Business Details
27 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Veterinary Care in Bedford
Acorn House Veterinary Surgery has been providing compassionate and high-standard veterinary care in Bedford since 1999. As a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) accredited practice, we combine clinical excellence with a dedicated team of veterinary surgeons, nurses, and client care professionals. Our hospital offers 24-hour inpatient care, advanced veterinary services, and a client-focused approach to ensure the best outcomes for pets and their owners. Affiliated with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), we benefit from access to specialist knowledge, research, and training, maintaining our position as a leader in small animal veterinary care. Our team includes RCVS Advanced Veterinary Practitioners in Small Animal Medicine, Exotics, and Dentistry, reflecting our commitment to expertise and continuous professional development.We are proud to be an ISFM Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic, a Gold Rabbit Friendly clinic, and part of the Dogs Trust Friendly Clinic scheme. Our mission is to provide first opinion care in a friendly environment, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on preventive healthcare through initiatives like our Acorn Health Club. With a history of excellence spanning over two decades, we remain dedicated to delivering trustworthy, transparent, and compassionate veterinary services to the Bedford community.
Services
Dental Care
Home Visits
Neutering
Pet Travel Certificates
Keyhole Surgery
Bereavement Support
Cat Friendly Clinic
ID Chips
Inpatient Care
Physiotherapy
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 24-hour inpatient care and emergency services for pets.
- Our team includes RCVS Advanced Veterinary Practitioners in key specialties.
- We are an ISFM Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic and Gold Rabbit Friendly clinic.
- Affiliated with the Royal Veterinary College for access to specialist knowledge.
- We provide transparent pricing and tailored preventive care plans.
Associations and certifications
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
- International Society of Feline Medicine
- Dogs Trust Friendly Clinic Scheme
What people say
Outstanding care
Professional and friendly
Exceptional service
Highly recommended
Compassionate team
Services
Dental Care
Our RCVS Advanced Veterinary Practitioner-led dental service provides comprehensive oral healthcare for cats and dogs. Using a purpose-built dental suite with X-ray facilities, we diagnose and treat periodontal disease, fractures, and resorptive lesions under anaesthesia. Our team prioritises preventive care through home tooth brushing guidance, dental diets, and chews while offering surgical interventions when necessary. All dental procedures include 24-hour nursing care and post-operative follow-ups to ensure optimal recovery.
Home Visits
Available for routine consultations and end-of-life care, our home visit service accommodates pets and owners who prefer care in familiar surroundings. Visits occur between 11:00 and 15:30 on weekdays, with additional charges based on distance from the hospital. This service is particularly suited for nervous animals, mobility-challenged owners, or palliative care situations, maintaining the same clinical standards as our hospital while minimising stress for pets.
Cat Friendly Clinic
As an ISFM Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic, we provide a stress-free environment for feline patients. Our separate cat ward with large kennels and elevated waiting areas reduces anxiety, while staff trained in cat-friendly handling techniques ensure gentle interactions. The practice features CCTV monitoring for inpatient care and dedicated isolation facilities, demonstrating our commitment to creating a calming atmosphere that meets the specific needs of cats during veterinary visits.
Inpatient Care
Our hospital provides 24-hour care for inpatients using dedicated cat and dog wards staffed by experienced veterinary nurses. Patients receive continuous monitoring, intravenous fluid therapy, and pain management as required. The facility includes separate isolation wards for infectious cases and access to specialist support from the Royal Veterinary College when complex cases arise, ensuring comprehensive care for pets requiring extended observation or treatment.
Keyhole Surgery
We offer laparoscopic surgery as an alternative to traditional open procedures for selected operations. This advanced technique reduces recovery times and post-operative discomfort through smaller incisions and specialised instrumentation. Our surgical team utilises this method for procedures such as spays, allowing pets to benefit from faster healing while maintaining the same high standards of anaesthetic monitoring and post-operative care as conventional surgeries.
People
Rosie Theakston
Clinical Director and Practice Principal
With over 25 years at Acorn House Veterinary Surgery, Rosie holds a PG Certificate in Veterinary Education and leads our clinical team. She champions high educational standards and client communication.
Gaynor Dudley
Deputy Principal
Former practice partner overseeing non-clinical operations, Gaynor ensures efficient practice management while maintaining focus on client service excellence.
Henry Phillips
Deputy Clinical Director
Education lead with expertise in clinical training, Henry bridges academic standards with practical veterinary care delivery at Acorn House Veterinary Surgery.
Kerry Skinner
Head Nurse
Diploma holder in Advanced Veterinary Nursing with 20+ years' experience, Kerry leads our nursing team with specialisation in emergency care.
Paul Harris-McCulloch
Practice Manager
Combining education credentials with veterinary management experience since 1998, Paul oversees operational excellence across clinical and administrative functions.
Questions
What emergency services do you provide outside normal hours?
Our on-site emergency service operates 24/7 with dedicated teams available from 8pm-11pm weekdays, 4:30pm-11pm Saturdays, and 8am-11pm Sundays and Bank Holidays.
How can I register my pet with Acorn House Veterinary Surgery?
Register online via our website or by phone, with welcome packs emailed within two working days to start booking appointments and accessing services.
Do you offer preventive care plans for pets?
Our Acorn Health Club provides monthly preventive care plans covering vaccinations, parasite control, and dental discounts for cats, dogs, and rabbits.
Are home visits available for routine treatments?
Home visits can be arranged for vaccinations and consultations with advance notice, subject to staff availability and distance-based charges.
What specialist facilities do you have for cats?
We're an ISFM Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic with separate cat wards, elevated waiting areas, and staff trained in cat-friendly handling techniques.
How does your affiliation with RVC benefit clients?
As RVC-owned practice, clients benefit from access to specialist knowledge, research, and training while maintaining our independent community-focused veterinary services.
