The Barton Veterinary Surgery was founded by James Crowhurst MRCVS of Bodmin in Lower Bridge Street , Canterbury in 1890. He worked in Canterbury for some thirty years establishing himself in civic and professional life. He was founder president of the South Easterns Veterinary Association in 1911. During this period unqualified veterinary practice was common and a number of such practionners existed in and around the city. The son of one of these, George Dunkin qualified at the Royal Veterinary College, London in 1912 and served with distinction in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in the First World War. After the war he joined the Medical Research Council and among other work helped to develop the first canine distemper vaccine – the Landlaw –Dunkin vaccine. He remained with the MRC throughout his life and died in 1943.
James Crowhurst died in 1921 and was succeeded by James G Cattwell MRCVS DVSM who had previously spent some years in the Indian Civil Veterinary Service. The practice buildings were now in Upper Chantry Lane but in 1928 James Cattwell moved to the new premises at 34 New Dover Road, which he had built.
In 1946 he was joined by George S Peyton MRCVS who had practised in Tunbridge Wells prior to the Second World War. In 1947 James Cattwell retired and George Peyton took over and developed the practice with the help of qualified assistants. In 1956 Norman G fowler FRCVS Dip Bac DVR and Derek A Evans MRCVS who had been working as assistants became partners with George Peyton. The practice grew, the premises were enlarged and in 1967 it was recognised as a Veterinary Hospital by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. In that year George Peyton retired, leaving Norman Fowler and Derek Evans as principals.
Sidney J Foster BVSc MRCVS and Richard A Wickham BVetMed MRCVS who had been working in the practice for some years became partners in 1970.
The Barton Veterinary Hospital is still the only Tier 3 recognised Hospital in Canterbury and surrounding area.
It has always been our philosophy to provide first class facilities and treatment, combined with a traditional and friendly service. To this end, we have always invested in new equipment and the highest quality staff.
The experienced team of veterinary surgeons, nurses and support staff provide the very best care for your pets. There are currently seven vets working at the hospital, all knowledgeable and experienced in medicine and surgery, some highly specialised, all known for their ability to communicate sympathetically with the client. All vets regularly attend continuing education courses and seminars to keep up to date with developments in diagnosis and treatment.
