Passionate about being an independent practice and ensuring that she and her team treat clients’ pets as they do their own, Iris Kestemont has established a high standard of cost-effective, individualised care. 

Iris started the Peacock Veterinary Clinic with a team of five on 15 March 2021, welcoming patients of all shapes and sizes, but mainly dogs, cats, rabbits and other small, furry friends.  The latest team count is nineteen – and rising – as client numbers continue to grow.  Peacock Vets initially opened in the Martingate Centre, Corsham with a second practice which opened its doors at Borough Parade, Chippenham on 20 January 2025. 

“I always wanted to offer a local, independent practice with a personable and caring service.  By opening clinics conveniently situated in the two town centres, clients who don’t have transport of their own can more easily bring their pets for the care and treatment that they need”.

Some stand-out procedures over the past year

No two days are ever the same at the vet clinics.  Alongside standard vaccination and routine checks, pet travel services and parasite protection, Peacock Vets has carried out a number of routine surgeries, such as neutering, lump removals and dental procedures.  One poor pooch had to have sixteen teeth removed!  Other surgeries during the past year have included having to amputate a cat’s tail; another cat’s leg and two mini dachshunds had to have surgery as they had eaten a Croc shoe.  The shoe was approximately the size of them!  Thankfully, whilst the shoe was destroyed, the dogs made a full recovery.

Some of the other ‘mis-haps’ that have been treated have been a dog who had eaten a poo bag (which was full) and quite a few naughty dogs who’ve eaten mince pies, grapes and chocolate – all of which can be very harmful to dogs and may cause life-threatening illnesses.   Exploratory laparotomies are often needed  where the cause of problem isn’t known or to ascertain whether a mis-hap has occurred or not, such as when a cat was brought in having potentially eaten cling film. 

The team continue to involve clients as much as possible in what they do and love the ‘Pet walls’ at both clinics.  Gorgeous pets are showcased each month on Facebook and Instagram and the featured pet receives a certificate and a small treat. 

Specialist offerings

Clients at both clinics can access the specialist services of Peacock Vet’s pet behaviourist, Karen Arents Dip (CABT) Dist.  Karen is passionate about helping humans and pets work together to solve any behaviour issues that may arise.  She runs a desensitisation programme; ‘puppy parties’ to assist new puppy arrivals settle in and get used to other puppy pals as well as giving bespoke advice, training and handling guidance.

Additionally, Peacock Vet’s is proud to have holistic vet Veerle Dejonckheere MRCVS working with the team.  Veerle provides specialised complementary veterinary care including herbal medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic exercise programmes and chiropractic treatments. Working alongside the regular veterinary team, her integrative approach has helped many patients as well as those referred into her from other practices across the region.  Clients travel long distances for their pets to benefit from her expertise in complementary veterinary medicine. 

Both practices have a range of surgical equipment so patients don’t have to travel to receive the care they need, plus they both have air conditioning to ensure that the increasingly hot summer months are more bearable for furry patients.

What makes Peacock Vets stand out?

Continuing to be an active part of the communities they serve, Peacock Vets uses local providers wherever possible and regularly gets involved with local activities; collecting donations for the respective Food Banks and raising money for charities. 

Being independent and treating patients like they would their own pets, in a cost-effective way are regularly cited by clients as reasons for using Peacock Vets.  Iris commented:

“Our clients are the reason we do what we do, and we are extremely grateful to every one of our clients who have supported us over the past four years.  I’d like to give a special thanks to those who recommend us on social media.  The power of Facebook and Instagram have led many new clients to register with us.  Your words of praise for the work that we do and how we care for your animals always make me smile and means a lot.  Thank you for the past four years, and here’s to many more”.

Please drop in to say hello or contact us online.