Pets at Rest Veterinary Care

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.

15/07/2026

Come on England.

02/07/2026

With the recent warm weather, our own dogs have certainly been making the most of shady spots, plenty of fresh water and a well-earned snooze in the coolest places they can find.

As temperatures rise again over the next few days, it’s a timely reminder for all of us to take a little extra care of our pets, particularly as they age and their bodies find it harder to cool down.

💜 Make sure they always have access to fresh, cool water.
💜 Walk dogs in the early morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler.
💜 Avoid the hottest parts of the day where possible.
💜 Remember that pavements can become dangerously hot for sensitive paws.
💜 Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

Like so many of you, we know just how much our pets mean to us. Whether they’re by our side today or remembered with love, they leave an everlasting paw print on our hearts.

If you have a favourite photo of your pet enjoying the sunshine or a cherished memory of a much-loved companion we’d love to see it in the comments.

Today we are remembering Puddle and Barney, who loved nothing more than an early morning trip to the beach to cool down on warm summer days. Their memories still make us smile these many years later.

27/06/2026

I am really pleased to introduce a new face, who is joining our small team at Pets at Rest Vets.

When I first started this service, I never anticipated the incredible support we would receive. As word of mouth has grown, so too has the number of families looking for a peaceful, gentle way to say farewell to their pets at home.

As we grew, Dan joined us as Practice Manager to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. However, with more and more families choosing us to support them, we have reached the point where we need extra help.

So, I’m really pleased to welcome Carrie to the team as our Client Care Lead.

Carrie brings a dedicated, caring approach and will be looking after families from their very first contact. She has spent the last ten years improving animal welfare across the region, including a long history with the RSPCA. While her background is excellent, what really stood out to me was her natural warmth and gentle way with both people and animals.

If you reach out to us, Carrie will usually be the first person you speak to. She is there to listen, answer your questions, and coordinate your visit. She can also arrange a same-day callback with me if you need urgent advice, ensuring everything is handled smoothly.

At home, Carrie looks after her rescue dogs, Rufus and Lilah, and has shared her life with many cats over the years.

Crucially, she has been through the heartbreak of home euthanasia herself. I actually cared for her own much-loved dog, Barney, when it was his time, so she understands first-hand what it feels like to make those incredibly difficult decisions.

Since joining us, she has also supported me on home visits, seeing first hand how our service works and developing a deep understanding of just how tough this time is for families.

She truly gets it.

We feel incredibly fortunate to have her with us, and I know you will value her kindness just as much as we do.

25/06/2026

For anyone who has ever shared their life with a pet…