Vets Now (Milton Keynes)

Vets Now is an out-of-hours emergency veterinary clinic (opened in 2007) for dogs, cats and small animals, operating at nights, weekends and bank holidays. It’s RCVS-accredited as a Small Animal Emergency Service Clinic (ESC). Recent reviews describe quick triage from the initial phone call through to being seen, with several owners mentioning thorough examinations, clear explanation of “what could happen next”, and follow-up after an urgent visit. Reviews also flag a recurring downside around cost and, in a few cases, dissatisfaction with a vet’s communication (including one report of not being properly examined and another describing a very brief consult).

Services

• •Out-of-hours emergency care for dogs, cats and small animals (nights, weekends and bank holidays).
• •Urgent appointments arranged quickly (mentioned in reviews as being given “very quickly” with a clear timeline).
• •In-clinic assessment for emergencies (examples from reviews include a stick injury, puncture wounds on a young puppy, and a dog with a stomach problem).
• •Diagnostics discussed/undertaken: blood tests were suggested in one review; temperature-taking and injections are also mentioned.
• •Referral onward for surgery when needed: one owner says their dog was promptly referred for surgery at Davies, with options and costs explained.

Pricing

• •One owner reports paying £520 for a visit where blood tests were suggested/undertaken, and they were unhappy with the communication.
• •One owner reports a bill of just over £180 for treatment including antibiotics (they noted the antibiotics themselves cost “12 pence” and felt the overall price was the main negative).
• •One owner reports an £320 consultation fee and felt the appointment was very brief.
• •Multiple reviews describe fees as “eye-watering” or “a lot of money,” while also acknowledging the out-of-hours nature of the service.

People

• •Maria (vet): named positively for handling a dog with a stick injury and supporting an owner who was “extremely emotional.”
• •Caroline (vet): repeatedly mentioned positively; one owner calls her their “usual and favourite vet” and another says she was great during an emergency visit.
• •Reception team: described as “welcoming and sensitive” and “lovely,” including in situations where the owner was unhappy with the clinical consult but felt reception staff tried to help.
• •Some reviews describe a vet being rude/dismissive or “not very communicative,” including one account where the owner felt their dog wasn’t properly examined and they had to ask to speak to someone else to understand next steps.

Reviews

4 stars from 417 reviews. - Speed and organisation: owners mention quick responses on the phone, being given an appointment very quickly, and pets being taken through promptly on arrival.

• •Clear explanations and decision support (in many cases): several reviews cite thorough examinations, clear options, and being talked through likely next steps, including discussion of insurance and costs.
• •Follow-up: one owner highlights “excellent follow up” after an urgent visit, with advice for ongoing recovery.
• •Referrals when appropriate: a dog with a stick injury was referred for surgery, with the owner saying options and costs were made clear.
• •Cost concerns are common: multiple owners describe charges as high (with examples including £180+ and £320/£520), even when they were grateful the service exists.
• •Mixed experiences with vet communication: alongside strong praise for named vets, there are also reports of rudeness, dismissiveness, very short consultations, and poor explanation of tests/treatment.