Acorn House Pets Column

WHO OWNS Acorn House Veterinary Hospital?

Acorn House Veterinary Hospital has been at its present site in Brickhill for 24 years, and was located on D’Parys Avenue in Bedford for many years prior to that. Initially a mixed farm and small animal practice, the hospital has focused on small animals since 2017.

In 2018 Acorn House Veterinary Hospital was acquired by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). The RVC is ranked as the top veterinary school in the world (QS World University Rankings) and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences. Although Acorn House continues to operate as an independent practice, veterinary students from the RVC observe how the practice works by attending placements at the practice. The RVC felt that Acorn House had the right facilities, experience and ethos to take on this flagship role for their students.

What is the benefit for Acorn House and its clients?

Acorn House staff have access to the specialist vet services, knowledge, research and training available at the RVC so they can work to a high standard and develop further experience and qualifications in the areas that interest them.

Because Acorn House is owned by a prestigious educational establishment, clients can be reassured that veterinary knowledge and best practice are the top priority for the team treating their pets. For tricky cases, advice can be sought from specialists at the RVC and patients requiring advanced inpatient care can be referred to the RVC Queen Mother Hospital.

Who runs Acorn House?

The Practice Principal of Acorn House is Katharine Nelson, who has been a veterinary surgeon at the practice since 2003 and is recognised by the RCVS as an Advanced Veterinary Practitioner in both Small Animal Surgery and Companion Animal Behaviour. The Deputy Principal is Gaynor Dudley, who was previously one of the practice partners and is responsible for the non-clinical parts of the business. They are supported by Vice Principal Rosie Theakston (who has worked as a veterinary surgeon at Acorn House for 24 years and holds a PgCert in Veterinary Education), Head Nurse Kerry Skinner (who holds a Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing and a certificate in Emergency and Critical Care and joined Acorn House in 2001) and Paul Harris-McCulloch, the Practice Manager (Paul holds a Certificate in Education and a Higher National Certificate in Business and began his veterinary career at Acorn House in 1998).

HELP WOODGREEN PROVIDE MIRACLES FOR HOMELESS PETS

Woodgreen rehomes thousands of pets every year. With more and more being handed in due to the cost of living crisis, the charity is appealing for local volunteers who can offer their hearts and homes to a temporary furry friend.

Fostering is a hugely rewarding way to help pets in need – meaning you can enjoy their company without the long-term commitment and without the price tag. It doesn’t cost you a penny! When you become a volunteer foster carer, Woodgreen will provide everything you need and cover all expenses, as well as providing you with full training and roundthe-clock support. You’ll make friends with the volunteers that are already enjoying fostering too.

You can apply to foster dogs, cats and/or small pets (like rabbits and guinea pigs), and take care of them until they find a loving new home. This could take weeks or months, but Woodgreen are flexible around holidays and any commitments you have. Some pets might be recovering from operations, be pregnant or too young to rehome, need further training and support, or just feel happier in a home environment. By opening your door to a homeless pet, it will make space for Woodgreen to help another pet who needs them.

The pets looking for fosterers are best suited to homes without any other animals or small children, but anyone can volunteer – whether you’re an experienced pet owner or you’ve never had a pet. All Woodgreen asks is that you’re aged over 18, you live within 40 minutes of the charity’s centre in Cambridgeshire, and you have the time and love to give to pets like Midge and Freddie (above). To find out more and to apply, please visit

woodgreen.org.uk/foster

Could you Could you foster a pet foster a pet like Midge? like Midge?

We give our residents the very best care, but there’s no place like home. We give our residents the very best care, but there’s no place like home.

If you can open your door to a pet in need, visit woodgreen.org.uk/foster If you can open your door to a pet in need, visit woodgreen.org.uk/foster

Woodgreen Pets Charity Woodgreen Pets Charity Registered Charity Number 298348 01412KS1222 Registered Charity Number 298348 01412KS1222