An independent, community-centred practice offering excellent and affordable veterinary care for pets and their owners in and around Tunbridge Wells.

Established over 30 years ago, our aims remain the same - to provide clinical excellence in a caring, compassionate environment and to keep our prices as fair as possible. As an independent practice we do not have shareholders to answer to or growth targets to meet.

Patient waiting list

In order to help us to provide a good service to our existing patients and their owners we have once again had to implement a waiting list to limit patient numbers.

We are working hard to increase capacity, by taking on additional team members and continuing our development of the Pembury practice. If you would like to be added to our waiting list, please email reception@dacrehouse.co.uk or call us on 01892 546000.

Rabbit vaccinations update

You may be aware of recent concerns regarding a new 'highly virulent' (HV) strain of Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease 2 (RVHD2) which may not be adequately covered by our current vaccine. The risk of this HV strain in the UK is currently unknown and we are monitoring the situation.

There is a new vaccine in the pipeline that provides HV protection - once it is available we will offer this additional cover. Please ask your vet for more information when bringing your rabbit for his/her annual vaccine.

More information can be found by clicking here.

We are an independent practice

In the light of recent media coverage regarding corporate veterinary practices please be assured that Dacre House Veterinary Clinic is (and always has been) independently owned.

Set up in 1986 by husband and wife Chris and Sue Murray, Bradley Curtis joined them as a partner in 2010. Chris retired from the clinic in 2013 and Sue in 2016. Since then Bradley and his wife Liz have had full ownership.

We do not have shareholders to answer to and our vets are not subject to any growth targets or incentivised to promote any particular diagnostics or treatments but are free to use their clinical judgement to act in the best interests of our patients and their owners.

Like many organisations we are experiencing dramatic increases in our running costs at the moment but are working hard to try to keep our prices fair and reasonable.

Improvements at the Pembury clinic

As many of you will be aware, work is underway at the Pembury branch to significantly improve the provision there.

We've put together a short YouTube video to explain what changes are taking place.

We moved into our new rear building on 6th May, please excuse our appearance while we work on the original front building.

PetPlan Awards

We are proud to have been nominated for the PetPlan Practice of the Year award for the last eight years running - a big thanks to those who voted. We will continue to strive to provide the best care for our patients. A number of our staff members have also received nominations in their individual categories!

Nominations are open now for next year's awards - click here for more information.

Pet travel to the EU and Northern Ireland

To travel to the EU with a dog, cat or ferret you will need an Animal Health Certificate (or a valid EU passport). More information can be found by clicking here, or by visiting the APHA pages at gov.uk.

We are able to help you meet the requirements - but make sure you allow enough time to get this sorted before you travel.

Animal health and welfare

Dacre House is committed to improving animal health and welfare. We carry out work for a number of national and local charities including Cats Protection and the RSPCA. As a member of Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund we are supporting advances in our understanding of rabbit welfare.

Education and training

We are keen to promote learning. Our vets are regularly attending meetings and undertaking courses; a number of our support staff have completed diplomas with us or are currently studying in partnership with various colleges. We offer training placements for veterinary students and work experience for school pupils.

"Many thanks go to you today, you've been so kind in every way." To the vet who looked after Sooty - A BIG THANK YOU...

Thank you for everything you have all done for Slippa over the last 20 years. You're all absolutely fab and appreciate everything you all do front of house and behind the scenes.

Thank you for all the care and love you gave Rusty during his treatment and long stay. It was greatly appreciated.

...thank you to you all for the wonderful care that you have shown to Raki during his last year or so...Particularly Becky. Also a very big thank you to Bradley for his kindness when we finally had to put Raki to sleep...You guys all do an amazing job...when a situation arises like this I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you all as well.

To the amazing team at Dacre House. Thank you so much for saving Rolo last week.