Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinary Care Partner in Shaftesbury
Established in 1940, Longmead Vets has been providing independent veterinary care to the Shaftesbury community and surrounding areas for over eight decades. As a practice owned by its veterinary surgeons, we prioritise a personal approach to pet healthcare while maintaining the highest clinical standards. Our Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons accreditation ensures regular quality inspections, and our 24/7 emergency service demonstrates our commitment to urgent care. We offer advanced treatments including laparoscopic surgery and on-site CT scanning, supported by modern facilities featuring separate dog and cat wards. Our team combines extensive experience with ongoing professional development, including specialist interests in orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, and ophthalmology.With two fully equipped surgeries in Shaftesbury and Wincanton, we provide comprehensive diagnostic, surgical, and hospitalisation services. Our Pet Health Plan promotes preventative care through affordable monthly payments, ensuring pets receive consistent healthcare throughout their lives. The practice maintains in-house laboratories for rapid blood test results and employs dedicated nursing teams for both daytime and out-of-hours care. Our facilities include climate-controlled wards, digital imaging suites, and a purpose-built cat-friendly environment. We maintain continuity of care through shared emergency arrangements with Friars Moor Vets while preserving local independent ownership.
Services
Laparoscopic Surgery
24/7 Emergency Care
Vaccinations
CT Scanning
Orthopaedic Surgery
Pet Health Plan
Diagnostics
Neutering
Dental Services
Home Visits
Details
- Year established: 1940
Highlights and features
- Established independent practice since 1940 with RCVS accreditation
- 24/7 emergency service with local veterinary cover
- Laparoscopic surgery and on-site CT scanning capabilities
- Dedicated cat-friendly facilities and separate animal wards
- Experienced team with specialist interests in multiple veterinary fields
Associations and certifications
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
What people say
Back to normal after a day
No signs of discomfort
Simply brilliant
Staff are all great
Highly recommended
Services
Laparoscopic Surgery
Our minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures offer faster recovery times and reduced discomfort for pets. Using magnified imaging, we perform precise surgeries including spays and organ biopsies. This technology allows for smaller incisions and quicker return to normal activity, with most dogs recovering fully within 2-3 days.
24/7 Emergency Care
We provide continuous emergency veterinary care through local independent cover. Our team handles urgent cases 365 days a year, maintaining clinical records access and continuity of care. Emergency appointments are available at either Shaftesbury or Sturminster Newton locations depending on on-call arrangements.
CT Scanning
Our on-site computer tomography facilities enable detailed internal imaging for accurate diagnosis. This advanced technology helps identify complex conditions quickly, supporting prompt treatment decisions. The service forms part of our comprehensive diagnostic capabilities alongside digital radiography and laboratory testing.
Pet Health Plan
This monthly payment plan covers essential preventative treatments including vaccinations, parasite control, and regular health checks. Designed to adapt to pets' changing needs, it offers financial flexibility while ensuring consistent healthcare. The plan includes free reminders and administration handled by Simplyhealth.
Orthopaedic Surgery
We specialise in advanced orthopaedic procedures for joint instabilities and complex fractures. Our veterinary surgeons have undertaken specific training in cruciate disease management and fracture repair techniques. The service includes post-operative care and rehabilitation support for optimal recovery outcomes.
People
Lloyd R Davies
Director
Graduated from Bristol University in 1985 with particular interests in internal medicine and abdominal surgery. Has witnessed significant developments in veterinary practice over 35+ years at Longmead Vets.
Matthew S Lewis
Director
Royal Veterinary College graduate since 2006 with specialist interests in orthopaedic surgery and ophthalmology. Currently completing a small animal surgery certificate and accepts referrals for orthopaedic cases.
Stephen M Whitfield
Director
Liverpool University graduate with expertise in laparoscopic surgery and endoscopy. Joined Longmead in 2000 after mixed practice experience, combining veterinary work with hang gliding as a recreational pursuit.
Susannah Mortimer
Clinical Director
Bristol University graduate since 2016 specialising in soft tissue surgery. Maintains fitness through running and gym activities while providing clinical leadership at the practice.
Harry Dance
Veterinary Surgeon
Nottingham University graduate developing expertise in canine medicine. Currently studying for an advanced practitioner certificate while managing his active German Shorthaired Pointer.
Questions
What emergency veterinary services are available outside normal hours?
We offer 24/7 emergency care 365 days a year. Call our usual numbers for urgent assistance, with appointments available at either Shaftesbury or Sturminster Newton locations.
What specialist surgical procedures do you offer?
We provide laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery and advanced orthopaedic procedures, including cruciate disease management and complex fracture repairs using modern techniques.
How can I manage my pet's preventative healthcare costs?
Our Pet Health Plan offers monthly payments covering vaccinations, parasite control, and regular check-ups, with a £10 joining fee and administration handled by Simplyhealth.
Are your facilities specifically designed for different animals?
Yes, we have separate dog and cat wards, with our Wincanton surgery achieving Gold Standard cat-friendly clinic status featuring dedicated cat waiting areas.
What diagnostic capabilities do you have on-site?
We offer in-house CT scanning, digital radiography, Doppler ultrasonography, and comprehensive laboratory testing with blood results available within 10-15 minutes.
Which geographical areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Dorset, Wiltshire, and Somerset, with surgeries located in Shaftesbury and Wincanton providing accessible care across these regions.
