Kingfisher Veterinary Practice

18/06/2024

STRAY CAT

We have had this entire male, young adult cat brought into our chard branch. No collar or chip. Found Springmead area. Please contact us for more information.

10/06/2024

It's now a legal requirement to microchip your cat in England.

Join today: https://bit.ly/PracticePetHealthClub

05/06/2024

Heat stroke can happen to any dog on any warm day, even if the sun isn't out.

Please be aware of the signs.

31/05/2024

Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month

29/05/2024

Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month

Claire - HVN

WHATS YOUR ROLE?
RVN/Head veterinary nurse-Martock

WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB?
The varied nature of the role, you never know what the day will bring 😊

WHATS YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB?
When it’s time to say goodbye, Although it’s to relive suffering, it’s always so sad.

WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A NURSE?
I have always loved animals

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF ANIMAL?
Dogs, cats and chickens

WHAT PETS DO YOU OWN?
Currently just 8 hens and a cockerel

WHATS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
Like all nurses - Multitasking, this role has many varied demands.

27/05/2024

Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month

Carla - RVN

WHATS YOUR ROLE? RvN

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?
My favourite part of the job is seeing the animals go home after we have nursed them either after a hospital stay or an operation!

WHATS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART ?
My least favourite part is saying good bye 🌈🐾

WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A NURSE? I have grown up around a range of animals and have always knew I would want to work in the industry! I left school and luckily found a part time job in a vets, this ment I had my foot in the door!!

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF ANIMAL? My favourite animal has to be a Dog. I love their loyalty and companionship!

WHAT PETS DO YOU OWN? I have a dog called Pumba, a horse called Marley, a pony called Holli and a guinea pig called Sonic!

WHATS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
This is hard as I'm not very good at bigging myself up but I would say my superpower would be a strong team player, I'm calm, reliable and dedicated.

25/05/2024

Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month

Jess - RVN

WHATS YOUR ROLE?
RVN (Recently qualified!!) 🐾

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB ?
My favourite part is anaesthesia, I love using the Multiparameter and I really enjoy helping my colleagues use it too! Having a smooth anaesthetic and wake up is SO satisfying!

WHATS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART ?
When clients have to say goodbye to their pets! It’s always so awful as we all know how much our pets mean to us 🥰

WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A NURSE?
My grandad! He was an RSPCA inspector and all the stories of him at his work and the wonderful vets and nurses who worked with him and helped have inspired me ever since I was little!

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF ANIMAL?
I love rats! They’re so misunderstood!

WHAT PETS DO YOU OWN ?
I have two rats called Dodo and Robin, they’re very sweet girls! I also have two dogs and three bunnies ☺️

WHATS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
I’m still new in my nursing so I still feel like I have more superpowers to unlock, but my ability to connect with patients and help them feel at ease is a good one to start with 💚🐾

23/05/2024

Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month

Sally - RVN

WHAT'S YOUR ROLE?
Registered Veterinary Nurse

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB ?
Nurse clinics, especially behaviour and weight clinics.
I also love being a clinical coach for student veterinary nurses. Seeing them grow and develop as a nurse is satisfying.

WHAT'S YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE PART ?
Microscope work, and unfortunately, I have a phobia of birds!

WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A NURSE?
I grew up on a farm on Exmoor, surrounded by many animals. We had vet students during lambing, and I knew I wanted to work in the veterinary world.

WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE TYPE OF ANIMAL?
Dogs, cats, and horses.

WHAT PETS DO YOU OWN ?
I just have a dog now.

WHAT'S YOUR SUPERPOWER?
I have been with the practice for a long time, so I want the team to feel happy, calm and make them smile.
I also want to make the clients feel relaxed.

22/05/2024

Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month

Naomi - RVN

WHATS YOUR ROLE?
Registered Veterinary Nurse

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?
My job gives me so much satisfaction. I love working alongside my colleagues, clients and animals, to make their experience of our profession a good one. I love most aspects of the job so it’s really hard to pick the best!

WHATS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART?
Although at times we are relieving the pain and suffering of an animal, through euthanasia, it’s always difficult when you know you’re effectively taking away the last companion of an older client. It certainly tugs on my heart strings!

WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A NURSE?
I grew up with animals, trips to the vets, animal related trips out, etc etc. I knew right from a tiny age that I wanted to work with animals and people and once I knew about the role of a veterinary nurse, I knew it was the job for me.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF ANIMAL?
I really love dolphins (I know, it’s a mammal), but with regards to small furries, it would have to be dogs or cats.

WHAT PETS DO YOU OWN?
Sadly my much loved cat died after being hit by a car, near our home. We don’t have any more animals right now but we have this gorgeous visitor (as pictured) once a week when my in-laws visit and do childcare for us. He’s quite the perfect companion!

WHATS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
My superpower would be thinking positively. I like to see the good things in life.

21/05/2024

Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month

Kim - RVN

WHATS YOUR ROLE?
Registered Veterinary Nurse working in the Crewkerne Branch.

WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB?
Nursing sick animals back to health and seeing the joy on the owner's faces when they get their pets back, and seeing all the puppies and kittens that come through the door 🐶🐱

WHATS YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB?
Having to see animals in pain and you just wish they understood that we are here to help them and make them better.

WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A NURSE?
I originally wanted to work with Chimpanzees and Gorillas but after years of disappointment trying to get into that field of work, I reassessed my options on working with animals as this was something I always wanted to do. I started working at my local veterinary practice where I trained to become a veterinary nurse.

WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE TYPE OF ANIMAL?
Other than Chimpanzees and Gorillas I would have to say cats, a bit of a difference I know 😂, but I love their independence and the love and affection they give you.

WHAT PETS DO YOU OWN?
I have 3 cats, two of which I rescued from work that were brought in as strays.

WHATS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
I think being a Veterinary Nurse is a superpower in itself as we do multiple jobs and it can be very stressful and rewarding all in the same day. We go through a lot of emotions and still power on through to provide the best care for the animals no matter what is thrown our way.

20/05/2024

Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month

Tracy - RVN

WHATS YOUR ROLE?
Veterinary nurse

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB ?
Making the animals feel comfortable, whilst they are staying with us. Giving them fuss and encouraging them to eat when necessary.

WHATS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART ?
Doing late night checks, although I like seeing the animals when I get there.

WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A NURSE?
I’ve always loved animals, and like looking after them.

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF ANIMAL?
I love all kinds of animals, it’s hard to pick one, but I have a keen interest in cats.

WHAT PETS DO YOU OWN ?
I have 2 male black and white cats.

WHATS YOUR SUPER POWER?
Understanding cats and making their visit to us as stress free as possible. I also helped Martock achieve our cat friendly award.

18/05/2024

FOUND CAT

We have sadly had a deceased cat brought in this morning. Found on the A30 between crewkerne and chard. The cat is chipped but not up to date as rehomed. Grey and white DLH female. Please call 01460 72443 for more information.

17/05/2024

Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month

Sarah - RVN

WHATS YOUR ROLE?
Joint Head Veterinary Nurse in Crewkerne.

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB ?
I love having a chance to make a difference to the lives of pets and their owners. I also love how varied the role of a vet nurse is, there are so many different elements to it and every day is different.

WHATS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART ?
There are often times when we can't make a pet better, which can be hard. Particularly when we have developed a bond with that pet and their owner.

WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A NURSE?
I have always loved animals and wanted to be able to do a job where I felt I could make a difference.

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF ANIMAL? Such a difficult question! I have so many! I'm definitely a dog person, but I really love the more unusual and exotic animals. I have a particular interest in birds of prey.

WHAT PETS DO YOU OWN ?
My collection is much smaller than it used to be! Currently, I only have two dogs and a cockatiel bird, but I have had pretty much everything you can think of!

WHATS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
'My ability to stay calm, no matter how stressed Iam!'

16/05/2024

Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month

Kate King - RVN - Practice Manager

WHATS YOUR ROLE?
Practice Manager - previous HVN of Crewkerne

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB ? Working with my team to improve the practice and provide the best possible care for our clients and their pets.

WHATS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART ? Losing key members of staff to burnout.

WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A NURSE?
My love for animals and an inherent need to look after and take care of others - I wasn’t keen on human hospitals so animals it was.

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF ANIMAL? Probably dogs due to their loyalty love and trust they give.

WHAT PETS DO YOU OWN?
A 10 month old Beagle called Beatrice, a 12.5 year old lab called Bess, 3 cats, two naughty Shetland ponies and 3 chickens.

WHATS YOUR SUPERPOWER? Keeping calm under pressure.

15/05/2024

Vet Nurse Awareness Month

Rachael - SVN

WHATS YOUR ROLE?
Student Veterinary Nurse.

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?
I love being in the lab analysing samples.

WHATS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART ?
My least favourite part of the job is, can I say it? The dreaded Q word. When it is quiet.

WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A NURSE?
I completely changed my career to become a nurse because I was inspired to shoot for the dreams I thought were entirely impossible for me.

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF ANIMAL?
Favourite animal is doggos but love all the small fuzzy exotics.

WHAT PETS DO YOU OWN?
I have Belly Boo (Bella as pictured) she has to greet me at home by picking up my shoes and dropping them on my lap.

WHATS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
My super powers are in the works!!

14/05/2024

Vet Nurse Awareness month

Alison - Registered Veterinary Nurse

WHATS YOUR ROLE - RVN

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?
I do enjoy the variety but I think my favourite is helping owners with geriatric pets to improve quality of life.

WHATS YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB?
Looking down the microscope for any longer than a minute makes my eyes go funny!

WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A NURSE?
Not too sure, but I have never wanted to be anything else!

WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE TYPE OF ANIMAL?
Cats are superior beings. I love their independent nature!

WHAT PETS DO YOU OWN?
Two Maine C***s ‘Bobby’ and 'Jasmine’.

WHATS YOUR SUPER POWER?
Having 2 children and a full time job I have to be organised……!

13/05/2024

Vet Nurse Awareness month

Jo - Registered Veterinary Nurse

WHATS YOUR ROLE?
Joint Registered Head Veterinary Nurse at Crewkerne

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB ?
Having completed and passed a Certificate in Veterinary Nursing Dentistry - NCert (Dent), I love all things Dental related. From advising pet owners about daily oral hygiene for their pets, assisting and completing a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment Procedure, all the way through to post operative dental consultations. It’s extremely rewarding to hear from owners, that their elderly cat or dog that come to us with bad breath, sore gums and wobbly teeth “have a new lease of life” post dental surgery.

WHATS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART ?
“The Final Goodbye” 🌈

WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A NURSE?
A very lovely childhood surrounded by a menagerie of animals. At the age of 11 whilst visiting our local Vet with my Dad and one of our dogs. I watched a very lovely Vet Nurse assisting the Vet. I knew from that day forward that Vet Nursing was the job for me.

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF ANIMAL?
I love all animals, but cats are probably my favourite. I think that, if there is an afterlife, I would come back as a very loved, well cared for cat. What could be better than a life of “ eat, sleep, roam repeat”?

WHAT PETS DO YOU OWN ?
A domestic shorthair cat called Maggie and a Hungarian Vizsla called Twiglet or Twiggy/ Orange/ Jelly Brain. She comes to them all🤣.

WHATS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
Calmness and patience…. So I’ve been told by some of my lovely work family. ( not sure my children would agree😉🤣)

10/05/2024

May is Veterinary Nurse awareness month. This annual event aims to raise awareness of the role of the Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).

RVN’s are highly skilled veterinary professionals. Registered Veterinary Nurses have completed extensive training and examinations to achieve their qualifications. Training is always completed through colleges or universities. These must offer qualifications approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). The RCVS regularly inspects education programmes to maintain high standards.

Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses play a significant role in educating owners on maintaining the health of their pets. RVN’s work in a diverse range of roles and responsibilities. They provide evidence-based nursing care for their patients.

08/05/2024

We are looking for a Full Time receptionist to join our Crewkerne team. To request a Job description and for further information please send a CV and covering email to [email protected]

07/05/2024

After 9 years of working at KVP, Jenny has hung up her scrubs!

We would like to wish Jenny a long and happy retirement, spending time travelling and making lots of memories with her lovely family.

Jenny you will sorely missed by us all and I'm sure by many clients and their pets.

22/04/2024

FOUND

We have had this dog brought into our Martock surgery, please phone 01935 825199 if you need more information. Sadly no identichip!

19/04/2024

Gorgeous Sherlock came in to Crewkerne on wednesday for surgery to remove some masses. He wasn't very impressed with his buster collar!

17/04/2024

Today is the day we celebrate these beautiful felines! 😻 Here are some interesting facts about tortoiseshell cats👇

🐱Nearly all tortoiseshell cats are female. This is because female cats carry two X chromosomes (males carry one X and one Y) and these chromosomes carry genetic information about orange and black coat colour.

🐱Tortoiseshell kittens inherit an orange coat gene from one parent, and a black one from the other and are born with interesting patches of each colour which make up their unique coat. A male kitten on the other hand has only one X chromosome, so would be either black or orange in coat colour.

🐱For this reason, male tortoiseshell cats are extremely rare. They are usually sterile as they have XXY chromosomes, similar to humans with Klinefelter syndrome. As a result, male tortoiseshell cats are prone to health issues.

📝One 2016 study showed that sex-linked orange female cats (tortoiseshell, calico, and torbies) were more frequently aggressive towards humans. However....... we should be mindful not to label tortie cats as this can create a negative bias towards them and affect how we interact with them in a home and veterinary environment. A cat's temperament is influenced by lots of things, not just their genetics! There are plenty of friendly tortie cats out there! 💗

🍀Tortoiseshell cats are also considered lucky in many countries

Personally, I think tortoiseshell cats are beautiful 😻

Show me your beautiful torties! 😻😻



References👇

13 fun facts about Tortoiseshell Cats (2023) Feliway UK. Available at: https://www.feliway.co.uk/.../13-fun-facts-about... (Accessed: April 17, 2023).

Stelow, E.A., Bain, M.J. and Kass, P.H. (2015) “The relationship between coat color and aggressive behaviors in the domestic cat,” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 19(1), pp. 1–15. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2015.1081820.

17/04/2024

FOUND

We have had a stray female cocker spaniel 6yrs old brought into Crewkerne. Details not up to date! Please phone 01460 72443

17/04/2024

Here's some top tips on how to make your garden dog friendly this spring.

15/04/2024

Cody came in to see Chelsie today at our Taunton branch due to having a poorly right eye. As you can see, Cody didn’t want the fluorescent dye just to go into his eye! He decided it should go all around his face and show all his friend's at the dog park!

10/04/2024

Change of Hours - Chard

Please be advised that our opening hours on a Saturday are changing, along with some services we can offer Monday to Friday at our Chard branch only.

From Monday 29th April 2024 Chard will be open as normal for all consultations with a Veterinary Surgeon and Veterinary Nurse, Monday to Friday, but if your animal requires an operation, procedure or hospitalisation, you will be directed to our Crewkerne practice.

For emergencies outside our opening hours please Contact Coombefield Veterinary Hospital Three Counties Veterinary Emergencies on 01460 72443.

Monday: 8.30am-6.00pm

Tuesday: 8.30am-6.00pm

Wednesday: 8.30am-6.00pm

Thursday: 8.30am-6.00pm

Friday: 8.30am-6.00pm

Saturday: Closed - Crewkerne open 8.30 -1.00pm

Sunday: Closed

Telephone: 01460 66111

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Kind regards,

All the team at Kingfisher Chard

https://www.kingfishervets.co.uk

In line with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) code of conduct, we are required to inform you of a change to our service provision.

We are a dedicated team of Veterinary professionals serving clients across Chard, Crewkerne, Martock and Taunton. Find out more about our practices here.

09/04/2024

Just a friendly reminder that microchipping is included in all our preventative healthcare plans, and it's a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped. It will soon be a legal requirement in England to microchip your cat. 🔨 🚔

Take advantage of this benefit and book an appointment with your Pet Health Club practice.