It's just after lunchtime at Alsager Vets4Pets in Lawton Road and I am warmly welcomed into the practice by a team of friendly reception staff.

A smile and a warm welcome goes a long way to anyone visiting the vets with their pet as I know forwell. A dog owner, I know first-hand how important a warm welcome is to put the pet owner at ease.

The sun is shining and pet owners are sitting comfortably in the reception area of Vets4Pets Alsager, whose website is here with their animals, waiting for their appointment in what is renowned as one of the town's most popular practices.

Carl May is Vets4Pets Alsager's owner and has a long-held passion for animals in a career which spans several decades as we explained in a previous article here . The practice is the UK's first-ever autism friendly vet practice to name just one accolade. 

After undergoing specialist training from the National Autism Society, the Lawton Road practice is now able to provide a supportive environment, tailored to the needs of people who are neurodivergent. 

The calm, friendly atmosphere is evident both in reception and with the staff who provide first-class care and treatment for all animals in their care.

One dog was recovering from a procedure to do X-rays on its hips and knee as it was having intermittent trouble walking.

"We don't know yet what we will do but with the help of X-Rays we can look at what's going on and make an informed decision," said Carl.

Vets4Pets Alsager is the UK's first-ever autism friendly vet practice. (Photo: Nub News)

Carl's career in the veterinary world began as a child and has included a stint in New Zealand as well as working nearer to home in Stoke-onTrent.

"He may need a hip replacement or medication for his hips. We just don't know until we have analysed the X-Rays."

In another kennel, a golden coloured male Labrador was coming round after being castrated. He too looked happy and content, waiting for collection by their owner.

Carl added: "He's two years and nine months old. Castration helps with so many things, including preventing testicular tumours and prostrate cancer."

An average day for procedures at Vets4Pets in Alsager could mean vaccinations, sick pet work and ear or anal gland problems.

"We have routine procedures but we will also get emergency cases," said Carl. "Every day is different which makes the job so enjoyable."

The rooms are spotlishly clean and staff are writing up their notes and getting ready for the next day's work, noting tomorrow's operations on a white board, similar to what you would find in a hospital environment.

Carl is often at the practice until 7 pm (if he's lucky), often starting at 7.30 am in the monring and says the saddest part of the job is when owners have to say goodbye to their pets.

"My own dogs have given me so much and I know how much it hurts when a pet dies. They are very much part of a family," he added.

And although that day's operating procedures might well be over, Carl, who employs four vets, is busy preparing for tomorrow's work which will include bereavement counselling.

"It is hard coming to terms with a pet's death and we offer aftercare following a pet loss. Pet counselling can be offered to help with bereavement which is a difficult time for owners."

Carl has trained in pet counselling and it's a service which he offers personally.

"Although it's a natural thing to happen, pet owners often feel guilt and need reassurance. It's never easy losing a pet."

Vets4Pets can be contacted by calling 01270 871810 or through their website here or Facebook page here

Alsager Nub News is proud that Vets for Pets Alsager is a sponsor of our news service as we revealed in our article here 

It is thanks to the generosity of organisations like Vets for Pets Alsager that we can continue our mission to revive local news, both in Alsager and across the UK.   

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Alsager Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.