Independent veterinary group, Harrison Family Vets, is set to open a new state-of-the-art practice in Callerton, Newcastle next month as part of a £400,000 investment that is creating six new jobs.

The new clinic, located at Unit 1, Callerton Rise, Carnation Way, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 1DH, will officially open on 8 June and is the group’s tenth practice nationwide, with an eleventh practice in Darlington also due to open later this year.

Founded in 2021, Harrison Family Vets has rapidly expanded across the UK with practices in Reading, Kingswinford, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Doncaster, Wigan, Leeds, Stoke and Sheffield, whilst maintaining its position as a family-owned and independent veterinary group - with three generations of the family all working in the business.

The Callerton practice will open with a six-strong team and has been designed around the company’s “Fear Free” approach to veterinary care, which focuses on reducing stress and anxiety for pets during visits.

Features include calming ambient lighting, dedicated pet waiting pods, separate dog and cat wards, and thoughtfully designed consultation spaces created to provide a more relaxed and reassuring experience for both pets and their owners. The practice also offers a pick-and-mix treat stand alongside a toy box where pets can choose their own reward, adding a warm and welcoming touch to every visit. The full range of services will include consultations, surgery, dental procedures and diagnostics, as well as preventative healthcare via its Total Wellness Plan.

Experienced vet, Claire McLean, will take on the role of Clinic Director later this year as the practice continues to grow. To celebrate the launch, the Callerton clinic is offering vaccinations for £15, including a full health check, for pets registered at the practice.

Tim Harrison, managing director of Harrison Family Vets, said: “This opening reflects continued demand for independent veterinary care in the region. This is our most Northern practice, and we’re delighted to be bringing Harrison Family Vets to Callerton. This is an important milestone for us as our tenth practice, and it continues our commitment to providing high quality veterinary care that is accessible, affordable and genuinely focused on the wellbeing of pets and their owners.

“As a family-run independent group, creating the right environment for both clients and colleagues is incredibly important to us. We’ve invested heavily in making the Callerton practice as welcoming and stress-free as possible and our Fear Free approach is central to that.

“We know that visiting the vets can be an anxious experience for many pets, so everything from the layout of the practice to the way our team interacts with pets has been carefully considered to reduce fear and create a calmer experience.

“Our continued expansion comes at a time when many smaller independent veterinary operators are facing increasing pressure from larger corporate groups, and we hope our unique approach will appeal to people in Callerton and the surrounding areas.”