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Our Practice

Practice Awards and Accreditations

At Acorn House Vets, our mission is “To provide a high standard of first-opinion care in a friendly environment.”

We are proud to hold several accreditations awarded by external bodies. These awards specify a high standard of care, facilities and staff training and patient handling and help to reassure our clients that our entire team – vets, nurse, client care and administrative staff continue to strive for the highest standards, providing the quality of care and friendly service that our clients and their pets deserve.

RCVS Practice Standards Scheme Accreditation Awards

Acorn House is proud to have held the RCVS Small Animal Hospital award since 2005. The Hospital award represents the highest level of the accreditation scheme with rigorous requirements in all areas and recognises the complexity of cases managed and dedication to continuous learning and improvement by our team

Benefits to clients of an RCVS-accredited Small Animal Hospital

Confidence in the quality of care – Independent assessment by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) provides reassurance that the practice meets recognised standards for veterinary care and patient welfare.
Access to appropriate facilities and equipment – Hospital accreditation recognises that the practice meets specific standards for its facilities, equipment and services to support the care of small animals.
24-hour emergency care arrangements – Clients can have greater peace of mind knowing that Acorn House Veterinary Hospital provides 24-hour on-site care for hospitalised patients.
Appropriately trained staff – Helps ensure that the veterinary team has the relevant knowledge, skills and training for the work they undertake.
Standards for monitoring of hospitalised pets – Standards address the care, observation and monitoring of inpatients, including arrangements for patients staying overnight.
Clearer communication with clients – Emphasis on effective communication helps clients understand their pet’s condition, treatment options and ongoing care requirements.
Greater transparency about costs – Procedures for providing estimates help clients understand expected treatment costs and make informed decisions about their pet’s care.
Commitment to continuous improvement – Regular assessments and periodic spot checks help ensure the practice maintains its standards and identifies opportunities to improve.

International Cat Care – Cat Friendly Clinic Award

Acorn House Veterinary Hospital has held the Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation since 2016 and is the only veterinary practice in Bedford to hold the Gold award.

Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation – Acorn House Veterinary Hospital is proud to hold Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation, awarded through the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). This internationally recognised accreditation reflects our commitment to meeting the specific needs of cats through appropriate facilities, additional staff training and cat-friendly handling, helping us provide compassionate care tailored to our feline patients.

Benefits of using an ISFM Gold Cat Friendly Clinic in the UK

Less stress and anxiety for cats – We understand that visiting the vet can be a stressful experience for cats. At Acorn House Veterinary Hospital, we have created a separate cat waiting area with elevated resting places for cat carriers, helping cats feel safer and more comfortable while they wait for their appointment.
Gentle handling by a specially trained team – Our entire practice team has undertaken additional training in cat-friendly handling. We understand the importance of recognising signs of fear and anxiety and adapting our approach to each cat's individual needs. For nervous cats, gentle techniques, such as a snug towel wrap, can help them feel more secure during their visit.
A calm and comfortable environment during hospital stays – If your cat needs to stay with us for treatment or recovery, our dedicated cat ward provides a peaceful space away from the noise and smells of dogs. Our large kennels feature igloo-style beds, giving cats a comfortable place to rest. We also have a separate isolation ward to care for stray or infectious cats safely, and CCTV allows us to monitor our feline patients with minimal disturbance.
Practical advice tailored to cats – We know that caring for a cat can sometimes come with challenges, whether it is getting them into their carrier, administering medication or understanding changes in their behaviour. Our team can offer advice to help owners with these tricky challenges.
Please visit the following link to see more information about the scheme form International Cat care

https://icatcare.org/cat-friendly-clinic/for-owners-and-caregivers

Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association – Dog Friendly Vet Clinic Award

Acorn House Veterinary held the Dog Friendly Clinic Award since the scheme was launched in2023.

Many dogs find visits to the vet stressful, so creating a calm, comfortable and positive experience is an important part of supporting their welfare. The Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme helps veterinary teams develop their understanding of canine behaviour, recognise signs of anxiety and take steps to make visits less stressful for our canine patients.

Benefits to clients and their dogs of a dog friendly clinic

Less embarrassment if accidents happen – Dog-friendly clinics understand that nervous dogs may have toileting accidents in unfamiliar surroundings. Acorn House reassures owners that its team will clean up promptly, without judgement.

Practical options while waiting for appointments – Acorn House facilitates clients to wait outside where they have a small garden next to the client gazebo, or in their car if their dog is nervous or the waiting room is busy, helping make the visit more comfortable.

Support for long-term trust and confidence – Positive experiences can help dogs become more comfortable with future visits, supporting an ongoing relationship between the client, their dog and the veterinary team.

Better support for nervous dogs – A clinic that understands canine anxiety is well placed to recognise signs of stress and consider ways to make appointments more manageable.

This accreditation reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that Acorn House is a welcoming, supportive and dog friendly environment, where our patients can receive the care they need while feeling as safe and comfortable as possible.