A north Norfolk veterinary practice for pets and exotic animals is celebrating 10 years of helping weird and wonderful animals.

Dr Faye Bethell, director and veterinary surgeon of Toll Barn Vets, in North Walsham opened the surgery on January 27, 2014, with her family and one other vet.

Now, Toll Barn Veterinary Centre has a team of 27 surgeons and nurses who offer 24-hour care for emergency cases.

One year after opening, the practice - off Norwich Road, south of the town - went viral online in January 2015 for operating to save a constipated goldfish which a customer paid £300 for.

Eastern Daily Press: The goldfish operated on by Toll Barn vets in 2015The goldfish operated on by Toll Barn vets in 2015 (Image: Toll Barn Veterinary Centre)

Faye had “never done a procedure like that on a goldfish” but has since worked on some interesting cases including “CT scanning alligators and sloths and ultrasound scanning giraffes”.

She added: “Without a doubt, our proudest moments are always when we see exceptionally poorly pets make a full recovery and go home with their owners.”

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However, it has not all been plain sailing for the team, particularly during the pandemic.

Eastern Daily Press: Some of the Toll Barn Veterinary Centre team Some of the Toll Barn Veterinary Centre team (Image: Toll Barn Veterinary Centre)

Faye said: “Covid-19 was one of the hardest points since our opening. It is wonderful to be able to welcome clients and patients back into the practice and regain that personal touch.”

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The team had a successful end to 2023 with new services, new machines and the introduction of evening consultations, and they are anticipating an exciting year ahead. 

Eastern Daily Press: Dr Faye Bethall with Laser the dogDr Faye Bethall with Laser the dog (Image: Toll Barn Veterinary Centre)

Nola Bethell, Faye’s mother and the practice manager at Toll Barn Vets, has plans in place for a celebration and has ordered a cake for their staff. 

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Now attentions are fixed on continuing their success for another decade.

Eastern Daily Press: A mouse gets an ultrasound scan at Toll BarnA mouse gets an ultrasound scan at Toll Barn (Image: Toll Barn Veterinary Centre)

Faye said: “We will focus on continuing to offer our patients and our clients the highest standards of care possible.

"As for exactly what those plans are, well, you'll have to keep watching!”

Eastern Daily Press: Toll Barn Veterinary Centre in North Walsham treats pets and exotic animalsToll Barn Veterinary Centre in North Walsham treats pets and exotic animals (Image: Toll Barn Veterinary Centre)