PET owners can watch their animals on the operating table at a veterinary surgery that is part of a national brand with local stakeholders.

But the squeamish need not worry too much because the public viewing area at Companion Care in Broadstairs is only open during non-emergency operations.

The surgery, inside the Pets At Home store at the East Kent Retail Park in Westwood Road, is one of the first to encourage public viewing.

South African-born Ryk Botes is veterinary partner. He trained at the University of Pretoria, the leading vet school in the republic, and ran his own animal hospital near Johannesburg for seven years.

He has been based at a Deal surgery for the past few years. Part-time Belgian vet Phillippe Leribaux, who has moved from Dover, has joined him in the new venture.

The Companion Care business model gives vets a stake in their own businesses and access to national branding. The Wantage-based company now has some 30 surgeries across the UK, 25 in Pets At Home stores, also a stakeholder in Companion Care.

Managing director Jane Balmain said: "We have built the foundations, proved it works and are now ready to shout about it. Companion Care is good news for vets and pet owners alike."