Business Details
40 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Veterinary Care in Ipswich
The Barn Veterinary Practice Ashcroft Road Practice, established in 1986, has built a reputation for delivering exceptional veterinary care across Suffolk. Founded by Robert and Lorna Hill, our practice has grown from a two-person team to a dedicated workforce of over 25 professionals, serving clients from our state-of-the-art facilities in Copdock and Ashcroft Road, Ipswich. As an RCVS-accredited small animal practice and veterinary nurse training centre, we combine cutting-edge diagnostics, surgical capabilities, and preventative care with a commitment to continuous staff development.Our investment in modern equipment, including digital x-ray and ultrasound technology, ensures accurate diagnostics, while our nurse-led clinics provide tailored advice on nutrition, dental care, and chronic condition management. We pioneered out-of-hours services for over 40 years but now partner with Vets Now to maintain daytime clinical excellence. Sustainability remains central to our operations through the IVC Evidensia Group's Positive Pawprint initiative, balancing planetary care with patient welfare.
Services
Vaccinations
Emergency Care
Dental Services
Diagnostic Imaging
Nurse Clinics
Pet Nutrition
Laser Therapy
Microchipping
Home Visits
Cremation Services
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- RCVS-accredited practice with 35+ years of veterinary excellence
- Team of 25+ experienced professionals including specialist surgeons
- Modern facilities with digital imaging and advanced diagnostics
- Pet Health Club members save 100s annually on preventative care
- Sustainability-focused operations through Positive Pawprint initiative
Associations and certifications
- RCVS
Services
Vaccinations
We provide comprehensive vaccination programs for dogs, cats, and rabbits, including core vaccines and travel-specific protection. Our protocols follow RCVS guidelines, with tailored schedules for puppies, kittens, and senior pets. The process includes pre-vaccination health checks and automated booster reminders to maintain immunity against life-threatening diseases like parvovirus, leptospirosis, and feline leukaemia.
Emergency Care
Emergency services operate during normal hours at both locations, with out-of-hours cases transferred to Vets Now Manningtree. Our team handles critical conditions requiring immediate intervention, maintaining separate isolation facilities for infectious cases. The practice has dedicated inpatient wards with oxygen therapy and critical care monitoring equipment for post-emergency treatment.
Diagnostic Imaging
Our Copdock facility features digital x-ray and state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment for same-day imaging and interpretation. We offer endoscopic procedures for internal examination and maintain laboratory machines for rapid blood test results. Complex cases benefit from overnight courier service to specialist diagnostic laboratories for advanced analysis.
Nurse Clinics
Registered veterinary nurses conduct clinics covering weight management, dental care, parasite control, and geriatric pet support. Services include nail clipping, ear cleaning, and medication administration training. These appointments focus on preventative care and early detection of potential health issues through routine monitoring and client education.
Pet Nutrition
We provide evidence-based nutritional guidance for pets with medical conditions or general wellness needs. Our recommendations include prescription diets for renal disease, gastrointestinal issues, and mobility problems. Pet Health Club members receive 10% off selected veterinary diets, with specialist consultations available for complex nutritional requirements and food allergy management.
People
Mark Jeffrey
Clinical Director
BVetMed graduate with postgraduate certificate in Cardiovascular Medicine, Mark leads our clinical team with expertise in complex surgical procedures and internal medicine. He has mentored veterinary students for over 15 years and maintains RCVS specialist accreditation.
Alice Llewellyn
Veterinary Surgeon
MRCVS member with postgraduate diploma in Diagnostic Imaging, Alice specialises in advanced imaging techniques and soft tissue surgery. She contributes to continuing education programs and has published research on veterinary diagnostic protocols.
Jeremy Holland-Howes
Veterinary Surgeon
RCVS-registered practitioner with 12 years' experience in small animal medicine, Jeremy focuses on geriatric pet care and chronic disease management. He has developed our practice's palliative care protocols and client support services.
Ellie Cole
Veterinary Surgeon
Postgraduate ophthalmology specialist Ellie provides advanced eye care for companion animals. She leads our surgical team in complex ocular procedures and participates in veterinary ophthalmology research initiatives across the IVC Evidensia network.
Questions
What emergency services do you offer outside normal hours?
We partner with Vets Now Manningtree for out-of-hours emergencies. Their dedicated emergency clinic provides 24/7 critical care with specialist-trained clinicians handling urgent cases when we're closed.
How do vaccination schedules work for puppies and kittens?
Puppies require a two-dose primary course 3-4 weeks apart starting at 8 weeks, with boosters at 1 year. Kittens need two vaccines 3-4 weeks apart from 9 weeks, followed by annual boosters.
What's included in your wellness screening for senior pets?
Our £85 wellness screen includes blood/urine tests, joint/mobility assessment, dental check, parasite review, and nutritional advice. Results are provided within 10 days with follow-up recommendations if needed.
Can I order repeat prescriptions online?
Yes, use our website's prescription service for collection at either branch. Allow 4 working days, or call for urgent requests. Medication requires recent veterinary checks (within 6 months for most drugs).
How do you support sustainable veterinary practices?
As part of IVC Evidensia's Positive Pawprint initiative, we implement energy-efficient operations, waste reduction programs, and eco-conscious procurement while maintaining clinical excellence and patient care standards.
