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Trusted Veterinary Specialists in Hertfordshire
At Davies Veterinary Specialists, we are committed to redefining excellence in veterinary care through our unparalleled expertise and dedication to animal welfare. As one of Europe's largest and most diverse small animal referral hospitals, we house over 200 specialists, registered veterinary nurses, and professionals who bring industry-leading knowledge and compassionate care to every case. Our mission focuses solely on providing outstanding treatment for pets while serving as a trusted partner for general practice veterinarians. With state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary approach, we ensure each patient receives individualised attention and advanced medical solutions.

Our commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in our recognition as the first veterinary practice to achieve Investors in the Environment accreditation, demonstrating our leadership in both clinical excellence and sustainability. Through 24-hour specialist support and a collaborative ethos, we strive to deliver peace of mind to pet owners and unparalleled outcomes for every animal under our care.
Services
Anaesthesia Cardiology Dermatology Diagnostic Imaging Hearing Assessment Internal Medicine Neurology Nursing Oncology Orthopaedics
Highlights and features
  • We have 200+ RCVS-recognised specialists across 15+ disciplines
  • We operate Europe's largest small animal referral hospital facility
  • We offer 24-hour specialist emergency and critical care support
  • Our multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive treatment solutions
  • We pioneered environmental sustainability standards in veterinary practice
Associations and certifications
  • Investors in the Environment (iiE)
What people say
Professional and friendly staff Outstanding care Specialist explained everything clearly 24-hour support Successful treatment outcomes
Services
Veterinary Anaesthesia
Our specialist-led anaesthesia service provides individualised peri-operative care for animals undergoing diagnostic or surgical procedures. We employ advanced monitoring techniques including electrocardiography, capnography, and invasive blood pressure monitoring to ensure patient safety. Our team of five RCVS-recognised specialists delivers tailored anaesthetic plans incorporating epidural analgesia and regional blocks while maintaining 24-hour critical care support through our dedicated intensive care unit.
Veterinary Cardiology
We offer comprehensive cardiac care for pets with conditions ranging from heart murmurs to life-threatening arrhythmias. Our specialists utilise echocardiography, Holter monitoring, and electrophysiology studies to diagnose complex cases. As the UK's only centre performing radiofrequency ablation, we treat challenging cardiac arrhythmias while providing fixed-price packages for procedures like PDA occlusion and pacemaker implantation for improved client transparency.
Veterinary Dermatology
Our dermatology specialists manage complex skin, ear, and nail conditions in companion animals. We offer same-day diagnostics including skin cytology and allergy testing, alongside advanced treatments for autoimmune diseases and chronic ear infections. The service combines intradermal testing with CT/MRI imaging capabilities to address both primary dermatological issues and secondary manifestations of systemic diseases.
Diagnostic Imaging
We provide comprehensive diagnostic imaging services including MRI, CT, ultrasound, and digital radiography. Our facilities feature two fluoroscopic units with vascular subtraction capabilities and wireless digital X-ray detectors. The service supports 24-hour radiographic reporting for referring practices while maintaining on-site capabilities for advanced imaging of complex neurological and musculoskeletal cases.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Our surgical team specialises in complex soft tissue procedures including oncological surgeries and thoracic interventions. With multiple RCVS-recognised specialists, we perform advanced procedures like diaphragmatic hernia repairs and oesophageal surgery. The service maintains close collaboration with anaesthesia and critical care teams to ensure optimal perioperative management for high-risk surgical patients.
People
Frances Downing
Head of Anaesthesia Service
RCVS-recognised specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia with 15+ years' experience. Leads our anaesthesia team while maintaining active clinical practice and teaching responsibilities. Holds Diplomate status with the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.
Lara Barron
Head of Cardiology Service
Board-certified veterinary cardiologist specialising in complex cardiac arrhythmias and interventional procedures. Holds dual Diplomate status with American and European Colleges of Veterinary Medicine. Leads our cardiovascular intervention service performing advanced procedures.
Filippo De Bellis
Head of Dermatology Service
European Veterinary Dermatology College Diplomate with expertise in allergic and autoimmune skin diseases. Leads our dermatology team while maintaining active involvement in complex case management and continuing education programmes.
Ronan Doyle
Hospital Director
RCVS-recognised specialist in Small Animal Surgery with extensive experience in orthopaedic and neurosurgical procedures. Oversees hospital operations while maintaining clinical involvement in complex surgical cases.
Maura Lazzarotto
Head of Dentistry and Oral Surgery
Dual Diplomate of American and European Veterinary Dental Colleges. Specialises in advanced dental surgery and maxillofacial procedures. Leads our newly established dentistry service with comprehensive oral surgery capabilities.
Questions
How do I refer my pet to Davies Veterinary Specialists?
Your veterinary surgeon can make a referral by calling 01582 883950 or completing our online referral form. Emergency referrals require direct phone contact with our team.
What emergency services do you provide?
We offer 24/7 emergency and critical care services with dedicated specialists available for urgent cases including trauma, cardiac emergencies, and neurological crises.
Do you offer fixed-price treatment packages?
Yes, we provide fixed-price packages for specific procedures including cardiac interventions and dental surgeries, covering pre-operative tests through to post-operative care.
What diagnostic imaging capabilities do you have?
We have MRI, CT, digital radiography, fluoroscopy, and advanced ultrasound facilities with specialist veterinary radiologists available for complex case interpretation.
How do you support referring veterinary practices?
We maintain close communication with referring vets throughout treatment and provide dedicated advice sessions. Our radiology reporting service offers 24-hour turnaround for practice partners.
What sustainability initiatives do you implement?
As the first veterinary practice achieving Investors in the Environment accreditation, we implement comprehensive waste management, energy efficiency measures, and sustainable clinical practices across all operations.