Acorn Veterinary Surgery

Unfortunately, our experience with Acorn Vets in Hove has been consistently disappointing. While we have seen a couple of genuinely kind and compassionate vets, the overall standard of bedside manner has too often been poor. When our cat has received treatment, I can see that he has been clinically well cared for, and it is clear that many of the vets genuinely care deeply about animals. However, there seems to be far less understanding or empathy for what pet owners themselves may be facing — emotionally, practically, or financially. On multiple occasions we have been made to feel guilty or irresponsible for questioning treatment costs, despite only trying to make informed decisions in the best interests of our pet. This approach feels judgmental rather than supportive, particularly during what are already stressful and emotional situations. One particularly upsetting incident involved a vet telling me, in front of my two young children, that we were essentially terrible pet owners and that we “should put the cat down next time instead of letting him get this bad.” This comment was deeply distressing, inappropriate, and entirely lacking in compassion. We later felt compelled to make a formal complaint about this interaction. We have also found pricing to be unclear, with VAT added on top of invoices rather than being presented transparently upfront. In a profession where trust is essential, clearer communication around costs would make a significant difference. As pet owners who are genuinely trying to do the right thing, we expect to be treated with respect and empathy alongside good clinical care. Sadly, that balance has too often been missing here.

I am no longer taking my cat there but i felt like the review was due. I called them to book an appointment for my cats travel document. I asked how much it would cost me and they said £145. Because they changed my appointment i belive twice i had confirmed the price on every phonecall. When i got there they charged me 175 and when i asked politely why the increase the two girls at reception looked at each other and said the price changed in the meantime. I think thats a lie and if its not i think i should have been made aware. Anyway after this and as i was about to travel with my cat i asked if it was ok to place the cat carrier with my cat inside on the scales and they were rude once again saying that its for dog actually. I said ??? This wouldnt make a difference to them and i dont see why they wouldnt let me. One of them very rudely said to the other ugh let her its fine. Like i dont understand are you guys ok?? If you hate your job its not our fault?? The actual vets have always been very polite but the vibe on the reception is extremely toxic. Get a life and maybe stop scamming people by charging them extra for nothing… lol

Excellent care for my old dog

Great staff in all roles. The on premises experience is excellent.

Amazing care for our puppy who was vomiting, explained reasons, treatment, costs and reassured us he would be well cared for by staff.

I honestly don’t know where to start — I’m still reeling from my phone call with Acorn Vets. My daughter bought a puppy from a breeder in Brighton, and Acorn provided the first vaccination. The second was included in the purchase price. When I called to book, I was told by Taylor that the vaccine could only be given one day either side of the 28th day. I explained that we live 90 minutes away and that, due to my son’s special needs, I can only travel on Fridays. Despite this, I was told that if the puppy was even one day late, it would not be covered from illness and its insurance would be invalidated. I have three dogs and know this simply isn’t true. I called the RCVS for clarification, and they advised me to ask the practice to put these claims in writing. I will be interested to see if they respond. What shocked me further was being told by Taylor that I could “take the puppy to another vet if I liked.” I found this cold, dismissive, and unprofessional. The recorded message on their phone line says they don’t tolerate aggressive behaviour from clients — which is fair enough — but perhaps they should also consider the passive-aggressive behaviour some clients experience from staff. This whole interaction has left me disappointed and disheartened. I had hoped for professionalism, compassion, and support, especially when dealing with new puppy owners. Instead, I came away feeling dismissed and unheard. I would avoid this practice at all costs

The practice were extremely unhelpful. I have paid for my dog to have its two jabs after having done the first Taylor told me that it had to do it exactly 4 weeks to the date - which is not true. When I told her I was unable to make that date, she told me to go else where - which means I would have wasted all of the money on the jab that I spent at this vets. I would advise anyone with a new animal to stay away from this vet surgery unless you wish to waste your money and be told that your puppy cannot have her second jab that you have already paid for, due to the surgery's inability to be flexible for their customers.

We've been a really happy client of Acorn for 20+ years with a number of pets. We've always found them to be professional and caring. Sadly, they have really let us down when we needed them most. They have been claiming staff shortages for some time now, but the result is that they sadly just can't offer a service for any unplanned animal health issues. They didn't want to register our latest puppy because they were short of vets, which left us looking at using multiple vets for different pets. Then more recently, we needed an appointment for our 10 year old dog who was in distress with pain, and they couldn't offer me an appointment for a month! They suggested calling in 8am every day to request an 'on the day' appointment, so day one, we spent 45 minutes on hold only to be told there were none available and to call back tomorrow. I asked if that means they have appointments available tomorrow, which they said they did, but couldn't release them until the day itself. I get that they need to keep appointments for urgent cases - but we are an urgent case, we have a dog in pain with an unknown cause. It defies logic to not offer me one, unless I call on the day, whereupon I may or may not be early enough in the call queue to get a spot. To me this was just cruel and showed no recognition of client loyalty. We phoned a nearby Vet who we have no prior custom with, and they saw us same day. It's really sad, but in my opinion, Acorn are not in a position to provide a workable veterinarian service and sadly we have to leave them after 20+ years, to move a surgery that can actually service clients. I would have been patient if this was a one off, but their staffing issues have been going on for some months it seems.

I visited Portland road surgery yesterday. I'm so glad I joined the pet club a few years ago because it's really great value for these tuff times.Most people are experiencing financial difficulties and your pet is so important. My dog Charlie is getting on like myself and yesterday was an eye opener for me as I love my dog very much I don't have children but he is my boy. I seen verity who is a lovely person but also a really good veterinarian. Very professional caring and knowledgeable. She explained about my dogs health going forward and as I no about joint pain my dog is going down the same road. So I recommend joining the pet club and acorn veterinary surgery are very good.