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It is always important to build up a good relationship between a vet and the animal client, and at Pilgrims Veterinary Clinic the animal often comes out smiling.

Pilgrims, in Essex Road, Dartford, was founded in 1999 by Graham Hines, and was initially housed in a small shop unit in the village of Kemsing.

After a steady expansion, a clinic was opened near Brands Hatch, before another was launched in Dartford in 2012.

Both clinics adopt an holistic approach towards animal treatment, with complementary medicine playing a strong role.

The senior partners are well aware of how people can struggle to pay for treatment. This is not only kept at competitive prices, but clients can use a monthly payment plan.

In conjunction with the RSPCA Kent North West Branch, Pilgrims runs a staffie neutering scheme.

To reduce the overbreeding of staffordshire bull terriers and staffie cross type dogs, clients on income support can have dogs neutered and micro-chipped at a very reasonable price.

The aim is to reduce the strain on rescue centres bulging at the seams with unwanted staffies.

A number of clients take their animals to Europe, and advice is provided about preventing sand flies and ticks.

These insects can spread leishmaniosis and babesiosis, which are increasingly common diseases for dogs returning from abroad.

Now there is a new vaccine that can be given prior to going abroad to protect your pet against leishmaniosis.