The Old Golfhouse Veterinary Group, based in Watton, Norfolk, has been officially awarded with National Pet Month’s ‘Best 2011 Veterinary Event’.

The practice team were awarded with a certificate by National Pet Month Chairman, Philip Sketchley who visited the Watton practice on 25 October.

The practice’s Open Day, which was held in April, included a tour of the practice through a series of themed rooms.
This included a creepy crawly room showing parasites such as ticks, worms, fleas and mites and also a display of foreign bodies ingested by pets. There was an ultrasound room, a dental hygiene room and a diagnostic room with X-ray display.

The prep area was converted into ‘Teddy Hospital’ where small children’s teddies were treated, while the final room included displays from the practice’s chosen charities, Cats Protection and Dogs Trust.

Tilly Morgan, head receptionist, who co-ordinated the event explained: “In each room we had veterinary surgeons or nurses who were able to explain how the profession can work to help protect our pets.

“We were also pleased to support the charities who we work with all year and raise funds to support the fantastic work they do caring for and rehoming healthy pets.

“We were delighted with the feedback we had from the public. We were particularly glad to see several new clients who signed up on the day!” she added.

Mr Sketchley said: “This event was a fantastic example of how practices can use National Pet Month to show what they offer and the value of their services to clients and their pets. Sometimes the pet owning public are unaware of how much a good relationship with a veterinary practice can support the health and wellbeing of their pet. This event, through excellent organisation and publicity, managed to engage with the pet-owning public and help animal charities too.” So all in all the Old Golfhouse event  ‘ticked all the boxes’ for what the Trustees of National Pet Month were looking for when judging the veterinary events put on around the country.

Brian Pound, Corporate Development & Acquisitions Director atCVS (the veterinary group of which Old Golfhouse is a part) said he was very proud of the achievement of The Old Golf House in promoting healthier pets, as he had helped launch National Pet Week, now National Pet Month, over 20 years ago. He said: “To have one of our practices winning this award is the fulfilment of my personal dream about how this scheme could really improve the health and well being of pets.”