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!

I would recommend this veterinary practice to anyone . They genuinely care about the animals (our babies) over charging extortionate amounts for treatments and extra services that you don't need ! From the lovely receptionist to all of the other amazing staff the care you and your animals are given is five star absolutely !! The vets actually get down on the floor with your pets and are so friendly and minimally clinical.
Highly recommend, We've used this clinic for over 10 years and wouldn't go anywhere else.
All our cats are registered here. Compared to two other veterinarians in Dorchester, we find these the best. A little bit more expensive, but they do have our full confidence.
Great Veterinary Practice. Staff all very welcoming. Would definitely recommend anyone to take their Loved Pets here 🐾💖🐾
I've got a puppy who needed his vaccination, they responded very quickly
Friendly knowledgeable staff, very caring and efficient. Highly recommend
We have been using this vet practice for about 2 years now. We had three cats when we joined and they have cat surgeries and practioners. I would always take my cats here. I feel listened to and respected. And that the welfare of my cats is important. We recently had to say goodbye to one of our little cats. The care and consideration from the whole practice ( vet Ellie, nurses and reception staff) to us and our special family member was second to none
Known as the DoggieDocs to my jessbag of a dog, he actually walks in through the doors himself here!
Exceptional Veterinary Practice.Although I have been a client for many years, my dog Jack seldom needs care. Recently however he was suffering a gland problem.. Jack is an imported rescue and the BVA recommend a safeguarding procedure (blood test) prior to any surgery in such cases due to possible Brucellosis infection. I was uncertain of the benefits, but was able to have a practical and sensible discussion with Giles, beforehand Jack had the procedure under sedation & Giles whipped out a loose back tooth too. Jack is not insured, but I was given an estimate of cost at our initial consultation which matched our final invoice. Thank you Giles, it seems to have done the trick and Jack has forgiven you (almost!)
Our vet for 17 years and we’ve always had great service from them. Recommended
Brilliant vets ,competitive pricing and staff are fabulous!
Really caring and honest vets. Feel really confident taking our animals there.
Independent vets surgery. Brilliant vets. Wouldn't take our dogs anywhere else.
Saw us at very short notice before closing and gave very friendly and helpful service, reasonable price and would definitely recommend.
Very professional vets. Treated my dog with great kindness and compassion on his final visit. Thank you
Wonderful! Fitted us in fast when I was concerned about my dog. The reception staff were friendly and welcoming and the vets were gentle, caring and knowledgeable. They also didn't charge a Kings ransom which was a pleasant change from my previous vets who were not independents.
We have had 2 late night accidents resulting in an off duty call and requiring subsequent surgical procedures each time. All of the staff were so reassuring and looked after our dogs with such care. One of our dogs, Izzy had to return for dressing changes once every few days. The care she received was in my opinion better than in any human hospital, using a mixture of modern and natural techniques. The bill was amazingly reasonable too. Thank you all so much
Very friendly team who always make sure that your furry bestie is happy and healthy
My dog mojo had to have some teeth taken out yesterday. The staff and vets are an incredible caring dedicated animal lovingteam .. with all animals whole health being the whole heart of all their work and passion . Thankyou for making mojo pain free and happy again . And putting his worried mums mind at rest when I had to leave him . He is doing incredibly well the morning after . Thankyou so much .
These vets are the best I have used. All of the vets and staff are so friendly, caring and compassionate. We recently had to have our handsome boy put to sleep our dog and ourselves could not have been in better hands.A big thank you to all of you for everything.
They are amazing and really care about our pets!
Nice friendly staff and good service, but cost of drugs high
Great Vets.
Covid safe procedures in place and all clean and bright.
Castle Vets took care of our dog for many years, and were incredibly kind and helpful when she reached the end of her life.