Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinary Partner in Reading
At Castle Vets, we have dedicated ourselves to the care of pets in Reading and its surrounding areas for over a century. Our practice, established in 1972 at Tilehurst Road, combines a rich heritage of veterinary excellence with state-of-the-art facilities, including a Gold Award-winning Cat Clinic from International Cat Care and advanced diagnostic equipment. As RCVS-accredited specialists, we offer 24/7 emergency services through our partnership with Vets Now, ensuring continuous care for your pets. Our team of experienced veterinary surgeons and nurses provides compassionate, personalised treatment, supported by in-house laboratories and cutting-edge surgical capabilities. We prioritise preventative healthcare and client education, offering wellness screenings, vaccination programmes, and tailored advice to maintain your pet's wellbeing.Our commitment to excellence extends to specialist referrals, including orthopaedic surgery and ophthalmology, delivered without the need for long-distance travel. With separate cat-friendly and rabbit-friendly facilities, we create a stress-free environment for both pets and owners. Our reputation as a trusted, community-focused practice is built on decades of dedication to veterinary innovation and client satisfaction. We maintain rigorous professional standards through continuous staff training and adherence to the highest regulatory accreditations. Whether for routine check-ups or complex medical cases, Castle Vets remains Reading's premier destination for comprehensive, compassionate animal healthcare.
Services
Pet vaccinations
Neutering services
Microchipping
CT scanning
Ophthalmology
Nurse clinics
Home visits
Pet wellness screening
Emergency care
Referral surgery
Highlights and features
- Over 100 years of veterinary expertise in Reading
- RCVS-accredited hospital with specialist facilities
- Dedicated cat-friendly and rabbit-friendly environments
- 24/7 emergency care through Vets Now partnership
- In-house laboratory for rapid diagnostic results
Associations and certifications
- RCVS
- Positive Pawprint Partner
- RWAF Rabbit Friendly Clinic
- Cat Friendly Clinic
What people say
Excellent service
Compassionate care
Highly recommend
Professional team
Stress-free environment
Services
Pet Vaccinations
We provide comprehensive vaccination programmes to protect pets against preventable diseases. Our protocols follow the latest veterinary guidelines and are tailored to each pet's lifestyle and risk factors. Regular vaccinations form the foundation of preventative healthcare, safeguarding both individual animals and the wider pet community.
CT Scanning
Our advanced CT scanner enables precise diagnostic imaging for complex medical cases. This technology allows minimally invasive diagnosis of internal conditions, guiding treatment decisions for neurological, orthopaedic and internal medicine cases. Specialist interpretation ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Ophthalmology
Led by our ophthalmology-certified vet, we diagnose and treat eye conditions ranging from cataracts to glaucoma. Our services include surgical interventions for eyelid disorders, corneal ulcers and intraocular diseases. We also provide second opinions and referral management for complex ocular cases.
Wellness Screening
These comprehensive assessments for mature pets detect early signs of disease through blood tests, physical exams and diagnostic imaging. Early detection enables timely intervention for conditions like kidney disease and arthritis. The screening includes tailored preventative care recommendations based on individual findings.
Emergency Care
Available 24/7 through our Vets Now partnership, our emergency service handles critical cases including trauma, poisoning and acute illness. Continuous on-site monitoring and immediate access to diagnostic facilities ensure rapid treatment for life-threatening conditions, with seamless transition to daytime care.
People
Dr Katy Slatford
Clinical Director
BVSc PgCertOphthal MRCVS with specialist ophthalmology qualifications. Leads our eye care services and contributes to continuing veterinary education. Experienced in complex ocular surgeries and referral case management.
Dr Gemma Mitchell
Senior Veterinary Surgeon
BVM BVS MRCVS with extensive surgical and medical experience. Specialises in geriatric pet care and complex internal medicine cases. Provides mentorship to junior veterinary staff and students.
Dr Clare Hepher
Veterinary Surgeon
BVMS MRCVS experienced in soft tissue surgery and emergency medicine. Recognised for compassionate client communication and involvement in community veterinary outreach programmes.
Dr Natasha Turner
Veterinary Surgeon
BVM BVS MRCVS with particular interest in dermatology and nutrition. Provides evidence-based dietary advice and manages chronic skin conditions in companion animals.
Dr Hajara Dangana
Veterinary Surgeon
DVM MRCVS with expertise in exotic pet medicine and ultrasound diagnostics. Contributes to continuing education programmes and maintains special interest in avian medicine.
Questions
What emergency services do you provide?
We offer 24/7 emergency care through our partnership with Vets Now, with on-site facilities and continuous monitoring for critical cases.
Do you have cat-specific facilities?
Yes, we're a certified Cat Friendly Clinic with separate wards, waiting areas and consultation rooms designed to reduce feline stress.
What specialist services are available?
We provide CT scanning, ophthalmology, specialist surgery and referral-level diagnostics, with European Specialist Hannes Bergmann operating on-site.
How do wellness screenings benefit my pet?
Annual wellness screens detect early signs of disease through blood tests and physical exams, enabling preventative treatment for conditions like kidney disease.
Are home visits available?
We offer home visits for housebound pets or owners, though our ambulance service often provides better access to full facilities when possible.
What payment options exist for treatments?
We accept major credit/debit cards and offer payment plans for extensive treatments, with transparent pricing provided before any procedures.
