About us

Pet owners and farmers benefit from our trusted, personal service

Our branches in Arklow, Rathdrum and Tinahely are here to help you take care of your family pets, whether small or large.

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Your trusted vets in County Wicklow, available 24/7

Established in 1968 by local vet Peter Sheehan, our practice has expanded over the years, while staying true to our core values of providing personal services tailored to you and your animals.

All of our sites are equipped with modern facilities and equipment, allowing us to provide high standard care to our patients in Wicklow, Carlow and Wexford.

Treating your pets like part of our family

Our experienced team offers a host of routine services for pets, alongside 24-hour emergency care.

As pet owners ourselves, we understand how worrying it can be when they become unwell.

That’s why we treat every patient with compassion, helping them feel at ease while providing continuity of care throughout their treatment and recovery.

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Tailored support for your farm

Make the most of our complete farm veterinary service, including routine visits, fertility visits, herd health programmes and 24-hour emergency call-outs.

We cover a wide range of species including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and camelids.

Our team is always happy to discuss your individual requirements and develop bespoke plans to suit your needs.

Farm

Get in touch

Feel free to pop in to a branch for a friendly chat – we’re here to help!

Pet Health Plan

Support your pet’s health and make potential savings.

Pet Health Plan

Pet services

Find out more about our personal, compassionate services for your pet.

Pets

Farm services

Get advice and support on all aspects of your animals’ care.

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FAQs

What areas does Avondale Veterinary cover?

Avondale Veterinary has branches in Arklow, Rathdrum and Tinahely and caters to pets and farm animals across Wicklow, Carlow and Wexford.

Does my pet need a dental appointment?

Yes. Routine dental examinations help us to detect early signs of dental disease in dogs, cats and rabbits. When your pets visit us we will routinely undergo a full clinical examination, which includes looking inside their mouths and at their teeth. We can also show you how to take care of your pet’s teeth at home through regular brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste.

Learn more at VetPartners.co.uk

What vaccinations does my dog need?

Dogs should have core vaccinations to protect against four contagious, potentially life-threatening diseases: canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis. To stay protected against these diseases, dogs will need a primary course of vaccinations and then regular boosters throughout their adult life, typically every year.

We may also recommend additional vaccinations based on your dog’s lifestyle, such as the kennel cough or rabies vaccines.

Learn more at VetPartners.co.uk

What vaccinations does my cat need?

Cats typically need core vaccines against herpes virus, calicivirus, infectious enteritis, and leukaemia, with annual boosters given to maintain protection. We may also suggest additional vaccines depending on your cat’s lifestyle and risk.

Learn more at VetPartners.co.uk

Is microchipping necessary?

Yes. In Ireland, microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped and registered under a microchipping database by the age of 12 weeks. We also strongly recommend that cats are microchipped. Get in touch to book a microchipping appointment for your pet.

Learn more at VetPartners.co.uk

Do I need pet insurance?

We strongly recommend having pet insurance in place. If your pet develops a serious or long-term condition or has an accident, the care they need may involve higher costs. Planning for meeting these costs will give you peace of mind that you are able to give your pet veterinary care when needed. For general advice on pet insurance policies, please get in touch.

What happens when a pet is put to sleep?

Putting your pet to sleep, or euthanasia, is a difficult decision, and we understand how challenging it can be to know when it is the “right time”.

You will be asked to sign a consent form that includes details of your wishes for your pet’s aftercare. The exact process will vary depending on your vet, your pet’s individual needs and any medical conditions they may have. Our priority is always to ensure the process is as peaceful, gentle and stress-free as possible for you and your pet.

When you are ready, euthanasia is performed by administering an injection that stops your pet’s heart. This is painless, with your pet feeling as though they are falling asleep. Once your pet has passed away, we will give you time to say goodbye in private.

Find further support at compassionunderstood.com