The practice was first established in Hartlepool in 1950 with one veterinary surgeon. In the 1960s surgeries were opened in Billingham and Horden, and in 1980 our Sedgefield branch was opened. We were a mixed practice treating farm animals as well as domestic pets up until 2000, when we became a small animal practice only — looking after mainly dogs and cats but increasing numbers of small pets — rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and ferrets to name just a few. We now have a team of veterinary surgeons headed up by Clinical Director Peter Pighills.