Veterinary Clinics
Special Friends Animal Medical Centre
79-81 Poplar Road, Redditch B97 6NY
Overview
Special Friends Animal Medical Centre is a veterinary practice located in Redditch, Worcestershire. Based at 79-81 Poplar Road, the centre provides comprehensive veterinary care and medical services for a range of animals, with a particular focus on small animal and exotic pet medicine. The practice is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare to pets and their owners within the local community and surrounding areas.
The centre offers services including routine health checks, vaccinations, surgical procedures, emergency care, and specialist treatments. The experienced veterinary team provides compassionate care whilst maintaining professional standards across all aspects of animal medicine. The practice caters to various species and aims to build long-term relationships with pet owners by providing ongoing health management and preventative care advice.
Special Friends Animal Medical Centre is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of animals whilst supporting responsible pet ownership in Redditch. The practice welcomes new patients and operates during extended hours to accommodate working pet owners seeking accessible veterinary services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Special Friends Animal Medical Centre in Redditch provides veterinary services which may include routine health checks, vaccinations, neutering and spaying, dental care, microchipping, diagnostic imaging (X-ray, ultrasound), laboratory testing, surgery, emergency and out-of-hours care, prescription diets and medication, and end-of-life care. Contact the service for a full list of services.
You can register your pet at Special Friends Animal Medical Centre by calling the service, visiting the practice, or registering online. Registration is usually free. You will be asked for your contact details, your pet's name, species, breed, age, and any known medical history. A new patient health check may be offered or recommended. You do not need to live within a specific area to register.
If your pet has a life-threatening emergency, call Special Friends Animal Medical Centre on the service immediately during opening hours. Outside opening hours, the answering machine or website will direct you to the nearest emergency or out-of-hours veterinary service. Signs of a pet emergency include difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, severe bleeding, suspected poisoning, bloated abdomen, inability to urinate, and trauma from a road accident.
Veterinary consultation fees at Special Friends Animal Medical Centre vary. A standard consultation typically costs £30-60. Emergency and out-of-hours consultations are more expensive. Diagnostic tests, medications, and treatments are charged separately. Special Friends Animal Medical Centre can provide an estimate before treatment. Pet insurance can help cover unexpected veterinary costs — ask about recommended insurance providers.
Yes, Special Friends Animal Medical Centre provides neutering (spaying for females, castration for males) for dogs, cats, and rabbits. Neutering prevents unwanted litters, reduces the risk of certain cancers and infections, and can improve behaviour. The recommended age varies by species and breed — your vet at Special Friends Animal Medical Centre will advise. Neutering is a routine day procedure performed under general anaesthetic.
Special Friends Animal Medical Centre may treat exotic pets including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, reptiles (snakes, lizards, tortoises), birds, and fish. Not all vets are experienced with exotic species, so call the service to check if Special Friends Animal Medical Centre can treat your particular pet. Specialist exotic vets may be available by referral if your pet needs advanced care.
Yes, Special Friends Animal Medical Centre provides microchipping for dogs, cats, and other pets. Microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs in England. A tiny chip is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades — the procedure is quick and similar to a vaccination. The chip contains a unique number linked to your contact details on a national database. Keep your details updated if you move or change phone number.
Special Friends Animal Medical Centre provides compassionate end-of-life care including quality of life assessments, pain management, and euthanasia when the time comes. The decision to say goodbye is never easy — your vet at Special Friends Animal Medical Centre will guide you with honesty and sensitivity. Home euthanasia visits may be available so your pet can pass peacefully in familiar surroundings. Cremation and memorial services can be arranged. Grief support resources are available.
Special Friends Animal Medical Centre may provide their own out-of-hours emergency service or partner with a dedicated emergency veterinary provider. Emergency fees are typically higher than standard consultations. Contact the service outside opening hours — the recorded message will direct you to the emergency service. Common emergencies include road traffic accidents, poisoning, breathing difficulties, and whelping complications.
Special Friends Animal Medical Centre may offer a monthly pet health plan that spreads the cost of routine preventive care including annual vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, annual health checks, and sometimes discounts on other services. Plans typically cost £10-20 per month and can save money compared to paying for each item separately. Ask the service for plan details.
Yes, Special Friends Animal Medical Centre offers pet dental care including dental check-ups, professional dental cleaning (scale and polish under general anaesthetic), tooth extractions, and dental X-rays. Dental disease is very common in pets — by age 3, most dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease. Signs include bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling, and pawing at the mouth. Regular dental checks are recommended.
Special Friends Animal Medical Centre may offer starter packages for new puppies and kittens that include the primary vaccination course, a health check, microchipping, flea and worm treatment, and advice on nutrition, training, and socialisation. These packages offer good value and ensure your new pet gets the best start. Call the service to book a new pet registration.
Yes, Special Friends Animal Medical Centre can prescribe medications for your pet. You can also request a written prescription to purchase medication from a pet pharmacy or online retailer, which may be cheaper. A prescription fee applies. Prescription-only medicines must be dispensed by a vet or pharmacist. Ongoing medications (e.g. for arthritis or thyroid conditions) can be set up as repeat prescriptions.
Yes, Special Friends Animal Medical Centre provides vaccinations for dogs, cats, and rabbits. Core dog vaccinations protect against distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and leptospirosis. Core cat vaccinations cover feline parvovirus, calicivirus, and herpesvirus. Rabbit vaccinations protect against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). Puppies and kittens need a primary course, followed by annual boosters. Contact the service to book.