Where are all the rabbit savvy vets?

[NixNax]

I phoned my rabbit savvy vet to register my daughters hamster and was told they don't have anyone who specialises in small furries anymore. They confirmed they could deal with everyday stuff but nothing more than the basic problems. I live in Hertfordshire and the couple I used to go to, don't have any rabbit or small animal specialists. I only found out because I was trying to register her hamster, otherwise I would've thought the vets were still there. Does anyone know where I could go for hamsters and rabbits? My rabbit is nearly 6 so I'm aware he might need more than just vaccination trips over the next few years. I know there wasn't a huge amount in my area but since covid it's like they've all moved on or aren't in that profession anymore. Do you find you have to travel quite far away for a rabbit savvy vet? I've looked on the rwaf and nothing came up within 25miles unless I wanted to travel into London.

 

[Shimmer]

If you say what general area you are looking at, there may be someone who can recommend a vet nearby. Mine isn't on the RWAF list but does rabbits & other small furries (too far for you, though). Part of the problem is they don't often see much more than cats & dogs. I took my guinea pigs in last week to help with staff training, as they don't even get them in.

 

[Omi]

It might be worth contacting any local rescues or the RSPCA to enquire if they have any recommendations, based on which vets they use.

 

[SarahP]

It might be worth contacting any local rescues or the RSPCA to enquire if they have any recommendations, based on which vets they use.

Yes, I have got guinea pigs from Hazelcroft rescue at St Albans. I'm not sure what vet they use (or how close it would be to you), but they must be competent with smaller furries.

 

[NixNax]

Brilliant thank you. St Albans isn't far from me but would be willing to travel to most of Hertfordshire if they're a good vet.

 

[NixNax]

Anywhere in Hertfordshire I'm willing to travel to if they're a savvy vet.

 

[NixNax]

Brilliant thank you. I didn't think of contacting rescues to see who they use. I've contacted loads of vets that say they look after small flurries but when I've asked about an actual specialist vet they've said they don't have one. It's crazy when you think about how many people own rabbits!

 

[NixNax]

If you say what general area you are looking at, there may be someone who can recommend a vet nearby. Mine isn't on the RWAF list but does rabbits & other small furries (too far for you, though). Part of the problem is they don't often see much more than cats & dogs. I took my guinea pigs in last week to help with staff training, as they don't even get them in.

Wow. Do people just not bother taking smaller animals to the vets. So many people own small animals it amazes me there's not more around! I took my rabbit to a vet that picked him by the scruff of his neck and didn't even know how to hold him. Obv never went back there again!

 

[Lord Trellis]

I think some of the problem is because everybody has gone dog crazy, everybody is getting dogs. Most of the rabbit vets have retired and a lot of the small independent vets that dealt with rabbits have been taken over by chains of corporate Medivets. I live in London and I would have to travel some way to find a rabbit savvy vet.

The is Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital that are well known but people have told me they have gone down hill a bit and might be on the pricey side.

Godard vets are normally rabbit savvy and charge a fair price.

There is Pets At Home, some stores offer neutering and spaying services but you have to pay a deposit in order to get an appointment. They are fairly priced too.

 

[Lord Trellis]

It might be worth contacting any local rescues or the RSPCA to enquire if they have any recommendations, based on which vets they use.

The RSPCA would just ask for donations.

 

[Lord Trellis]

Brilliant thank you. I didn't think of contacting rescues to see who they use. I've contacted loads of vets that say they look after small flurries but when I've asked about an actual specialist vet they've said they don't have one. It's crazy when you think about how many people own rabbits!

Sadly more rabbits are being given up because there are becoming less and less resources for rabbits, things have become more focused on cats and dogs.