Medivet, Colchester Maldon Road - St Runwald's Vets

Medivet, Colchester Maldon Road - St Runwald's Vets is part of the Medivet group (not an independent practice). Based on the website and recent reviews, it appears set up for routine appointments with the ability to handle urgent concerns quickly when needed—several owners describe being “squeezed in” at short notice, including a same-day appointment for a limping cat. The practice is also listed as a veterinary nurse training facility.

Owners frequently mention vets explaining findings and treatment clearly (for example, one reviewer said the vet talked them through their dog’s ailments and they left reassured). However, one recent review reports the opposite experience: treatment carried out without a proper discussion of options, followed by a £200 bill that the owner felt should have been agreed in advance.

Services

• •General consultations and treatment for common problems (examples in reviews include a limping cat and a dog needing treatment to “make my best friend better”).
• •Handling nervous/reactive pets: owners mention staff helping a nervous, “bark-y” dog feel at ease.
• •Veterinary nurse training facility (as listed in the clinic data).
• •Emergency/out-of-hours (as stated on the website): access to 24-hour centres, with an overnight emergency consultation fee for consultations between 7pm and 9am.
• •Preventive screening/pain assessment (website campaign): a FREE Mobility Pain Check was advertised (time-limited promotion noted on the site).

Pricing

• •Overnight emergency consultation fee: £130 for consultations between 7pm and 9am (website statement), with access to 24-hour emergency centres.
• •Medivet healthcare plan: “just under £15/month” (review) — described as including free flea and worming treatments and discounts on procedures.
• •One reviewer reports being presented with a £200 bill that they felt should have been discussed before treatment.

People

• •Mr Muir (vet): mentioned by name as helping a dog recover; the owner highlighted a careful, “nothing too much trouble” process.
• •Beth (vet): seen on a Saturday morning after calling that same morning; credited with identifying the cause of a cat’s limp and treating it.
• •Mike (vet): described as thorough with a calm manner, and as explaining a dog’s ailments clearly so the owner felt reassured.
• •Reception team: one owner specifically noted a receptionist (possibly named Lorraine, name not confirmed) as polite and friendly.

Reviews

Google rating: 4.6 stars from 285 reviews.

• •Short-notice appointments: multiple owners describe being fitted in quickly, including same-day.
• •Pets put at ease: several reviews mention staff calming nervous dogs/cats and making visits less stressful.
• •Clear explanations vs. lack of discussion: some owners praise thorough explanations and feeling reassured; one owner reports treatment was done without proper consultation about options.
• •Cost communication can be a pain point: one review mentions a surprise £200 charge that they felt should have been discussed beforehand.