Aldham Veterinary Centre – Vets in Colchester
Clinic Overview
Aldham Veterinary Centre describes itself as a veterinary practice focused on companion animals, and as the “twin practice” of The Forge Veterinary Centre (founded in 1867). Based on owner accounts, the clinic is set up for routine care and also handles surgical cases: reviews mention dental extractions, emergency surgery for an ingested stone, and diagnostic scanning with same-operation removal of a thyroid lump. Several reviewers highlight clear explanations before and after operations, and one mentions a monthly plan covering injections plus flea and worming. Reviews conflict on business approach: some owners say they felt less “like a walking cheque book” here than at a big chain, while others claim the practice is corporate-owned and fee-focused.
Services
- •Companion-animal veterinary care (stated on the clinic website).
- •Dentistry: tooth pain assessment and tooth extractions are specifically mentioned.
- •Surgery
- •Emergency surgery after a dog swallowed a stone.
- •Lump removal: a thyroid lump was spotted pre-op, scanned, and excised during the same anaesthetic as a planned dental procedure (per one review).
- •Diagnostic imaging/scanning: a scan is mentioned in the context of investigating a thyroid lump.
- •Preventive care plan: one owner reports a monthly plan that includes injections plus flea and worming.
People
- •Nigel (vet): mentioned for promptly booking a next-day tooth extraction and then identifying a thyroid lump during a more thorough pre-op check; the owner says communication was “extremely fast” and the lump was scanned and removed in the same operation.
- •Monica (vet): mentioned for clearly explaining an emergency surgery (after a dog swallowed a stone) and being supportive post-op.
- •Reception team and nurses: repeatedly noted as kind/helpful; one review explicitly credits reception staff alongside clinical staff during post-op support.
Reviews
4.6 stars from 77 reviews. - Surgical outcomes and follow-through are a recurring positive: dental extractions with explanations before/after, and recovery after emergency surgery for a swallowed stone.
- •At least one owner describes a “more thorough look” pre-op that led to finding a thyroid lump, followed by rapid communication, scanning, and removal during the same procedure.
- •Communication is often singled out (clear explanations; fast updates), with reception and nursing staff frequently mentioned for being helpful.
- •Cost/ownership perceptions are mixed: some reviewers allege a shift toward fees and a “flippant attitude,” and one claims corporate ownership and profit focus, while another contrasts Aldham positively with a “big vet company” experience elsewhere.
Animals Treated at Aldham Veterinary Centre
Animals We Treat
Companion Animals
Farm Animals
Opening Hours – Aldham Veterinary Centre
Opening Hours
Hours
Reviews for Aldham Veterinary Centre
Note: Showing the 5 most recent Google reviews out of 77 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.
Rebecca Green
a month ago
Can't thank the vets at Aldham and the Forge enough. Having come in with suspected tooth pain, Nigel promptly booked our rescue dog Martin in for next day tooth extraction. But after a more thorough look pre op spotted a lump on the thyroid. With extremely fast communication they were able to scan and find/excise the lump in the same operation and have probably saved our dog from alot of future pain/complications. The receptionists and nurses are always extremely kind and helpful. We are very grateful for their care and attention - can't recommend their services enough.
alison fisk
3 months ago
Can't praise this vets enough. All the staff are so friendly, caring and all get invested in the health of your pet. My dog Millie recently swallowed a stone and needed emergency surgery. Monica, the vet, explained everything clearly and was very supportive post op as were the reception staff. Millie has made a full recovery thanks to their expert care and attention.
alison fisk
a month ago
Can't praise this vets enough. All the staff are so friendly, caring and all get invested in the health of your pet. My dog Millie recently swallowed a stone and needed emergency surgery. Monica, the vet, explained everything clearly and was very supportive post op as were the reception staff. Millie has made a full recovery thanks to their expert care and attention.
Princess Sweetiepie
7 months ago
Friendly reception staff, large carpark
Terry Hill
5 months ago
Very good. My 12 year old dog had to have some teeth out and everything was explained to me before and after the operation which went very well and my poor old girl has a new lease of life. I had previously been with one of the big vet companies but didn’t feel comfortable, feeling more like a walking cheque book than a customer. Highly recommend them.
Terry Hill
7 months ago
Very good. My 12 year old dog had to have some teeth out and everything was explained to me before and after the operation which went very well and my poor old girl has a new lease of life. I had previously been with one of the big vet companies but didn’t feel comfortable, feeling more like a walking cheque book than a customer. Highly recommend them.
Richard Daws
5 months ago
Used to be fine, something has changed in the last couple of years (maybe ownership?) flippant attitude and focused on fees and not animals well being .. Avoid like the plague!
Richard Daws
8 months ago
Used to be fine, something has changed in the last couple of years (maybe ownership?) flippant attitude and focused on fees and not animals well being .. Avoid like the plague!
Rob W
10 months ago
It is yet another expensive veterinary practice owned by a corporation that focuses on profits for shareholders as a priority. It's a shame these companies are pricing out smaller independent companies and thus making pet owners pay extra in this poor financial climate.
Natalie Withers
2 years ago
We’ve been with Aldham Vets since Milo was little (just under 4 years) we were recommended them by a fellow dog owner. They spoke so highly of the team and we understood why from the offset, they are always so friendly and helpful any time we visit. Each staff member is so knowledgeable which extends to their reception team as well. I would highly recommend their monthly plan where you get the injections, flea and worming included, it’s the best decision we made saving money and peace of mind.
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