A popular vets surgery has come under fire for its decision to go cashless - but bosses say they are just “moving with the times”.

Animal lovers have threatened to boycott the Broadway Veterinarian Group in Herne Bay following the divisive decision.

However, the business has highlighted the extra costs involved in taking cash payments.

It says it has to sacrifice 1% of its cash income to put money into the bank, whereas less than 0.3% is taken from the firm for card transactions.

It announced in a statement: “As from 1st April 2024 we will no longer be taking any cash payments.

“We are still able to take remote payments using links to your mobile, card payments in store, cheques and BACs payment for businesses or prepayments.

“Because we are an independent business we are able to flex and adapt so we will review and post an update if required.

“Not taking cash streamlines business massively and impacts an incredibly small amount of people.”

However, despite the explanation, customers have found themselves at loggerheads with the surgery, with some vowing to take their money elsewhere.

One client, Chris Norfolk, said on Facebook: “Big issue for me I’m afraid. No cash, no custom.

“My 16 cats will have to find a new vet. I refuse to be forced into using cards, so any business making this choice will no longer be used by me.”

Sharon Hogben added: “I think you might be wise to rethink this idea.

“As a business owner ourselves, you can use the post office instead of a local bank. It’s a shame for people that aren’t able to use cards or have a disability.

“You might find you lose people not only because they physically aren’t able to use cards or for budgeting reasons need to use cash, but also people that just don’t like the idea of being forced.

“I realise the banks closing put a huge burden on businesses and I agree that there is always extra costs involved with cash but you need to be flexible, and at least give people options.”

My 16 cats will have to find a new vet. I refuse to be forced into using cards, so any business making this choice will no longer be used by me…

But bosses at Broadway – which operates from Herne Business Park and The Broadway – have told KentOnline they will aim to use discretion where possible.

Director Alex Green said: “This is a good opportunity for us to move forward with the times.

“We do have some clients who have certain disabilities that require cash payment; we will work with these individuals for a solution.

“It is important to us to always be available and accessible for our clients as an independent local practice owned by people who live and work in the Herne Bay community.”

The surgery becomes the latest business in Kent to discover moving to card-only payments can prove more trouble than it is worth.

The Glass House in Ashford town centre backtracked on the controversial initiative following a severe backlash to the idea earlier this month.

And in November last year, The Royal Albion Hotel in Broadstairs also scrapped its cashless policy after it led to some customers avoiding the business.