Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Local Veterinary Practice in Caithness & Sutherland
Established in 1965, DS McGregor & Partners Vets has been a cornerstone of veterinary care in Caithness and Sutherland for over six decades. Our practice was founded by Donald McGregor, who built a legacy of compassionate animal care rooted in the local community. In 2023, we transitioned to an employee-owned model, ensuring our team retains control over decisions that impact patient welfare and service quality. This structure allows us to prioritise animal health and client needs without corporate interference. We provide comprehensive veterinary services for pets, farm animals, and equine clients, supported by our 24/7 emergency care availability. Our Highland Health Plan, launched in 2024, offers innovative preventative care solutions, including free consultations for unlimited members.As the first UK veterinary practice to become employee-owned, we maintain independence while embracing modern advancements in veterinary medicine. Our team includes experienced professionals with decades of combined expertise, many of whom have deep generational ties to the region. We operate from our Thurso and Wick branches, offering ambulatory services across the Highlands. Recognised for our community commitment, we were honoured to host His Majesty King Charles III during his visit to our Thurso facility in 2021. Through all our developments, we remain steadfast in our original mission: delivering exceptional veterinary care with unwavering dedication to animal welfare and client support.
Services
Pet Care
Farm Animal Services
Equine Health
Emergency Treatment
Health Plans
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 emergency veterinary care, 365 days a year.
- Our employee-owned structure ensures decisions prioritise animal welfare over corporate interests.
- Highland Health Plan provides cost-effective preventative care options for pet owners.
- Veterinary team includes professionals with combined experience spanning six decades.
- Ambulatory services cover remote Highland areas inaccessible to many practices.
What people say
Very good with my 2 dogs
Friendly helpful staff
Quick and efficient appointments
Fantastic service
Emergency treatment excellence
Services
Pet Care
Comprehensive veterinary care for cats, dogs, and small animals. Our services include routine check-ups, vaccinations, surgical procedures, and chronic condition management. Pet owners benefit from our 24/7 emergency availability and the Highland Health Plan, which offers cost-effective preventative care options. Our experienced veterinary surgeons and nurses provide compassionate care tailored to each pet's specific needs.
Farm Animal Services
Specialised veterinary support for cattle, sheep, and other livestock. We offer herd health management, reproductive services, and disease prevention programs. Our ambulatory services reach remote Highland farms, ensuring timely care for agricultural animals. The practice maintains generational relationships with farming communities, combining traditional knowledge with modern veterinary techniques to optimise animal health and farm productivity.
Equine Health
Dedicated equine veterinary services covering routine care, lameness assessments, and emergency treatment. Our mobile units provide on-site diagnostics and treatment across the Highlands. The service caters to individual horse owners and commercial stables, offering preventative care plans and performance evaluations. With decades of experience in equine medicine, our team addresses both acute and chronic conditions affecting horses.
Emergency Treatment
24/7 veterinary emergency services for pets, farm animals, and equine patients. Our fully equipped facilities handle critical cases including trauma, poisoning, and birthing complications. The emergency team works year-round, including holidays, to provide immediate care when needed. Travel services ensure accessibility for clients in remote Highland locations, maintaining continuity of care beyond regular clinic hours.
Health Plans
Customisable health subscription plans for ongoing animal wellness. The Highland Health Plan offers monthly packages covering routine check-ups, vaccinations, and dental care. Unlimited members receive free consultations, while standard plans include annual preventative treatments. These plans help spread veterinary costs while ensuring consistent care. Both pet and farm animal plans are available, designed to meet specific healthcare needs throughout the animal's life cycle.
People
Iain Maclean
Director & Veterinary Surgeon
Joined the practice in 1990, bringing extensive experience in veterinary medicine. Specialises in farm animal care while overseeing practice operations. Committed to maintaining high standards of animal welfare in Caithness.
Kiri Harvey
Director & Veterinary Surgeon
Veterinary surgeon since 2012, focusing on equine care. Plays key role in developing ambulatory services across the Highlands. Passionate about combining traditional veterinary practices with modern techniques.
Guy Gordon
Director & Veterinary Surgeon
Practicing since 1998, specialising in pet care. Advocate for employee-owned business model that prioritises animal welfare. Regularly contributes to community veterinary education initiatives.
Fiona Sutherland
Director & Veterinary Surgeon
Joined in 2009, focusing on small animal surgery. Active participant in continuing professional development programs. Committed to maintaining the practice's heritage while embracing new veterinary technologies.
Bridget Holt
Veterinary Surgeon
Veterinary professional with over 40 years' experience. Provides mentorship to junior staff while maintaining hands-on clinical practice. Recognised for dedication to improving animal healthcare access in remote areas.
Questions
What areas do you cover for veterinary services?
We serve Caithness, Sutherland, and the wider Scottish Highlands from our Thurso and Wick branches, with ambulatory services reaching remote areas.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency veterinary care?
Yes, our emergency services operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays and weekends.
What is the Highland Health Plan?
Our subscription-based preventative care plan offers monthly packages starting at £20, including free consultations for unlimited members.
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes, we welcome new clients and patients. Registration can be completed online or by contacting our Thurso or Wick branches.
How can I book an appointment?
Appointments can be booked through our website or by calling either our Thurso (01847 892387) or Wick (01955 602088) offices.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards, cash, and bank transfers. Payment plans may be available for extensive treatments.
