Penny recovering after her operation at Harrison Family Vets in Callerton
Newly Opened Veterinary Practice Reveals North East Dog Owners Are Crazy For Cockapoos
4 days ago 
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A newly opened independent veterinary practice near Newcastle is reporting that the North East is the UK’s Cockapoo capital after an unusually high number of the crossbreed were among its first wave of clients.
Harrison Family Vets opened its latest practice earlier this month at Callerton Rise on Carnation Way following a £400,000 investment that has initially created six new jobs.
Hundreds of dogs, cats and other pets have already been registered with Harrison Family Vets in Callerton. Early data from the practice shows that almost 10% of all dogs seen so far have been Cockapoos, which is the popular crossbreed of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.
The figure is almost double the proportion seen across Harrison Family Vets’ other nine practices in Reading, Kingswinford, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Doncaster, Wigan, Leeds, Stoke and Sheffield. Famous Cockapoo owners include Barack Obama and Lady Gaga.
The very first pet to visit the new practice was a Cockapoo called Penny, who attended with her owners, Christian and Andrew Houlis who live locally.
Amelia Battersby, from Harrison Family Vets, said: “Penny was the first client we welcomed through our doors and, since then, hundreds more local pet owners have registered with us, but the number of Cockapoos we are seeing has really stood out.
“Just over 5% of all the dogs we care for across our practices are Cockapoos, making them an extremely popular breed, but it’s double this number in Callerton. However, it’s easy to understand why they are so popular with their trademark curly coats and affectionate personalities.”
Amelia added: “We are looking forward to meeting many more Cockapoos, along with lots of other breeds and species from across the local area, as our new practice continues to grow.
“We knew there was demand for affordable, high-quality independent veterinary care in a welcoming and stress-free environment. The fact that so many pet owners have already chosen to register with us, and entrust us to care for pets, is a wonderful endorsement of what we’re trying to achieve.”
Christian Houlis said: “Our Cockapoo, Penny, was spayed at Harrison Family Vets at Callerton. The staff at this new practice were great. They explained the process and took the time to understand Penny's character, so that they were able to put her at ease. The aftercare has been great too. With follow up appointments to check her healing and progress. Again, the staff have been excellent. Professional and friendly, explaining what to expect and how to use the medication.
“They made Penny so comfortable and welcome that she wants to keep calling in when we go for a walk!”
The Callerton practice 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 intended to create a more relaxed experience for both pets and their owners. The practice also offers a pick-and-mix treat stand and toy box where pets can choose their own reward.
Services include consultations, surgery, dental procedures and diagnostics, alongside preventative healthcare through the practice's Total Wellness Plan.
Harrison Family Vets will also open an eleventh practice in Darlington later this year. For more information, visit www.harrisonfamilyvets.co.uk.
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