Our practice was originally founded in 1948 by Mr. H.M. Clark, after he had spent 10 years working for the Ministry of Agriculture.

Originally set up as a Large Animal (that is, farm animal ) practice, the first main premises were on Sheriff's Highway in Gateshead, with a branch in Chester-le-Street.
Vets were thin on the ground in the post-war years, and the practice declined to only a single vet in around 1955.
As the country slowly recovered from the war, vets - and the demand for vets - increased in tandem. The present building was erected in 1963, and as Clark & Mills achieved hospital status in 1971. This was the first practice in the North-East to achieve this high standard.
The practice continued to expand, and in 1973 opened branch premises in Whickham, followed in 1982 by the opening of a branch in Washington.
By 1980, prior to the opening of the Whickham Branch, Veterinary Practice was beginning to become progressively more specialised, and the practice had become totally small-animal ( that is, not farm animal ) by this time.

The original Mr. Clark is now in well earned retirement. Of the vets who form the present partners, Mr. Scott joined the practice in 1970, gaining a partnership shortly thereafter. The present Mr. Clark is the son of the original Mr. Clark, and after a few years in practice in Scotland he joined his father as a partner in 1976. Dr. Henfrey is the newest partner, having joined the practice in 1993, and becoming a partner in 1994.