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15 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Vets in Rugeley
We are an independent, small animal veterinary practice established in August 2011 by James Cadwallader BVSc MRCVS. Our team of qualified veterinary nurses and clinicians specialises in companion animal care, from dogs and cats to exotic pets. We prioritise high-standard veterinary care with value for money, offering services including annual vaccinations, orthopaedic surgeries, and dedicated pet wards.

Our facilities include separate waiting areas for dogs and cats to reduce stress, and we are located in Rugeley with accessible transport links. With over a decade of combined experience, our team is committed to animal health, preventative care, and compassionate client support.
Services
Consultations Neutering Microchipping Pet Passports Radiography Ultrasonography Laboratory Tests Chemotherapy Nursing Consultations Dentistry
Details
  • Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
  • We offer over a decade of experience in small animal veterinary care.
  • Our team includes qualified veterinary nurses and specialists in exotic pets.
  • We provide dedicated emergency cover through Pool House Veterinary Hospital.
  • Separate waiting areas for dogs and cats reduce pet stress during visits.
  • Modern facilities include digital radiography and advanced surgical equipment.
What people say
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Services
Consultations
Our consultations provide tailored health assessments for pets, ensuring early detection of issues and preventative care. Each session lasts at least 10 minutes, allowing thorough examination and discussion of concerns. Clients receive expert advice on nutrition, vaccinations, and long-term wellness plans.
Neutering
Neutering services improve pet health and reduce overpopulation. We offer pre-operative checks, pain management, and post-operative care. Procedures are performed under anaesthesia with nurse monitoring, ensuring safety and comfort for all animals.
Microchipping
Microchipping reunites lost pets with owners using a permanent identification method. The quick, minimally invasive procedure complies with UK law and the Pet Travel Scheme. We register chips on national databases and provide documentation for travel or ownership verification.
Radiography
Digital radiography enables rapid diagnosis of fractures, internal injuries, and chronic conditions. Our adjustable floating table ensures pet comfort during imaging. Results are available within minutes, with options to email images to specialists for second opinions.
Dentistry
Comprehensive dental services include cleanings, extractions, and oral surgery. We use advanced equipment for intraoral X-rays and periodontal treatments. Regular dental checks prevent systemic health issues and maintain oral hygiene for long-term pet wellness.
People
James Cadwallader
Proprietor
James graduated from Liverpool University and has 11 years' experience in small animal care. He founded Number 1 Vets in 2011 after locum work across the UK. His expertise includes orthopaedics and exotic pets, with a focus on community-based veterinary care.
Sam Boyce
Head Veterinary Nurse
Sam qualified in 2005 and has nursed animals from mice to alpacas. She specialises in rabbit care and veterinary education, holding assessor qualifications. Her clinical standards and compassion ensure high-quality nursing support for all patients.
Laura Hicks
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Laura trained at Pool House Veterinary Hospital and has six years' experience in surgical and emergency care. She supports student nurses as a Clinical Coach and holds advanced qualifications in pet diabetes and anaesthesia management.
Lisa Elliott
Veterinary Surgeon
Lisa graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2006 and gained a postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine. Her interests include internal medicine and ultrasonography, with 14 years' experience in Midlands practices.
Dinithri Jayawardena
Veterinary Surgeon
Dinithri joined Number 1 Vets in 2021 after locuming in New Zealand. She specialises in orthopaedic surgeries like TPLO and BOAS procedures. Her outdoor hobbies include hiking and scuba-diving, and she has a passion for surgical case management.
Questions
What services does Number 1 Vets offer?
We provide consultations, surgeries, dental care, microchipping, radiography, and emergency services. Our team also offers preventative care and specialist exotic pet treatment.
Do you offer emergency veterinary care?
Yes, our emergency service is managed by Pool House Veterinary Hospital in Lichfield, with 24/7 critical care specialists ensuring continuity of care.
Are your vets qualified?
All our veterinarians are MRCVS-registered, with postgraduate qualifications in areas like small animal medicine and ultrasonography, ensuring expert care for your pets.
Do you have facilities for exotic pets?
Yes, we treat exotic animals including rodents, rabbits, and reptiles, with dedicated wards and experienced clinicians specialising in their unique healthcare needs.
Reviews (5)
Gemma Lomas
Dec 21, 2021 Report
The staff here are friendly and tend to remember me and my dog which makes me feel more comfortable taking him in. I was wondering why he was getting excited to go to the vets and then I found out one of the girls there had been giving him treats when he went into the examination room without me- I like the fact that he goes off with the girls comfortably without worrying that I'm not with him.
Rachel Robinson
Nov 22, 2021 Report
Wish I'd found these guys earlier. My previous vets were less than helpful, charging for tablets unnecessarily without any kind of diagnosis. We met James and he was like a breath of fresh air. While it wasn't good news, James explained everything, in a way that I understood. Gave us a prescription of tablets that are actually of some help, and despite the long term outcome not looking good, I know we're in good hands. My previous vets of 8yrs plus, charged me 250, with no idea what was wrong, wanting a further 600 for tests.
150 today, for a consultation with a decent vet (and owner of
Mrs. B.
Nov 19, 2021 Report
DO NOT TAKE YOUR BELOVED PET TO THIS VETS....... If I could give zero stars I would! My poor cat Toby had been neutered and chipped on Monday 25th October. When I went to collect him the stupid and incompetent veterinary nurse hadn't locked the door on his carrier properly and he escaped as we left. Our poor boy was alone for nine days before he found his way home over a mile away. James is the most unprofessional and unemotional man ever, showing not one scrap of remorse or empathy for a situation they caused. Not once has he apologised or did he offer to help with the search for Toby. He reluctantly
Ezra Vernon
Nov 14, 2021 Report
I have been with number 1 for 9 and a half years with my beagle roxy and they have been amazing. She suffered a sudden tuma and from the moment of contact they were fantastic. Such friendly staff and brilliant care throughout. Thankyou for everything you did even down to the compassion showed by all staff during a very difficult time
Jason Goodhead
Apr 30, 2021 Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
Took 2 of my snakes to see James as they had a slight case of RI. James was able to check them over and confirm this and provide me with the correct medication. Great vets and staff are very helpful and friendly. Recommended