Veterinary surgeon and founder of Village Vets, Charles Cosgrave, joins Laura to share what every pet owner should know about keeping their animals healthy, happy and safe — from neutering and pet insurance to behavioural problems, emergency care and the realities of life as a vet.
Growing up on a dairy farm in County Meath, Charles watched his father answer veterinary calls at all hours, even on Christmas Day. After qualifying from UCD and working in the UK, he returned to Ireland and helped build Village Vets, which has grown to 35 locations, including three 24-hour emergency centres.
Charles takes us behind the scenes of veterinary medicine, explaining what happens during overnight emergencies, why children can provide the most useful information about a sick pet and how veterinary care has evolved to include specialist treatment for conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy and cancer.
Laura also asks the questions many dog owners have: Should you neuter your dog? What should you look for in pet insurance? How can you prevent behavioural problems? And what needs to change to tackle puppy farming in Ireland?
They explore the responsibility of pet ownership, the importance of early training and socialisation, the challenges of treating seriously ill animals and the difficult decisions surrounding end-of-life care.
Alongside the practical advice, Charles shares the challenges of growing a family business, the shortage of vets in Ireland and why, despite running 35 practices, he still misses working directly with animals.
Neutering and pet health:
Charles discusses neutering male dogs, potential health concerns and factors owners should consider with their vet.
Pet insurance:
Why Charles recommends insurance, what to check before choosing a policy and how switching providers can affect cover for existing conditions.
Training and behaviour:
The importance of socialising dogs early, establishing routines and helping them adjust to people, noise and unfamiliar environments.
Puppy farming and microchipping:
Charles discusses dog breeding in Ireland, existing microchipping requirements and the challenges of tackling irresponsible breeding.
When pets become seriously ill:
How vets manage chronic conditions including diabetes and epilepsy, treat cancer and approach difficult end-of-life decisions.
Inside veterinary medicine:
From overnight emergencies to specialist care, Charles explains the pressures facing vets and the growing demand for veterinary services.
Charles's practice group, 35 clinics across Ireland and three 24-hour emergency centres
UCD School of Veterinary Medicine
where Charles trained, and still the main route into the profession
what's required in Ireland, and the measure Charles says would curb puppy farming
02:37 – Growing up with a vet for a father
05:36 – How vets treat different animal species
07:30 – Building Village Vets
10:00 – Veterinary education and the shortage of vets
13:44 – Inside 24-hour emergency veterinary care
15:45 – Why children notice changes in sick pets
17:00 – Pet ownership and rehoming
19:20 – Neutering male dogs
21:09 – Puppy farming and microchipping
23:30 – The responsibility of owning a dog
26:30 – Unusual pets and animal stories
29:30 – Cats, dogs and different personalities
31:54 – Dog training and socialisation
33:41 – Pet insurance and switching providers
35:25 – Diabetes, epilepsy and chronic illness
37:20 – End-of-life decisions and cancer treatment
40:20 – Why Charles misses being a practising vet
43:00 – Growing Village Vets while maintaining quality
50:15 – Be bold, be brave and back yourself
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