A BRAND new state-of-the-art veterinary clinic is set to open in Kendal later this year.

Builders have been busy at work creating the Highgate @ Beezon Road facility ready for it opening in early March.

"With our recent growth and increase in services we have outgrown our Highgate site and would not be able to gain the space we need by an extension of the Highgate building," said veterinary nurse Elizabeth Mason.

"A space within an industrial unit on Beezon Road has been built to our own specification to create a veterinary surgery to match our clients, patients and own requirements.

"The new location offers much improved parking with allocated spaces. Also, the proximity to Kendal train station will allow clients from Oxenholme, Staveley and Windermere to reach us more easily by rail too."

The Beezon Road site will feature three consulting rooms, full operating facilities and separate dog and cat wards.

It will also include a dedicated space for dental health procedures.

Elizabeth said the new dental health facility "will allow the operations to be carried out earlier in the day, meaning that when appropriate, patients will be able to return home sooner than we are currently able to offer."

The plans have been carefully designed to take into account all animals - but particularly cats.

"Being put in a box and brought to the vets can be quite stressful for cats so we want to do whatever we can to reduce that impact," said Elizabeth.

"As a result, we have created a cat-only waiting space, consulting room and cattery to limit cats from coming into contact with the sight and smells of dogs."

Highgate will remain the main centre for complicated surgery, orthopaedics and imaging.

Established in 1949 by John Geary, Highgate Vets provides a service for pets from across all of South Lakeland.