Northvet

Welcome to Northvet

Northvet features 3 branch veterinary surgeries in Orkney, and covers all areas including the outer isles.

All of our surgeries have free parking on site and provide a 24 hour emergency service 365 days of the year.

Out of office hours please call us as normal and our dedicated emergency team will respond immediately.

Kirkwall Surgery

Northvet – 33 Junction Road, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1AG

In 1861 James Friskan was the first vet in Orkney, although he wasn’t qualified. The first qualified vet was Robert Thomson in 1891 .

There were various other veterinary surgeons over the years before Jimmy Walker became a partner in 1949. Albert Spence went into partnership with Jimmy Walker in 1966 and the business was renamed Walker & Spence.

Following the retirement of Jimmy and Albert, Walker and Spence became Northvet in 1989.

In 2006, along with most of Junction Road. Northvet was severely flooded. We spent 2 years in temporary premises before moving back into our brand new purpose built premises in July 2009.

Vaccination

Immunity is the body’s natural ability to fight infection. By vaccinating we expose animals to antigens (the part of the virus or bacteria that causes disease) so that they can mount an antibody response which protects them against the disease.

As long as the mother is immune, her offspring are usually protected during the first few weeks of life, thanks to the immunity passed through her milk. However, this immunity fades rapidly, leaving the offspring susceptible to disease within a few weeks. At this point, vaccination takes over to provide protection.    

Immunity to disease doesn’t last indefinitely and will gradually fade, leaving your pet at risk. Annual boosters are essential to maintain protection. You will be given a vaccination card that tells you when the next booster is due. Keep this card safe as you will need to bring it with you to each vaccination appointment. You will also need it if your pet ever has to go in to boarding kennels or cattery.

There is no satisfactory treatment for many of these serious diseases, which can kill your pet.

In the absence of vaccination, or if the interval between vaccinations is too great, your pet may be unprotected against fatal disease.