FIRST look pictures have been released of a recently renovated state-of-the-art veterinary surgery in West Kirby.

Acorn Veterinary Centre, run by Willows Veterinary Group is set to open its doors later on this month.

A huge transformation took place in Acacia Grove which saw former buildings, which once housed a family printing firm, demolished to make way for an ultra-modern glass-fronted 3,000 sq ft building.

This new structure will house specialist equipment and pet accommodation.

The new practice will have three consultation rooms, a double theatre and an imagery suite which will house X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy and ECG equipment.

There will be a designated feline and canine dental theatre which will have its own digital dental X-ray system and wards for cats, dogs, other small animals and exotics.

Wirral Globe:

Head vet Tom McGowan with four-legged patient

Head vet Tom McGowan, from Heswall, said: “We have a lot of very loyal clients who entrust us with the care of their pets because they like the friendliness of the staff and our high levels of care it will be fantastic to be able to continue this in such brilliant facilities.

“We are basically taking our very up-to-date service and making sure we have a facility to match which staff can feel proud to call their place of work and our clients will be impressed by and feel comfortable in when they visit.

“It is airy and very modern with high ceilings and skylights which let in lots of natural light.

"I am delighted with the finished building and we cannot wait to start treating and caring for our patients there.

“In the dog ward, there is room for 14 dogs including three walk-in kennels designed with the comfort of larger dogs in mind.

“In the cat ward, we have international cat standard approved accommodation which means there are features like a hutch inside where the cat can go to hide themselves away.

"They are made from polymer with glass doors which means they are much quieter because research has shown how metal cages with their constant clanging can be very stressful for the cat.

“There are also designated wards for smaller animals such as rabbits and also exotic pets and it is important to provide this to help keep stress levels for each individual pet low by keeping the various different animals very separate from one another.

“We have installed CCTV throughout so we can monitor the animals from anywhere in the building.”