Clinic status and partnerships with specialist providers. We prioritise transparent communication, ethical practices, and continuous staff development to deliver reliable, high-quality veterinary care across East Sussex and surrounding areas.
Services
Pet Health Plans
Emergency Referrals
Cat Friendly Care
Surgical Treatments
Vaccinations
Dental Care
Diagnostic Imaging
Puppy Parties
Insurance Claims
Pet Bereavement Support
Highlights and features
- 32 years of combined veterinary expertise across our team
- Gold-accredited Cat Friendly Clinic with dedicated feline facilities
- 24/7 emergency referral partnership with Vets Now specialists
- Customisable Pet Health Plans starting at 14.50/month
- Fully equipped surgical and diagnostic facilities at both branches
Associations and certifications
- International Cat Care
What people say
Friendly and professional
Caring and professional
Wouldn't go anywhere else
Truly cared for with respect
Highly recommended
Services
Pet Health Plans
Our monthly Pet Health Plans cover essential preventative treatments including vaccinations, flea and worm control, and twice-yearly health checks. Members receive 10% discounts on consultations and selected procedures, making routine care more affordable while ensuring early detection of potential health issues. Plans start from 14.50/month for cats and dogs.
Cat Friendly Clinic
As a Gold-accredited Cat Friendly Clinic, we provide stress-free environments with separate waiting areas, calming pheromone diffusers, and specialist handling techniques. Our facilities include dedicated cat wards with hiding spaces and species-specific equipment to ensure optimal comfort and care for feline patients during consultations and hospitalisation.
Emergency Referrals
We partner with Vets Now specialists for 24/7 emergency treatment at Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne clinics. This partnership ensures continuous care for critical cases while maintaining our staff's work-life balance. Emergency transfers receive priority treatment, with our team providing seamless case history handovers to specialist night staff.
Surgical Treatments
Our facilities offer digital X-ray, ultrasound, and full dental suites for comprehensive surgical interventions. Procedures include routine neutering, orthopaedic operations like cruciate ligament repairs, and soft tissue surgeries. All operations include pre-anaesthetic blood testing, intravenous catheterisation, and post-operative pain management protocols.
Puppy Parties
Free puppy socialisation classes held weekly at Ringmer branch help young dogs develop positive veterinary associations. Sessions focus on building confidence through handling exercises, reward-based training, and controlled social interactions while educating owners about vaccination schedules, nutrition, and behavioural development.
People
Jo Bellis
Practice Principal
BVM&S MRCVS qualified from Edinburgh University in 2006, with specialist acupuncture training. Leads Downwood's team since 2019, maintaining its independent ethos while advancing surgical standards. Holds particular interest in small animal surgery.
Tom McNaughton
Veterinary Surgeon
BVSc MRCVS graduate from Massey University (2010) with extensive small animal experience. Specialises in feline medicine and charity neutering programmes. Joined Downwood in 2021, bringing expertise from specialist Auckland internships and UK practice.
Natalie Roberts
Head Nurse
RVN with 25+ years' experience, specialising in theatre nursing and insurance claims administration. Joined Downwood in 2004 after transitioning from veterinary pharmaceutical sales. Manages clinical protocols and staff training across both branches.
Maria Brett
Practice Manager
30-year veterinary industry veteran with advanced pet health counselling qualifications. Oversees practice operations since 2007, managing weight clinics and bereavement support services. Holds specialist mental health first aider certification.
Michelle Westlake
Senior Veterinary Nurse
DipAVN(small animal) RVN with 20+ years' experience in critical care and senior pet specialism. Former Plumpton College lecturer returned to clinical practice in 2023. Specialises in inpatient care and student nurse mentorship.
Questions
What areas do Downwood Veterinary Centre serve?
We serve East Sussex and surrounding areas from our Horam and Ringmer branches, offering home visits within a 10-mile radius of both locations.
Do you offer emergency veterinary services?
Yes, we partner with Vets Now specialists for 24/7 emergency care at Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne clinics while maintaining regular daytime emergency capacity.
What makes your clinic cat-friendly?
As a Gold-accredited Cat Friendly Clinic, we provide separate waiting areas, calming pheromone diffusers, species-specific handling techniques, and dedicated feline hospitalisation facilities to reduce stress for cats.
How do Pet Health Plans work?
Our monthly plans cover vaccinations, flea/worm treatments, and twice-yearly check-ups. Members receive 10% discounts on consultations and procedures, with flexible payment options starting at £14.50/month.
Can I claim pet insurance through your practice?
We process insurance claims for most major providers, requiring upfront payment followed by direct submission to insurers. Standard administration fees apply for claim processing.
What surgical facilities do you offer?
We have digital X-ray, ultrasound, and full surgical suites for procedures ranging from routine neutering to complex orthopaedic operations, supported by pre-anaesthetic blood testing and post-operative care.
