Watkins & Tasker Vets is a multi-site veterinary practice which undertakes small animal and exotics veterinary care in North Somerset. At Watkins and Tasker Vets, we are always striving to exceed client expectations by improving our three Practices, using the best equipment to ensure we maintain our high service levels. We acknowledge that our operations affect the environment and have identified our key environmental aspects that contribute our environmental and carbon footprint:
Our three Practices in Yatton, Nailsea and Portishead, are committed to reducing their environmental impact through a journey of continual improvement by working through the Investors in the Environment accreditation scheme. As an independent Practice, we are committed to protecting the environment, which has meant that we have continued to invest in being a part of Investors in the Environment.
We will continue to improve our environmental management system by working to the Investors in the Environment (iiE) criteria, considering any changes in legislation, our organisation, and other factors. We will convey this policy to all our employees ensuring that they are provided with training to increase awareness of environmental matters.
Georgina Seward, Practice Development Administrator, is our Sustainability Champion and has designated responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of this policy.
We aim to provide our clients and their pets with the highest quality veterinary service. If we fall short of the standards that you expect as our client, we aim to deal with the matter as quickly as possible via verbal communication and rapid resolution. We are constantly striving to improve our services, and therefore welcome suggestions from our clients in ways in which we can do so.
In the first instance, we recommend that you come into the practice to talk to us about your complaint and our staff will work with you to find a suitable resolution. The member of staff may refer you to a more senior colleague or request that in order for the issue to be resolved efficiently you write down your complaint.
Complaint Resolution Team
Watkins and Tasker Vets
57 High Street
Yatton
North Somerset
BS49 4EQ
vets@wtvets.co.uk F.A.O. Complaint Resolution Team
An acknowledgement of a letter will be sent within 5 working days of receipt of the letter and an email will be acknowledged within 48 hours. We will then undertake a full investigation as to the complaint and it is worth noting that this can take a little time. However, a full reply regarding the concerns expressed will be sent within 14 working days.
Ultimately it is our aim to reach an agreeable outcome for any complaint received. Each case is handled as an individual and confidential matter. If you were still unhappy with our proposed outcome the complaint can be referred to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, RCVS, who regulate all veterinary practices in the UK.
For further information on how to do this please see: https://animalowners.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/
Watkins & Tasker Vets Privacy Policy (Updated April 2024)
Our privacy policy which complies with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), explains what personal information we collect and store, how we use it and in certain circumstances who we may share it with. This policy is updated occasionally as stated at top of this document and unless required to, we will not notify you of these changes.
We hope this policy is clear and concise, but we would be happy to answer any questions or provide further information – please contact any of the Practices or email vets@watkins- tasker-vets.co.uk
We may use the information you supply to us in various ways but most importantly to provide products and services for your pet.
At any time, you can inform us that you wish to change your preference and are also able to use an unsubscribe option on all email communication.
Other uses may include:
We will not share your information with any third parties for their own marketing purposes and we do not sell your data. However, in order for us to look after your pet, we may need to share your data with companies working on our behalf. These may include:
We have contracts in place with these third parties which means they are not allowed to use your information for any other reasons, must store it correctly and keep it for the appropriate time (or immediately delete if the contract is terminated).
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the third parties we may share your details with.
We use lots of appropriate measures to ensure your personal information is kept secure both technical and organisational. All information provided by you will be treated securely and we would take any breach of the systems or policies very seriously.
We will keep your information for as long as you are a customer and may periodically ask you to update and review this information. If you are no longer a customer, we will delete or anonymize your information as we may be required to keep your information for up to eight years so we satisfy other rules and regulations we have to adhere to.
The Off Licence use of Medication in Veterinary Medicine
Where possible we prescribe medicines licensed for the animal species and disease to be treated. However, there may not be a veterinary licensed product available. In these cases, the vet may prescribe a product licensed for a different species, a different disease or for human use. Occasionally, we may import a medicine licensed in another country or use an external company to manufacture a “special” medicine. This is called “off license” use.
Many off license medicines have been commonly used to treat animals and have documented dose rates and safety. Our use of off licence medication is always based upon our knowledge of their use, their safety in animals and with their best interests in mind. These medicines are only used when they are necessary, and no licensed alternative exists.
In these situations, we may ask owners to give their written consent for these medications to be prescribed for their pets. Sucralfate and Chloramphenicol eye drops are common examples of human medicines we prescribe to our patients.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to discuss with us.
Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your pet.
Watkins and Tasker Vets is a three-centre practice caring for pets across North Somerset, with sites in Portishead, Yatton, and Nailsea.
All our practices are equipped to a high standard and can diagnose and treat most clinical conditions. Portishead has a hospitalisation facility, and animals requiring inpatient care are treated at this practice.
We offer a 24-hour emergency service in addition to our normal daytime service. This can be accessed by phoning our normal number and following the instructions on the recorded message.
Below our Terms and Conditions of Business:
Fees are made up of a combination of our professional time and cost of provision of goods or medications.
While the care of your pet is the most important thing, we know cost is very important to many clients, and we endeavour to be as transparent as possible. We are able to provide an estimate for any inpatient care or high-cost outpatient care. We endeavour to keep you updated should costs alter significantly from the initial estimate provided.
Payment is made at the point of treatment in almost every case. If you are unable to afford treatment, it is your responsibility to inform us of this before the consultation or treatment is started, or as soon as you become aware that the costs have risen beyond your ability to pay. We will never withhold first aid treatment to an animal that is suffering but will discuss the options available with you. We do not charge for emergency treatment of wildlife.
Where a pet is insured, many fees paid to us can be claimed back from your insurers, subject to any excesses and exclusions stated in your policy. Alternatively, for an administrative fee (which in most cases cannot be reclaimed from insurers), we can ask your insurance company to pay us directly. In this case you only need to pay us your excesses and the administration fee. We will need to see your insurance policy before we agree to a “direct claim”.
In a very few special circumstances, charities may contribute to costs of treatment. Charities rarely agree to pay for treatment already given, so it is important to organise this before treatment is started.
If you do not pay for treatment as required, we will take whatever action we consider appropriate to recover our fees, which may involve further costs for which you will be liable, and we may refuse further treatment (other than emergency first-aid treatment to relieve suffering).
In most cases your pet will receive better treatment in the clinic than can be offered in your home. In the clinic, the full range of equipment and handling facilities are available. House visits are undertaken only when necessary and are charged for. The only exception to this is end of life care. We feel it is less stressful for both you and your pet if they are allowed to be euthanised at home. When visits are for this purpose, a reduced visit fee is charged.
All animals need to be regularly examined for us to be able to supply prescription medications long term. The length of time between examinations in this case is determined on a case-by-case basis, but to assure the welfare of your pet, and to comply with legislation and professional guidelines, will be no longer than six months.
Written prescriptions for use in pharmacies other than our own are available on request. These can only be supplied after a clinical assessment of the animal by the prescribing veterinary surgeon. A prescription may not be appropriate if an animal is an inpatient or requires immediate treatment, and a written prescription fee applies.
We have a wealth of experience and special interests within the Practice. We are happy to offer second opinions for animals registered with us and even those that are not. If you are not registered with us, we will need to contact your original vet for your pet’s medical history and we would recommend a double appointment (40 minutes) so we have sufficient time to meet you and your pet. Please discuss your requirements with us so we can advise you of the appropriate charges.
If your pet is currently under treatment with us, but you would like a second opinion, please do not hesitate to ask. If we cannot offer further expertise from one of our own vets, we can direct you to the appropriate specialist, and arrange the appointment for you. Most specialist vets will not accept an appointment request from a pet owner – it must come via the veterinary surgeon.
How we collect, store and use client data complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and is detailed in our <>.
Should you have concerns about any aspect of our services, please contact us. We welcome such conversations as they are an opportunity both to help you and to improve our service. Our full complaints procedures can be supplied on request or downloaded from <>.
We know you care for your pets immensely as do we, which is why we offer this voucher. Having regular health checks allows us to spot and treat conditions early which could otherwise cause distressing problems for your pet and expense for you.
Neutering is a routine, everyday procedure carried out by vets, but for pet owners it can be an understandably worrying time as it may be the first time your pet has been away from you and their home. It is also often the first time they have had an anaesthetic or surgical procedure. We are confident of the high quality of our care here, so we are placing a limited Neutering Wound Guarantee on our routine neutering surgeries. As far as we are aware, no other vet offers this complete peace of mind.
We have total confidence in our surgical techniques and post-operative care, so we give you this promise:
In the highly unlikely event that your pet has any wound complications as a direct result of their surgery, no matter how minor, you will not be charged for any treatment prescribed or undertaken by us to correct things. This guarantee is limited financially to the monetary value of the operation your pet undertook.
Our TopStart puppy and kitten packages are only valid for pets that are under a year old. No refunds can be given if full package not required. There will be separate terms and conditions for the five-week free insurance cover note which we are not party to but are between you and the insurance company.
Our Senior Dog and Cat packages are only valid for pets that are over the suggested ages stated, unless agreed with the Vet. One package may be taken per year, per pet. No refunds can be given if the full package is not required, and the price does not include additional treatment or follow up tests that may be required due to the findings. The package may or may not be covered by your insurance, dependent on several factors such as whether the pet is unwell, or a diagnosis made as a result. The 25% introductory offer is applicable when stated within the Practice.
Please ensure that you keep your contact details and communication preference updated with our Reception Team.
Our team are able to offer further assistance regarding your pet – please do not hesitate to speak to us.