Portside Vets

Reviewers also continue to value being able to see the same vet where needed. The wider team is often described as friendly and caring, although there is some mixed feedback about phone reception communication.

Portside Vets describes itself as an independent practice in Newhaven, offering care from routine check-ups to emergency surgery, and it also operates as a veterinary nurse training facility. The website also mentions a client portal for managing pets, requesting repeat medications, and booking certain appointments. Recent feedback remains strongly positive overall, with especially warm comments about compassionate veterinary care during serious illness, surgery, and end-of-life support, alongside some mixed experiences with phone reception.

Services

•General veterinary care: routine consultations, check-ups, diagnostics, pain management, and dental care remain part of the clinic’s stated service range.
•Urgent and more serious cases: the practice website states emergency surgery, and recent reviews include examples of a dog being investigated and having surgery within 11 days for a back leg problem, as well as treatment for very poorly dogs.
•Orthopaedic and leg problems: reviews mention assessment and treatment around leg injuries and follow-up X-rays and check-ups after surgery.
•End-of-life care: several recent reviewers speak highly of the team’s compassion when pets were put to sleep or during a cat’s final care.
•Ongoing treatment support: reviewers mention being able to see the same vet if required, as well as practical help with appointment timing and medication pick-ups.
•Online access and repeat medication: the website mentions a client portal for managing pets, requesting repeat medications, and booking some appointments.
•Support for anxious pets: one reviewer mentions pre-visit medication to help calm an anxious dog, although their overall experience of how this was handled was negative.

Pricing

Published prices suggest the clinic sits above average, based on a partial sample of comparable services. Reviews do not give a broad picture of routine fees, but there are mixed comments around costs and payment handling: one client described surgery as financially stressful and mentioned confusion over an agreed payment arrangement, while another disputed an alleged £200 pet plan-related charge when leaving the practice.

People

Recent reviews name Andrei, Sophie, and Istvan positively. Sophie is described as a thorough and helpful vet, Andrei is singled out for compassionate support during a dog’s surgery and recovery, and Istvan is praised for being knowledgeable, helpful, and kind during a cat’s end-of-life care.

Reviews

Google rating: 4.8/5 from 271 reviews.

•Recent feedback is strongly positive about the vets themselves, with repeated praise for compassionate, attentive care during serious illness, surgery, and emotionally difficult situations.
•End-of-life support is a clear strength in recent comments, with multiple owners saying the team showed real kindness when cats had to be put to sleep or during a pet’s final days.
•Reviewers also mention continuity and convenience, including being able to see the same vet, accommodating appointments, easy medication collection, and a generally friendly atmosphere.
•A smaller number of reviews raise concerns about phone reception manner, payment-plan communication, and the handling of a highly anxious dog, including charges for appointments where a full examination could not be completed.

Reviews for Portside Vets

Note: Showing the 10 most recent Google reviews out of 271 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.

Megan Smith

3 weeks ago

I feel quite conflicted leaving this review, as my experience with the vets themselves has been excellent, but my interactions with most of the reception staff over the phone have been extremely upsetting and stressful. Firstly, I cannot fault the vets. They have been incredibly supportive, attentive, and compassionate throughout a very difficult time for both myself and my dog. When my dog suddenly stopped putting weight on his back leg on the 5th of March, they acted quickly, carried out the necessary investigations, and ultimately performed surgery all within 11 days. They kept me informed, reassured me when I was worried, and showed genuine care and love for my dog. I am truly grateful for everything they have done. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the reception team (with the exception of one kind and caring receptionist who reassured me on the day of surgery. From my very first phone call, I felt judged and spoken to in a rude and dismissive manner. When I explained that I had to work in the morning before bringing my dog in, I was met with a comment implying I was neglecting him, despite explaining he was not alone and that I am self-employed and cannot simply not work. This added unnecessary stress to an already worrying situation. On multiple occasions, I was spoken to abruptly and without empathy. Simple questions were met with dismissive responses like “well I don’t know,” rather than any effort to help or direct me to someone who could. When trying to bring my appointment forward, I was told in a blunt and unhelpful way instead of being spoken to with basic courtesy. Today (the most recent upsetting experience) came when discussing payment. After agreeing directly with the vets to pay half upfront and the remainder within three months (which I signed for), I was told by reception that “we don’t do that here” and was repeatedly argued with, making me feel as though I was being dishonest. Only after she called back she acknowledged the agreement, but even then the tone was dismissive and in all honesty she didnt need to phone back about it as I knew what had been agreed and I’m also back into the vets tomorrow. This entire situation has been incredibly stressful. Dealing with a pet needing surgery is already emotional and financially overwhelming, and the way I’ve been spoken to by most of the reception staff has made it significantly harder. I would like to continue with this practice because the vets themselves have been amazing, with Andrei in particular being absolutely wonderful. My dog is still very early in his recovery and has further X-rays and check-ups to come following his surgery on Tuesday. I would also like to add that my in-person interactions with reception staff at the practice have not been negative; my concerns relate specifically to communication over the phone. I hope this feedback is taken on board, as a little more empathy, patience, and professionalism from reception staff on the phone would make a huge difference to clients going through difficult situations. But I do want to say a huge huge thank you to the vets for everything you’ve done

Piotr Szota

1 month ago

Sophie in particular has been a fantastic, thorough and helpful vet.

Alan Novis

A huge thank you to Portside Vets. Istvan has been superb every time I have needed their services. Always incredibly knowledgeable & helpful. Portside Vets were really compassionate when we sadly had to have our much loved cat put to sleep. When we are ready to have another pet we will certainly use Portside Vets and I would highly recommend them. First class local veterinary care, well done to the whole team!

Anthony Davy

Brilliant, friendly customer service and treatment - as always!

Laura Leadbetter

We have been with this vet for a few years and have unfortunately lost a few pet along the way. Portside vets have always been caring and patient which has made the losses a bit better to handle. They give the pets the best care.

Mike Noble

3 months ago

A very caring attitude towards both pets and owners. Transferred here because of dissatisfaction of previous vets in Peacehaven. So glad we did! The care shown to us both on the demise of our cat was exemplary. Mike & Lyn Noble

Linda Goodwin

Portside vets is an excellent practice in my experience. The staff are very helpful and friendly and you can see the same vet if required. So fortunate to have an independent vet nearby.

Emma Starley

Ann may

4 months ago

Always friendly helpful. relaxed atmosphere. you feel everyone is of one mind . the importance of animals in our lives. how wonderful they are. how they make us laugh. what they get up to.Whats best for the animals. the right vibes for us.

ROBERT FRY

Very kind and considerate vet My dog loves the vet and gets on extremely well with him as he makes Max feel at ease🐕

Portside Vets – Vets in Newhaven

Clinic Overview

Services

Pricing

People

Reviews

Contact

Special Services

Location

Animals Treated at Portside Vets

Animals We Treat

Pricing at Portside Vets

Vaccinations

Neutering

Dental

Opening Hours – Portside Vets

Opening Hours

Hours