The Lane Family Pet Centre

We take both Max our cat and Dora our dog, since we first got them. Dora absolutely loves going and goes extremely silly when we get there. The nicest and kindest people you could hope to meet. Thank you everyone

I rung them to ask how much it would cost to have my dog spayed. I was asked what breed she was and how heavy she was. I said shes a Labradoodle approx 17kg. So I was told £610 but they had an offer on for 10% off. I said OK and booked her in. When I collected her after her procedure I was told the cost was £603. When I said I had been quoted £610 minus 10% I was told ah yes but that depends on her weight to which I said I told you she was approx 17kg but when you weighed her when I took her in she was 16.7kg so she is less than you expected. I was then told the price i was given wasn't a fixed price but only an estimate. So after debating the bill for a while I asked for the invoice. I had been charged for a scalpel and nitrile gloves amongst many other things. At no time was the word estimate ever used to me when I asked how much the procedure would cost. Furthermore I'd be extremely surprised if they would be able to carry the procedure out without using a scalpel so I'm nonplussed as to why they saw fit to charge me for one being used. I think it's a bit naughty what they are doing giving people a price but not using the word estimate. So in actual fact they are charging more than the given price after the procedure has been done. If they had made it clear to me that they only give estimates when I initially asked for a price it would have raised a red flag for me.

I would like to share my recent experience at the Luck Van Dijk veterinary practice in Wigan. I’ve never had any issues at this clinic before, especially when I dealt directly with Mr. Luck himself. A week prior to my last visit, I spoke to Luck about some routine blood tests for my cat—tests he personally recommended. He understood my concerns and agreed that it made sense to check if everything was okay with my pet’s health. A week later, when I came in for the appointment, I was seen by another vet who seemed completely unaware of why I was there or what tests were supposed to be done. I asked her what kind of routine blood tests could be performed and requested advice, as I’m not a veterinary specialist. Her response was that if my cat “seems fine,” then no tests were necessary. I ended up having to message my sister—who is a veterinary technician in Poland—for proper advice, because I received none from the vet at the clinic. I was repeatedly told that tests were unnecessary if my cat looked healthy. My cat was taken away without me present during the attempt to draw blood. Later, I was informed by Pauline, a nurse at the clinic, that the procedure was unsuccessful because my cat was “aggressive.” This was the second time I’d booked a blood test appointment, and during the previous visit it was already clear that my cat might be a more challenging case. However, I strongly believe that this should not lead to us being denied access to necessary medical services. Pauline told me I should “just find another vet,” because she didn’t want to get injured and “no one pays her enough” for that. I find this kind of attitude highly unprofessional. I work in a customer service role myself, and I would never tell a client to go find another company just because my service didn’t meet their expectations. As veterinary professionals, you should not treat concerned pet owners this way. I came to you with genuine care for my animal, looking to make sure she is healthy—and I was dismissed with nothing but vague reassurance based on a visual observation. That’s simply not acceptable. If you’re afraid to treat cats or perform basic diagnostics like blood tests, perhaps this is not the right profession for you. I do not recommend.

Have been taking all of my pet family to this practice for over 20 years. Words can not express how amazing they treat their customers and patience. I appreciate how caring everyone is and how they go over and above at all times to provide the best care. Thank you all so much.

How many vets in Wigan or surrounding areas have a 24 hour care system in place? I have been familiar with this surgery when Mr Warrior ran the practice 1960’s The high standards established then remain today. Claire’s Doggy Rooming and Grooming I hear lots of stories some good and some sad that’s why I’m giving my support to a vet who listens and is compassionate 🐾🦴