Virginia Water has a new set of local celebrities and they’re all extremely furry. Virginia Water Vets, part of inspiring vet care who supported the show, is set to appear on TV screens nationwide this weekend, as the practice features in the second episode of The Joy of Pets, ITV’s brand-new series celebrating the unbreakable bond between Britain’s pets and their owners.

Hosted by presenter and passionate animal advocate Gaby Roslin, alongside renowned veterinary surgeon Dr. Bolu Eso, the show visits vet practices around the UK to hear heartwarming stories from owners and veterinary professionals, celebrating the special bond between pets and their owners.

Airing 11:30am on Sunday 30 August, the episode was filmed earlier this year and follows local pets and their families through some of their most memorable and moving moments in the consultation room.

Magdalena Kanonik, Director of Practice at Virginia Water Vets said: “We’re so proud of the work our team does here at Virginia Water Vets every day, so having the chance for viewers to see really goes on behind the scenes at a practice is a brilliant moment for us. From welcoming Daisy the spaniel puppy for her very first vet visit, to helping Arabella get to the bottom of a worrying dental issue, these are the kinds of stories and patients we come across all the day, we just don’t get to share them. We’re thrilled that viewers across the UK have the chance to meet some of our wonderful patients and see the team in action.”

With more than half of British households now sharing their home with a pet, the series explores the relationship between owners, their animals and the veterinary teams who care for them. The five stories filmed at Virginia Water reflect the diverse range of visits to everyday practices.

🐶 Daisy the spaniel puppy – a big first visit – From vaccinations and insurance, to knowing when she’ll be ready for her first walks, Daisy’s first routine check-up is all about navigating the exciting – and sometimes overwhelming – world of new puppy parenthood.

🐕 Captain Sullivan the corgi – neutering and new beginnings – Captain Sullivan is in for a scheduled neutering procedure, with owners Annabel and Jordan hoping it could also help ease some of his reactivity around other intact male dogs. The segment follows his pre-op checks, anaesthetic and surgery, while exploring why timing matters when it comes to neutering and how every dog’s needs are different.

🐱 Buzz the kitten – learning to come home – Buzz is in for his first check-up, as owner Lynn navigates the early days of kitten ownership. Alongside his health check, she’s been teaching the adventurous youngster to return home on command – with a little help from his favourite rewards.

🐶 Dolly and Dougie the Jack Russells – a trim to keep them comfortable – Dolly and Dougie are in for a claw clip, highlighting why routine grooming can be particularly important for dogs – and how a quick trip to the vets can make the experience easier for nervous owners and pets alike.

🐱 Bella the cat – getting to the root of a dental problem – When Bella’s owner notices she’s only eating on one side of her mouth, the team investigate whether gingivitis could be causing her pain. With cats experts at hiding discomfort, the segment highlights the subtle signs to look out for – from dribbling, to changes in eating habits – as Bella undergoes a dental examination, X-rays and a clean and polish.

Dr. Bolu Eso, who co-hosts the series alongside Gaby Roslin, said: “I know first-hand how much we are a nation of pet lovers – they’re at the centre of so many of our lives and I’m incredibly excited to be making the show which celebrates just that. I’m also looking forward to giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work veterinary teams do every day, alongside some truly inspiring stories from pets and their owners.”

Host Gaby Roslin commented: “I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I am to be making this show. All my favourite things wrapped up together – television, pets, JOY and I get to work with the magical Dr Bolu. This is a show bursting with positivity.”

Produced by award-winning Scottish indie Bandicoot Scotland, a joint venture with global production group Argonon and the producers of The Masked Singer UK, The Joy of Pets airs Sunday at 11:30am on ITV1, with catch up available on ITVX.