West Bar Veterinary Hospital

Me and Husky Skye have been together for a longtime and they saved my husky for me like to say they are amazing for what they have done for my Skye and will be keeping my Husky with them Thank you so much.

West Bar has an excellent avian vet and clearly dedicated vets all round. Where they let themselves down is firstly in in their euthanasia procedures, which in my experience on 4 occasions was cackhanded and unsympathetic, and secondly in the unempathetic attitude of their reception staff. They may take heed of the neighbouring veterinary practice, which lights a special candle to alert other visitors that a euthanasia is taking place so a respectful silence can be maintained. I had a terrible and traumatic experience of dogs fighting loudly in reception at the point when my already traumatised pet was on the verge of death in the next room. None of the staff did a thing about it. I went and politely asked the dog owner to leave the building and he rudely refused but still the staff did nothing. I then had to return to my dying pet while the euthanasing vet muddled on. On another occasion, the reception staff were blatantly rude, both on the phone and in person, when I took in a sick animal I'd spent many hours rescuing, nursing and successfully tracing the owner of, and later when I enquired about its progress out of compassion, having offered to guarantee all the fees. All this after I've paid literally thousands of pounds to the practice over the years. Frankly, unless birds need expert treatment at the Southam Road branch, I prefer to patronize the respectful and empathetic veterinary practice next door.

Our beloved dog Murphy was sadly diagnosed with Intramuscular Hemangiosarcoma in March. From the outset, we received excellent care from Charlotte Maskery, whose attentiveness led to the discovery of the cancer. For that we’ll always be grateful. Her support during chemotherapy was also excellent, and we also appreciated the advice provided by Sam Celeste. Unfortunately, not all of our experience was positive. From the beginning, we emphasised how important continuity of care was - especially as my partner is a nurse with great experience in patient care. Murphy was also a particularly anxious dog. Despite this, after his chemotherapy we were suddenly passed between different vets without explanation, making a difficult situation harder. Another concern arose when Murphy developed an intermittent cough. We were told it was likely the cancer had spread, but no scans were ever performed to confirm. Given his weakened immune system and other recurrent infections, we wanted other possibilities explored. After raising this several times with no progress, we sought a second opinion at Mansion Hill Vets. They carefully reviewed Murphy’s full history, considered alternative causes such as acid reflux, adjusted his pain medication, and his cough disappeared within 24 hours. It was frustrating that no steps had been taken sooner, nor were palliative care options ever discussed. Sadly, it felt as though because his prognosis was poor, he had simply been written off. The difference at Mansion Hill was stark. Murphy sadly passed away two months later. The way his remains were handled by West Bar was deeply upsetting. When I brought him in on the Sunday of his passing, I was met by a staff member whose overly cheerful demeanour felt completely inappropriate. I was immediately asked whether I wanted cremation or a casket. Given he had passed away only 30 minutes prior, I was still in shock and this was not something I had considered. This happened before he was even out of the car. There was no offer of help carrying him, and I was told to ‘put him on the table over there’. Most distressingly, I was asked if I wanted time with him “before she bagged him up.” The lack of understanding was shocking, and traumatising to think what was about to happen to your beloved companion. Although I later lodged a complaint and received a phone call of apology from the head of practice, I haven’t heard anything further. This left me worried about how more vulnerable clients - such as the elderly or those without support - might cope. When I returned to collect Murphy’s ashes, although the staff on reception were friendly, the process again felt cold and clinical. His ashes were handed over the counter in a gift bag with only a certificate of cremation. By contrast, Mansion Hill sent us a beautiful handwritten card with thoughtful words about Murphy, along with Forget-Me-Not seeds to plant in his memory. Such a simple gesture showed genuine care. In summary, while we are very thankful for the excellent care provided early on by Charlotte and Sam, our overall experience at West Bar left us feeling let down. Towards the latter part of Murphy’s treatment, the approach became impersonal, lacking in both palliative care and compassion. In comparison, Mansion Hill demonstrated a much higher standard of empathy and holistic care, and we will always be grateful for the comfort they brought Murphy in his final weeks.

Our beloved dog Murphy was sadly diagnosed with Intramuscular Hemangiosarcoma in March. From the outset, we received excellent care from Charlotte Maskery, whose attentiveness led to the discovery of the cancer. For that we’ll always be grateful. Her support during chemotherapy was also excellent, and we also appreciated the advice provided by Sam Celeste. Unfortunately, not all of our experience was positive. From the beginning, we emphasised how important continuity of care was - especially as my partner is a nurse with great experience in patient care. Murphy was also a particularly anxious dog. Despite this, after his chemotherapy we were suddenly passed between different vets without explanation, making a difficult situation harder. Another concern arose when Murphy developed an intermittent cough. We were told it was likely the cancer had spread, but no scans were ever performed to confirm. Given his weakened immune system and other recurrent infections, we wanted other possibilities explored. After raising this several times with no progress, we sought a second opinion at Mansion Hill Vets. They carefully reviewed Murphy’s full history, considered alternative causes such as acid reflux, adjusted his pain medication, and his cough disappeared within 24 hours. It was frustrating that no steps had been taken sooner, nor were palliative care options ever discussed. Sadly, it felt as though because his prognosis was poor, he had simply been written off. The difference at Mansion Hill was stark. Murphy sadly passed away two months later. The way his remains were handled by West Bar was deeply upsetting. When I brought him in on the Sunday of his passing, I was met by a staff member whose overly cheerful demeanour felt completely inappropriate. I was immediately asked whether I wanted cremation or a casket. Given he had passed away only 30 minutes prior, I was still in shock and this was not something I had considered. This happened before he was even out of the car. There was no offer of help carrying him, and I was told to ‘put him on the table over there’. Most distressingly, I was asked if I wanted time with him “before she bagged him up.” The lack of understanding was shocking, and traumatising to think what was about to happen to your beloved companion. Although I later lodged a complaint and received a phone call of apology from the head of practice, I haven’t heard anything further. This left me worried about how more vulnerable clients - such as the elderly or those without support - might cope. When I returned to collect Murphy’s ashes, although the staff on reception were friendly, the process again felt cold and clinical. His ashes were handed over the counter in a gift bag with only a certificate of cremation. By contrast, Mansion Hill sent us a beautiful handwritten card with thoughtful words about Murphy, along with Forget-Me-Not seeds to plant in his memory. Such a simple gesture showed genuine care. In summary, while we are very thankful for the excellent care provided early on by Charlotte and Sam, our overall experience at West Bar left us feeling let down. Towards the latter part of Murphy’s treatment, the approach became impersonal, lacking in both palliative care and compassion. In comparison, Mansion Hill demonstrated a much higher standard of empathy and holistic care, and we will always be grateful for the comfort they brought Murphy in his final weeks.

We recently had to say goodbye to our beloved dog, Niko, and we couldn’t have asked for a more compassionate vet than Sam Higgs at West Bar Veterinary Practice. He explained our options clearly, treated us with kindness, and gave us the space and support we needed during such a difficult time. What truly touched us was the personalized card he sent afterward—a small but meaningful gesture that brought comfort in a dark time. Sam isn’t just knowledgeable and professional; he genuinely cares about both his patients and their families. We’re beyond grateful and highly recommend him and the team at West Bar.

We recently had to say goodbye to our beloved dog, Niko, and we couldn’t have asked for a more compassionate vet than Sam Higgs at West Bar Veterinary Practice. He explained our options clearly, treated us with kindness, and gave us the space and support we needed during such a difficult time. What truly touched us was the personalized card he sent afterward—a small but meaningful gesture that brought comfort in a dark time. Sam isn’t just knowledgeable and professional; he genuinely cares about both his patients and their families. We’re beyond grateful and highly recommend him and the team at West Bar.

Had to visit WestBar vets as an emergency appointment after my dog was attacked. From the second we called until Lou was discharged they were kind and calm and extremely professional. I was really distraught but they calmly explained what she needed, and even allowed me to visit her to reassure me that she was okay. Thankfully after their care my old lady is back on the sofa where she belongs. Can’t recommend them enough Thank you

Harry was in hospital for a long time and was cared for wonderfully. The staff understand the distress to an owner whose pet is sick and are empathetic and explain clearly what is going on with your pet More recently Harry had to go back to the hospital at #west bar veterinary hospital. One of the top vets and I believe partners in the business was aware of my anxiety as my cat is 20 yrs old. Sophie, the vet, kept me up to date and even sent photos of him

Quite simply, the best vets in Banbury, and I imagine you’d have to search far and wide to find a better veterinary hospital in the area. I don’t expect anyone to take anything I say on face value, so below is why I believe Richard and the team there really are the only vets you should entrust with your furry family members. Around Christmas of 2019 our beloved family pet Mollie, a Poochon mixed breed, presented with vague symptoms of unknown etiology having already been given a full ‘all clear’ from Vets4Pets. They confined what we already suspected, that Vets4Pets had missed something glaringly wrong, immediately made room for her to stay in for observations and came back to us the same day to deliver the unfortunate news that Mollie was in fact suffering from life threatening kidney failure. So anything but, ‘all clear’ as we’d been told that very same day - please trust your instincts when you feel your animal is unwell. We were offered the option of treatment, with only one vet - not Richard - pushing for euthanasia; throughout Mollie was put first by Richard, and we opted to proceed with treatment leaving Mollie under the incredibly capable companion animal specialist Richard and his team. Richard and the amazing team of nurses who cared for Mollie ensured Mollie’s care continued at home was to the same standard that both saved and prolonged her life. When we collected Mollie after her week of being there, it was ensured we left with all medication and supplies and kidney safe food and supplements included in the cost of treatment rather than it being an additional cost. Whilst we sadly had to say goodbye to Mollie in July of this year when she succumb to the effects of the disease, Richard went out of his way to ensure Mollie had her family around her and ensured we had privacy as we said goodbye to her even in the face of challenging COVID social distancing measures. When the standard of care is consistently this high, price becomes irrelevant, but their fees are fair for the wealth of experience of all the staff practicing there. The old adage of, ‘you get what you pay for’ rings true when it comes to care for your pets; Vets4Pets saw Mollie a day before Richard and his team did, and said Mollie was totally healthy - despite being in stage 3 kidney failure when they examined her. When we have dogs again I’ll only ever take them to Richard and his team. It was because of them our family had 8 more months with Mollie than we should have had, and wouldn’t have had if we took Vets4Pets advice. I cannot thank them enough for everything they did for her right up to a dignified end to her suffering. When that day did come, Mollie was put first by Richard; further treatment was available, but one of Richard’s best traits is his ability to reassure you as an owner that euthanasia is the kindest option, even when it can feel like an act of cruelty to put a loved member of the family down. Richard was even kind enough to send my family a card expressing his sadness for the loss of Mollie, reassuring us all once more that we had made the right choice for Mollie. Please make the right choice for your four legged friends by taking your pets here; we wouldn’t have had memories like the ones below with Mollie if it wasn’t for Richard and his team 😊