Best Vets in Christchurch – Complete Local Guide

Magnolia House Veterinary Clinic describes itself as an independent, family-run practice treating small animals and exotics. The website highlights Fear Free Certification and ISFM Silver Cat Friendly Clinic status, and reviews repeatedly point to the clinic being set up particularly well for exotics—especially guinea pigs, chinchillas, tortoises and bearded dragons. Owners frequently name specific vets (Stan and Jenny) and describe detailed communication (for example, explaining conditions like metabolic bone disease and mouth rot, and discussing options with cost in mind).

Priory Veterinary Group offers round-the-clock veterinary care and is also described as a veterinary nurse training facility. Based on recent reviews, the practice handles a mix of urgent medical cases (including overnight hospital care), ongoing management of chronic disease, and common procedures such as neutering and dental work under anaesthetic. Owners repeatedly mention being kept updated during treatment, strong aftercare following procedures, and support around end-of-life decisions (with specific vets named for making euthanasia as gentle as possible).

The Pet Practice is an independent, family-owned clinic founded in 2009 by vet Ben Johnson. Recent reviews repeatedly mention getting appointments quickly and being seen “as soon as needed,” with clear explanations from vets and an effort to keep owners informed about costs. Owners also describe staff taking time to settle excitable or nervous pets (including dogs that “adore the team”), and there are specific examples of more serious care such as a cat being saved after collapsing with a heart attack and a routine spay with a straightforward recovery.

Medivet Christchurch (previously Best Friends Vets) is part of the Medivet group. The practice appears geared toward routine consultations and common problems, with owners specifically mentioning booster vaccinations, stomach upsets, and checking lumps (including taking a sample during a visit). From the website, Medivet also offers access to 24/7 veterinary centres, with a stated nationwide overnight emergency consultation fee.

Concrete details owners mention include

• •A vet took a sample from a chest lump during a booster appointment and told the owner it was a fatty lump (the reviewer says they weren’t charged for the extra step).
• •Staff helped safely contain and settle a highly stressed cat that arrived loose in a car, using the practice’s own cage and calm handling.
• •Consultations described as unhurried, with time to discuss concerns.
• •Continuity of care: multiple reviews mention seeing “Rosie,” including reassurance after another clinician (“Stephan”) left.

Priory Veterinary Group is a small-animal practice (ownership/group not stated in the information provided). Based on the latest reviews, it’s used for both routine appointments and more difficult moments, including quick, low-stress nail trims, support for young pets (a kitten’s early months), and end-of-life care.

Concrete details mentioned by reviewers include

• •Nail clipping done “no stress and quickly” (staff member named: Molly).
• •Help for a dog that suddenly became unwell, described as “came to rescue” and “very kind and helpful.”
• •Time taken to answer questions without making the owner feel rushed.
• •Support through putting a dog to sleep (PTS), with vets, nurses and reception staff specifically mentioned.