Animal lovers say they have been told an established veterinary business on the Isle of Wight is closing until April, with just a few days notice.

Pet owners have been told The Mobile Vet, on Newport's Watergate Road, will shut for six months, from Friday, October 7.

The announcement has sparked a petition (which you can find HERE). 

In an email, those behind the business said: "This is due to our current out of hours service. This decision has not been made lightly; we are doing this to make sure your pets have the best level of care." 

It says appointments have been cancelled and pets cannot be seen 'under any circumstances.'

Owners have been advised to seek help from their next nearest veterinary practice, in event of an emergency. 

Via IVC Evidensia, a spokesperson for The Mobile Vet told the Isle of Wight County Press the decision was made due to the withdrawal of out of hours services by a third party.

It said work was ongoing to find a solution for the practice to reopen.

The spokesperson said: "We are currently unable to fulfil the requirement of our professional body, the RCVS, to provide an out of hours service to pet owners through the night and on weekends, leaving animals potentially vulnerable.

"We are continuing our efforts to collaborate with another practice or group of practices on the Isle of Wight to cover our out of hours care, and aim to reopen our practice normally as soon as we are able.

"All our clinical staff are being temporarily redeployed to other practices whilst we work to find a solution, and no staff are being made redundant.

"There are a number of challenges facing veterinary services on the Isle of Wight, and we are trying hard to work together with other vets on the island to reach a solution for pets and their owners.

"The huge increase in pet ownership in the UK, including the Isle of Wight, has put unprecedented pressure on vets and vet nurses, and there is a global shortage of qualified veterinary professionals.  This has put huge strain on veterinary practices on the island, along with our team who have been working hard to provide excellent care for local animals."

Launched in 2013, The Mobile Vet has won multiple awards and also appeared on CBeebies' Fearne and Rory's Vet Tales.

Its owner says it has been speakng to other local providers in recent months and was only given a week's notice of the withdrawal of out of hours support, in June.

One angry client said: "This will leave 100s of pets without a surgery and will leave the remaining vets scrabbling to cover and many people will not have a vet to go to.

"This has to be stopped. 

"Sign and let them know what they are doing is unacceptable and potentially animals may die for want of a bit more effort on their part."

The firm's email said: "We understand this is a worrying time for those registered with us, but please rest assured we have spoken to all the veterinary practices on the Island to make them aware we will be closed, and we are putting provisions in place to deal with any emergencies you have.

"Unfortunately, for routine appointments such as vaccinations, we are suggesting trying to register with a different practice, although please bear in mind, they may not be able to provide routine appointments." 

Vets across the Island have spoken of a shortage of professionals and there are long waiting times for routine checks and appointments.