Your local, independent, trusted vet - Castle Vets (Dorchester) Skip to content

About us

Your local independent and trusted vet

Our practice was founded by Rip Kirby in 1992 with the ethos of being a friendly and approachable place to bring your pet. We are still committed to this, whilst providing the best possible care and treatment for all your pets. The practice remains independently owned by the vets who work in it, the only one in the area now. Being independent ensures the practice employees are motivated only by making pets better, not by keeping shareholders happy.

We have highly trained and experienced staff who will work with you to keep your pet in the best of health. We offer a full range of veterinary services, preventative health care, consultations, in-house diagnostic testing, imaging, and surgery. We have also partnered with Virtual Veterinary Specialists to ensure almost every problem imaginable can be dealt with right here at Castle Vets. We also offer a monthly budgeting plan and provide our own out of hours care to all our registered patients.

Many clients have been with us years and we consider them old friends, but we are always happy to welcome new faces, paws, tails and whiskers! Please do not hesitate to contact us about any matter big or small.

Reviews

Meet just a few of our happy owners and their pets!

Very professional vets have looked after our dog for years always great advice and they talk u through the costs which is helpful. Would recommend these vets to anyone.
Good vets, they were really caring when we had to put down my mums dog. Sad times
Great vets.
Thank you Castle Vets. My dog had a half-yearly checkup today. The vet has just called me with the results of a blood test for a potential issue identified in the routine assessment. I'm impressed at the scrutiny, turnaround in the labwork, and the follow-up.
We can never thank Castle vets enough for the outstanding care over 10 years for our amazing dog Alfie. As well as all the routine checks, vaccinations and general care, they recognised aged 3 that he would need life changing knee surgery to prolong his life, which would have been shortened considerably had we opted for pain relief only, and which also improved his quality of life. He loved visiting both the Weymouth and Dorchester surgeries and all the staff always welcomed him despite his boisterous greetings which sometimes involved paws on the reception desk and knocking down of displays! When we became concerned that he was seriously ill, they were prompt and sensitive in their investigations and in giving us dreaded news, helping us to digest the implications for Alfie. This meant that we made the right decisions for him and he had a good last week of life with a final walk on the beach, a final visit to his favourite dog friendly pub (the Springhead at Sutton Poyntz and the last thing he actually ate - some carvery pork) - and time at home resting on the sofa, going down the garden, or sitting outside sniffing the air. When we saw a deterioration which signalled that he was uncomfortable, we called the vets and within 40 minutes, despite being nearly midnight, Kirsty the vet and Roxy, veterinary nurse, arrived at our house and made sure that Alfie's death was a calm, peaceful and dignified one. They must have been tired, but they sat on the floor with us all reminiscing about him, stroking him, talking to him and crying and only left, over an hour later, when we were ready. Alfie loved Castle vets and we do too.
I am so impressed with this Vets. Giles was particularly helpful, calm and patient with our many questions regarding our new dog. He was informative, kind and seemed to genuinely have the time of day (which from past experience is rare). The reception staff were courteous and helpful and we signed up for their monthly plan which started straight away with flea and worm treatment included. We are really happy customers and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Castle Vets to any other pet owner. Thank you!
Absolutely the best. Looked after our best boy Jake for nearly 14 years and were always kind, compassionate and supportive. All round lovely team of people.
Really good vets, gave thorough examination of my vizsla and put us at ease, thank you
Private practice so helpful and very careing. Piece of mind.
Did a good job with looking after our dog she is back to her old self...
Helped us recapture cat when basket broke open outside!
Castle Vets took care of our dog for many years, and were incredibly kind and helpful when she reached the end of her life.
Empathetic service from all staff members, especially date Suzanna
Fast and efficient service, friendly.
Used this vet for many years and I would not want to go anywhere else, they looked after my little girl (cat) a year or so ago and they were amazing at such a hard time in my life, I was able to stay with my cat as I said goodbye. They aways do the best for my cats. Very understanding and kind. Would highly recommend.
a loving, caring, passionate and hardworking team....the animals are treated like their own would be...time is dedicated to each individual client and their pets and they work so hard behind the scene......awesome team.....rock on.👍👍👍
Caring, reliable veterinary practice. Very pleasant staff, well equipped surgery, cat- friendly waiting area. Recommended.
Friendly knowledgeable staff, very caring and efficient. Highly recommend
Wouldn’t take my cat anywhere else. Caring and professional. Not sure Moo would agree!
Good vets, they were really caring when we had to put down my muns dog. Sad times
Very friendly. Great vets and nurses.
Every time we've had to use Castle everyone you come in contact with is helpful and friendly. Thank you
Brilliant vets ,competitive pricing and staff are fabulous!
Very friendly. Great vets and nurses.
My 16 yr old cat became suddenly very ill, I rang Castle vets and I saw us the same day. They were incredibly caring and reassuring towards my pets needs. Reception staff are also amazing and very friendly. I will never take any of my pets any where else. Thank you Castle vets.