Filey Vets has been caring for pets on this stretch of coast for over 50 years. We’re an independent practice owned by Lauren Hamstead, a working vet you’ll find in the consult room rather than an office. Every decision about your pet’s care is made here, by people who know you.
If you’re looking for a vet in Whitby, we’re about 28 miles down the coast in Filey, so we won’t be the nearest practice to every front door in town. But plenty of owners will happily drive a little further for a vet who takes the time to explain things properly. If that sounds like what you’re after, we’d be glad to see you.
The drive takes around 40 to 45 minutes. Head south on the A171 over the moors to Scarborough, then pick up the A165 to Filey. You’ll find us at 1 Station Avenue, Filey YO14 9AH.
We’re open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6.30pm and on Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm, closing for lunch between 1pm and 2pm every day. If you’re travelling a distance, call us on 01723 513119 and we’ll do our best to book a time that suits the journey.
Vets usually do the right things clinically, but too often they don’t explain them well enough. So at Filey Vets, the explaining is the job.
You can see everything we offer on our services page, and what things cost on our prices page.
Appointments aren't rushed. We sit and explain what's going on, always from the point of view of what's best for your pet.
We write things down for you to take away, because nobody remembers everything from a consult.
You'll get estimates and options up front. If affordability is a worry, we'll work with you to find a way forward.
We're a small team by design, so you'll see the same people each visit and your requested vet wherever possible.
Rabbits are Lauren's particular passion, so they're seen by a vet who knows them well.
Not everything needs a CT scanner. When a referral is right for your pet and right for you, we'll arrange it gladly.
Whitby is a good place to have a dog, as long as you know where to go and when. Here are two walks worth knowing.
The old Whitby to Scarborough railway line is now a 21-mile traffic-free path, and you don’t have to do all of it. Join it off Stakesby Vale and head south over the Larpool Viaduct, 120 feet above the River Esk, for a walk of whatever length suits your dog. It’s mostly flat, with a couple of steady climbs further on at Hawsker and Ravenscar, and it gets muddy after rain. It’s a bridleway too, so expect bikes and the odd horse.
The Cinder Track from Whitby, over Larpool Viaduct to Hawsker, about three miles each way.
From the old town, climb the 199 steps up to the abbey and follow the clifftop path south. Saltwick Bay is a short stretch along, and if you keep going it’s about seven miles to Robin Hood’s Bay, with a bus back to Whitby that takes dogs. The path runs along unfenced cliff edges and past grazing livestock, so a lead is the sensible choice for most of it.
From 1 May to 30 September, dogs aren’t allowed on West Beach from the West Pier along to the beach chalets, or on the main stretch of Sandsend beach. Dogs need to be on a lead on the promenade all year round.
Outside those months, both beaches are open to dogs again, and on a winter weekday you’ll often have them largely to yourself. The rules are set by North Yorkshire Council and can change, so it’s worth checking their website before you go.
Whitby Abbey welcomes dogs on leads, so nobody needs to wait in the car while you look round. Down in the old town and along the harbour, plenty of pubs and cafés are happy to see dogs too. It’s always worth asking at the door, as policies change when places change hands.
The heritage steam line runs from Whitby through Grosmont and Goathland and on across the moors to Pickering. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on standard services for a small fare, as long as they stay on a short lead and off the seats. Trains run from spring to autumn, so check the timetable before you set off – and if your dog isn’t keen on loud noises, a steam whistle is worth bearing in mind.
Whitby Regatta takes over the harbour for three days every August and finishes with fireworks. If your dog finds fireworks hard, it’s worth planning ahead. Talk to us in good time and we can go through what might help.
Lots of families bring their dogs on holiday to this stretch of coast, and your pets are welcome here too. If yours needs a vet while you’re staying in a caravan park or holiday let, call us on 01723 513119 and we’ll do our best to fit you in.
It helps to bring any medication your pet is taking and your own vet’s details, so we can check their history if we need to. If it’s an emergency and we’re closed, call Aldgate Veterinary Practice on 01262 677269.
A few things owners in Whitby tend to ask us.
About 28 miles. It’s around 40 to 45 minutes by car, via the A171 to Scarborough and then the A165 to Filey.
Yes. You don’t need to live in Filey to register with us. You can register online or call us on 01723 513119.
Our out-of-hours emergency service is provided by Aldgate Veterinary Practice in Bridlington. In an emergency, call them directly on 01262 677269. There’s more on our out-of-hours page.
Yes. As well as dogs and cats, we see rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats and other small pets. Rabbits are a particular favourite of Lauren, who owns the practice.
From 1 May to 30 September, dogs aren’t allowed on West Beach between the West Pier and the beach chalets, or on the main part of Sandsend beach. Outside those dates they’re welcome. North Yorkshire Council’s website has the latest rules.
Registering is quick. You can do it online or call us on 01723 513119 and the team will take it from there.
