Top rated vets in Devon
Devon is a big county to cover with one vet list — Exeter and the M5 corridor have the densest cluster of practices, but North Devon around Barnstaple and Bideford, and the South Hams near Kingsbridge, both have their own well-established options too. Wherever you’re based, having a trusted vet nearby is essential for your pet’s health and happiness. It is one of the first things to sort out if you have just adopted from a Devon rescue. It also helps to know what’s worth a vet visit and what isn’t. Here’s a list of the top 10 vets in Devon, complete with contact details and Google Maps links, to help you choose the perfect practice for your furry, feathered, or scaly friend. Visit complete databes of vets in the UK.
1. St David’s Veterinary Group – Exeter
Address: St David’s Station, Exeter EX4 4NT
Phone: +44 1392271221
St David’s Veterinary Group is one of Exeter’s most renowned practices, offering advanced diagnostics, surgeries, and preventive care. Their dedicated team ensures pets get the attention they deserve.
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2. Woodlands Veterinary Group – Ivybridge
Address: 3-5 Woodland Rd, Ivybridge PL21 9HQ
Phone: +44 1752 690999
Woodlands Veterinary Group is known for its warm, community-focused care. They provide services ranging from routine health checks to emergency treatments for pets of all kinds.
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3. Torbridge Veterinary Group – Bideford
Address: 69 High St, Bideford EX39 2AT
Phone: +44 1237 472075
Torbridge is a long-established practice in North Devon. Their Bideford branch offers comprehensive veterinary care, including dentistry, diagnostics, and surgery.
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4. South Moor Vets – Kingsbridge
Address: 31 Wallingford Rd, Kingsbridge TQ7 1NF
Phone: +44 1548 853322
South Moor Vets is a trusted name in South Devon, with a focus on personalised care. Their Kingsbridge practice is well-equipped for routine and advanced treatments.
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5. Greenbay Vets – Torquay
Address: 6-8 Walnut Rd, Torquay TQ2 6HS
Phone: +44 1803 606059
Greenbay Vets is highly regarded for its professional approach and modern facilities. Located in Torquay, they provide services for both small animals and exotic pets.
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6. CityVets – Exeter (Heavitree Branch)
Address: 101 Buddle Ln, Exeter EX4 1DL
Phone: +44 1392 250066
CityVets is a multi-branch practice known for exceptional care and customer service. Their Heavitree branch specialises in small animal care, with an emphasis on preventive medicine.
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7. Ark Vets-Pinhoe
Address: Unit 3, Sandpiper Court, Harrington Ln, Pinhoe, Exeter EX4 8NS
Phone: +44 1392469770
Ark Vets in Pinhoe is a favourite among pet owners in the area. Their experienced team provides a wide range of services, including vaccinations, surgeries, and emergency care.
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8. North Park Veterinary Group – Holsworthy
Address: Sanders Ln, Holsworthy EX22 6HE
Phone: +44 1409 255549
North Park Veterinary Group has been serving the Devon community for years. Their Holsworthy practice offers both pet and farm animal care, making it a versatile choice.
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9. Charter Veterinary Hospital – Barnstaple
Address: Charter Court, Roundswell Business Park, Roundswell, Barnstaple EX31 3FG
Phone: +44 1271 371115
Charter Vets in Barnstaple is a well-established practice offering advanced diagnostics and treatment options. Their caring staff makes every visit a positive experience for your pet.
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10. Dart Vale Veterinary Group – Totnes
Address: Station Rd, Totnes TQ9 5JR
Phone: +44 1803 862142
Dart Vale is known for its friendly approach and commitment to animal welfare. Their Totnes branch provides excellent care, from routine check-ups to emergency procedures.
View on Google Maps
Tips for Finding the Best Vet in Devon
- Factor in Devon’s distances: this is a genuinely large county, so check drive time rather than assuming the nearest pin on the map is quickest.
- Check what’s actually on offer: some practices specialise, whether that’s exotics or farm work, so confirm they cover what you need.
- Ask other dog owners nearby: a recommendation from someone local usually beats a review score.
- Look at their in-house kit: modern diagnostics on site mean fewer trips elsewhere for anything beyond routine care.
- See how it feels for your dog: a relaxed, unhurried practice tends to make visits easier all round.
Finding the Right Vet in Devon
Ten practices across a county this size, from Exeter out to Barnstaple and Kingsbridge, means most of Devon has somewhere reasonably close, though it’s worth registering before you actually need to test that theory. Part of keeping a dog well is getting them out and about too — here are Devon’s best dog swimming spots. And if something turns out to be behavioural rather than medical, your vet is still the right first call to rule out pain, and one of the Devon dog trainers we list can take it from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my dog’s first vet appointment?
Bring any vaccination records or a previous vet’s history if you have them, details of your dog’s microchip, and a list of any medication they’re on. It’s also handy to jot down anything that’s been bothering you, so you don’t forget once you’re in the room.
Do I need a referral to see a veterinary specialist?
Usually, yes — specialists such as orthopaedic or dermatology vets typically only see patients referred by their regular vet, who’ll pass on your dog’s history and the reason for referral. If you think your dog needs specialist input, raise it with your usual vet first.
How do I find an emergency vet in Devon if I’m not registered anywhere?
You can still be seen — most emergency vets will treat unregistered animals, though it may cost more than being with a registered practice. A quick search for “24-hour emergency vet” plus your town will usually bring up options nearby. Speak to whoever answers about what’s actually needed before you set off.
What should I do if my dog needs urgent care outside normal hours?
Ring your usual practice’s number even if it’s shut — most have a recorded message pointing you to their out-of-hours cover or a nearby emergency vet. It’s worth saving that number in your phone now, so you’re not hunting for it at 2am. If you’re not sure whether it’s urgent, call and ask rather than wait and see.
Does an emergency vet visit cost more than a routine one?
Generally yes — emergency and out-of-hours appointments tend to cost noticeably more than a routine daytime visit, since they’re often run through a separate emergency service. Prices vary a lot by practice and by what treatment your dog needs, so ask for an estimate upfront if you can. Speak to your vet directly for exact costs.
