Pets at Rest Veterinary Care

28/09/2026

Time moves fast when you’re loving a dog. 🐾
Today Lumin turns 3, but it feels like just yesterday she joined our family. Our pets give us a lifetime of love in what always feels like too short a time, and milestones like this remind us just how precious every moment together really is. Happy Birthday, Lumin!

18/09/2026

Long overdue, but we just wanted to post some of the beautiful cards and gifts that we have received these last few weeks. Thank you to everyone for warmly welcoming Fran and Carrie into our team. Sending our best wishes to all families who have trusted us to support them through difficult times. Your kindness towards the service we provide is so very much appreciated. 

13/09/2026

Back home after a relaxing camping holiday with friends, enjoying nature. Favourite part…the animals of course. Particularly the wolves!

09/09/2026

A quick update for the families who have a home visit booked with me (Rob) for Thursday:

Unfortunately, the disruption at Heathrow has meant my flight home has been cancelled, and I’m now unable to get back in time for Thursday’s home visits.

I’m really sorry that some arrangements may now need to change, but please don’t worry — Carrie will be in touch with everyone affected to talk through the options and help find a solution. My vet colleague, Fran is kindly working additional days to cover where she can and we are working hard to make sure we offer everyone affected an alternative so they received the care they need.

I’m especially grateful to those families affected and thank them for their patience, understanding and kindness. I’m so sorry I’m unable to get back home as planned but we will do our very best to support you.

Thank you — it really is appreciated.

23/08/2026

A little holiday news

For the first time since starting Pets at Rest, I’m able to take a holiday without closing our doors.

I’m very pleased to be leaving Pets at Rest in the capable hands of Fran and Carrie, who will be looking after our families while I’m away.

Fran will continue providing our home visits, while Carrie will be here to answer calls, help families with enquiries, arrange appointments and get your pets’s ashes home. They both know exactly what Pets at Rest Vets stands for and the level of care we want every family to receive, as shown by the glowing feedback and reviews from the families they have supported.

While our availability may occasionally be a little more limited while I’m away, Fran and Carrie will do everything they can to support every family as quickly as possible.

I’ll be back soon, but in the meantime, you’re in very good hands.

15/08/2026

Something we can all relate to.

The death of a much-loved pet can lead to a flood of emotions - including guilt, writes Helena Wilkinson.

14/08/2026

We knew we’d made the right choice with Fran, but it’s been lovely to see that confirmed so quickly. She’s already had some wonderful feedback from the families she’s cared for, and I wanted to share a few of their kind words with you. We will add some other lovely words below, that have been sent to us directly but that families are happy for us to share.

2 years ago we met Rob, when our beautiful boy Bruce was at the end of his life 🥹 Rob was amazing, we couldn’t have asked for anything better under the circumstances, this week Bruce’s sister Tia at 16 years old had reached her time 😭 of course we called Rob again & we were told Fran would be coming out, well Fran was equally as amazing & we are so grateful both our babies had their last moments at home, under no stress and with their families 🫶🏽 I don’t know how you do your job, but we are so grateful that you do ❤️ Thank you both so much for everything on the worst days of our lives xx Tia in her younger happy days, we can’t wait for her to come home where she belongs xx

12/08/2026

These beautiful flowers were a thoughtful gift from one of the families we recently supported, and they certainly brighten up our premises.

We meet people at one of the most difficult moments of their lives, so it means more than we can say when they take the time to show kindness, even in the hardest of goodbyes. 💜

06/08/2026

Before I introduce someone very special, I just want to say thank you.

Over the past few years, more and more families have found Pets at Rest Vets through the recommendations of people we’ve supported. I never take that trust for granted. When someone recommends us after we’ve cared for one of their beloved companions, it means more than I can say.

The difficult part is that, as more people have heard about the difference we make, there have been more occasions where I haven’t been able to help every family who contacts us because I’m already with another family, on annual leave or have a personal commitment.

Until now, I’d held off asking another vet to join me because this type of service takes a very particular kind of person. Of course, you need to be an experienced and talented vet, but that’s only part of it. You also need kindness, patience, empathy and the ability to support people through one of the hardest days they’ll ever experience.

While I wasn’t looking for another vet, at the back of my mind I already knew who would be the perfect fit if ever the time was right.

So, I’m incredibly pleased to introduce Fran, who is joining our small team.

I first met Fran when she was a vet student, and we later worked together for over ten years. When I left my role running the PDSA hospital, Fran took over that position, and I’ve had the privilege of watching her become an exceptional vet.

What has always stood out to me isn’t just her knowledge or experience. It’s the way she cares. She’s calm, thoughtful and incredibly kind. She has a natural ability to help people feel supported and their pet feel safe.

I’m delighted that Fran shares exactly the same belief that has always guided me: that every family deserves time, kindness and compassion, and that nobody should ever feel rushed when saying goodbye.

With Fran joining us, we’ll be able to help more families while protecting the things that matter most: taking our time, being there when people need us and providing the gentle, personal care that Pets at Rest has always stood for.

Over the years, I’ve seen many of the vets and nurses I’ve worked alongside turn to Fran when it was time to say goodbye to their own pets. For those of us who understand how important that final moment is, there is perhaps no greater compliment.

And when the day comes that I have to say goodbye to my own dog, Fran is someone I would trust completely.

I genuinely can’t think of a greater compliment than either of those things.

I couldn’t be happier that Fran is joining Pets at Rest. I know she’ll care for every family with the same kindness and compassion that have always been at the heart of what we do.

Thank you, as always, for the trust you continue to place in us. It remains a privilege to be invited into your homes at such an important moment.

Please join me in giving Fran a very warm welcome.

23/07/2026

I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has nominated me for the Petplan Vet of the Year Award.

To know that families have taken the time to share their experiences, particularly during such a difficult and emotional time, is incredibly humbling. It has always been a privilege to support people and their beloved pets with compassion, dignity and kindness when they need it most.

If you would like to nominate me or any vet or veterinary professional who has made a difference to you, you can do so here:

https://www.petplanvet.co.uk/veterinary-practice-insurance/veterinary-awards/

Thank you again for your trust, your kindness, and for allowing me to care for your pets at such an important time in their lives.