Business Details
34 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Veterinary Care in Dorset
Established in 1992 by Rip Kirby, Castle Vets remains an independently owned veterinary practice dedicated to providing exceptional care for pets in Dorchester and Weymouth. Our team of experienced veterinarians and nurses prioritises animal welfare, combining modern facilities with compassionate service. As the only independent practice in the area, we focus on preventative care, diagnostics, and emergency services, ensuring pets receive tailored treatment.Our Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation reflects our commitment to reducing stress for feline patients. With 24/7 emergency support and a monthly budgeting plan, we offer accessible, reliable care for dogs, cats, rabbits, and small animals. Our long-standing clients attest to our dedication, professionalism, and community-focused approach.
Services
General Pet Care
Pet Orthopaedics
Cat Friendly Vet
Emergency Services
Pet Health Plans
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- 24/7 emergency veterinary services available
- Experienced team with decades of local expertise
- Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation
- Transparent pricing and preventative health plans
- Personalised care for dogs, cats, and small animals
Associations and certifications
- Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic
What people say
Exceptional care
Friendly staff
Compassionate service
Expert diagnostics
Cat-friendly approach
Services
General Pet Care
Comprehensive preventative care including vaccinations, health checks, and parasite control. Our experienced team provides tailored advice for pets at every life stage, ensuring long-term wellbeing through early detection and proactive management of potential health issues.
Pet Orthopaedics
Specialised surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions in small animals. We handle complex cases like cruciate ligament repairs and fracture management using modern techniques, prioritising pain relief and recovery through post-operative physiotherapy and follow-up care.
Cat Friendly Clinic
Gold-accredited facility designed to reduce stress for cats during visits. Our staff employs gentle handling techniques and separate waiting areas, with expertise in feline-specific health issues and environmental enrichment advice for cat owners.
Emergency Services
Round-the-clock emergency treatment for registered patients. Our experienced team manages critical cases including trauma, poisoning, and acute illnesses, with immediate access to diagnostic tools and surgical facilities for life-saving interventions.
Pet Health Plans
Monthly budgeting options covering preventative treatments like vaccinations, flea control, and dental care. These plans spread costs while ensuring pets receive essential preventative care, with discounts on additional services and priority appointment access.
People
Rip Kirby
Founder
Established Castle Vets in 1992 with a vision for independent, compassionate animal care. Over 30 years' experience in veterinary medicine, prioritising ethical practice and community-focused service while maintaining ownership of the clinic.
Giles
Veterinarian
Senior vet with extensive surgical expertise, particularly noted for compassionate cancer treatment and complex orthopaedic cases. Recognised for clear communication and thorough approach to diagnostics, with over 15 years' service at the practice.
Kirsty
Veterinarian
Experienced small animal vet specialising in geriatric care and end-of-life support. Praised for empathetic consultations and home visit services, with particular skill in managing chronic conditions and providing palliative care.
Ellie
Veterinarian
Dedicated feline specialist with Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation. Expertise in low-stress handling techniques and managing behavioural issues, contributing to the practice's gold-standard status for cat care since 2018.
Amanda
Receptionist
Front-of-house team member with 8 years' experience, praised for compassionate initial assessments and efficient triage. Recognised for empathetic support during emergency situations and coordinating urgent care for critical patients.
Questions
What areas do Castle Vets serve?
We serve Dorchester (Poundbury), Weymouth, and surrounding villages in Dorset with both routine and emergency veterinary services.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency care?
Yes, we provide 24-hour emergency services for registered clients at our Dorchester and Weymouth clinics.
Are you a cat-friendly practice?
We hold the Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation, offering specialised care to reduce stress for feline patients.
How can I book appointments?
Book online via PetsApp, call Dorchester on 01305 267083 or Weymouth on 01305 813303, or visit our clinics directly.
Do you have payment plans?
Yes, we offer monthly budgeting plans covering preventative care and providing discounts on additional veterinary services.
What facilities do you have?
Modern facilities include on-site diagnostics, surgery suites, dental equipment, and separate waiting areas for cats and dogs.
