Kelso vets mark 25th milestone with a tea party

Raising their cups at the celebration at Robert Young Vets in Inch Road were vets Robert Young and Ann Anderson, who are also marking their workplace silver anniversary.

Robert founded the practice in 1995 and recruited Ann as his first employee, and together the pair have been familiar faces at the practice, where they have looked after thousands of cats, dogs and other small animals.

During that time, the practice has handled some of the biggest challenges in the veterinary profession, including the introduction of pet passports for cats and dogs, the compulsory microchipping of dogs, a novel disease affecting pet rabbits, and gearing up pets to travel to Europe following Brexit and Covid-19 restrictions.

The practice’s services, equipment and facilities have changed considerably over the last 25 years, with digital x-ray machines, in-house laboratory to measure organ function and blood counts, dental equipment with an ultra-sonic scaler and polisher and a high-tech monitor for patients undergoing general anaesthesia.

They also now offer physiotherapy and acupuncture and the main surgery in Kelso underwent extensive changes in 2015, with a new dedicated operating theatre, two consulting rooms, a dispensary and a bigger waiting room.

Ann is set to retire in January, but Robert plans to continue working at the practice, which opened a second branch in Earlston in 2005.

They are not the only long-serving employees at Robert Young Vets as dog groomer and nurse Joan Black has worked there for more than 20 years and vet Janet McRitchie has been at the practice for 15 years.

Robert put the longevity of his team down to enjoying the variety of work and having a loyal client base.

He said: “We are now seeing different generations of clients as children who accompanied their parents with their pets now have a family and pets of their own.

“We also see so many pets right throughout their lifetime, from coming in as puppies or kittens for their vaccinations right through to end-of-life care.

“The practice has been the focal point of the community we serve for 25 years and we hope that will continue for a long time to come.

“Many clients have expressed how sorry they are that Ann will be retiring as she is well-known and well-liked by pet owners, thanks to her care and experience.”

Robert Young Vets, which is part of VetPartners, plans to recruit a new vet in 2021.