S T Stead – Vets in York
Clinic Overview
S T Stead is an independent veterinary practice in York, founded in 1985 by Tim Stead (BVSc MRCVS). The clinic works by appointment and states that it offers a 24/7 emergency service, with on-site equipment including X-ray, ultrasound, laser, video endoscope and diathermy systems. It is also listed as a veterinary nurse training facility.
Services
- •Routine appointments and emergency care: The practice states that it provides appointment-based care alongside a 24/7 emergency service. Recent reviews include owners praising very quick responses in urgent dog cases.
- •Surgery and procedures: Reviews continue to highlight surgical work, including planned C-sections, treatment for an undescended or retained testicle, eye surgery, and ovarian treatment for guinea pigs. One recent owner also praised the removal of an eyelid skin tag during treatment.
- •Care for multiple species: Recent and earlier feedback points to treatment for dogs, cats and guinea pigs.
- •Diagnostics and equipment: The clinic lists X-ray, ultrasound, laser, video endoscope and diathermy systems on site.
- •Training role: The practice is stated to be a veterinary nurse training facility.
Pricing
A very limited amount of published pricing suggests the clinic may sit above average, but this is based on very few comparable services. Reviews give a mixed picture on cost: some owners say the fees were worth the travel or much lower than quotes from other vets, while others describe short consultations, medications or follow-up charges as unexpectedly expensive.
People
- •Tim Stead: Founder and vet at the practice. Reviews repeatedly describe him as direct, fast-moving and traditional in style; supporters value that approach and credit him with strong surgical outcomes, quick decision-making and particular understanding of bulldogs. Others describe the same manner much more negatively, saying appointments felt rushed and explanations were limited.
- •Reception and nursing team: While recent reviews do not name individual staff, owners often describe the support team as polite, helpful and friendly.
Reviews
Google rating: 4.2/5 from 477 reviews.
- •Many positive reviews praise quick, decisive treatment, especially in urgent situations, and several owners say they are willing to travel significant distances to use the practice.
- •Surgical care is a recurring strength in positive feedback, with recent examples including a C-section producing four healthy puppies and other owners praising outcomes after procedures.
- •Reviews continue to describe Tim Stead as straight to the point. Some owners see that as efficient and reassuring, while others find it abrupt or lacking warmth and explanation.
- •Cost and communication remain the main areas of criticism. Some reviewers feel the practice offers strong value compared with other clinics, while others report feeling rushed or unhappy with consultation and medication charges.

