Taking a poorly pet to the vets can be an anxiety-inducing experience both for the owner and their furry friend. Practices can be cold and clinical, a far cry from James Herriot’s charmingly nostalgic depiction in All Creatures Great and Small.
That’s not the case, however, at Clarendon Street Veterinary Surgery, which feels immediately welcoming, from the bowl of dog biscuits perched invitingly on the windowsill and contented cat Calypsa snoozing in the reception in-tray, to the cards of thanks from grateful owners and the friendly staff buzzing around.
The small community practice in the centre of Cambridge has been run by Patrick Von Heimendahl for the past 20 years, providing services including vaccinations, neutering, surgery, microchipping and home visits, caring for cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and the occasional chicken!
Growing up on a farm in Germany, tackling everything from ‘mucking out to plucking’, it’s hardly surprising Patrick became a vet. However, after two decades as solo practice vet, Patrick has brought his niece - fellow vet Harriet O’Riordan – on-board, both to help with the workload and ensure the family business remains independent.
With a national trend, which has seen around 70 per cent of veterinary surgeries snapped up by corporates, he’s keen for the practice to retain its traditional, friendly feel.
Having worked in busy London clinics previously, Harriet is enjoying building a rapport with customers and says she often gets three generations of clients in the consulting room. Alongside Patrick and Harriet work Sue, Anna, Nancy and Catherine plus surgery cat Zamba, a rescued stray (mum to Calypsa) who spends her time happily lounging around in the warmest, sunniest spots. They say cats are very intuitive – and clearly Zamba has fallen on her feet/paws to snare this fine surgery as her forever home!
Clarendon Street Veterinary Surgery
28, Clarendon Street
Cambridge
CB1 1JX
Tel: 01223 359021
www.clarendonstreetvets.co.uk
Run by long-term residents with a true passion for Cambridge and the independent scene, Indie Cambridge is the only organisation and website dedicated solely to supporting and promoting indie businesses in the city – and beyond. Their site features hundreds of traders and tradespeople, artists and makers, producers, venues and events – all of which play a part in the real life of the city and local area. Packed with valuable insider knowledge, it also features a list of indie businesses offering online shopping, click and collect and local delivery.
Read the latest issue of The Indie magazine or click here for places where you can pick up a free copy. Alternatively, have it delivered direct to your door by joining IndieClub - just £12 for three issues a year, then sit back, relax and enjoy a most civilised read.