The new series of a TV show will offer a glimpse into what life is like for a group of Aberystwyth vets during Covid.

Ystwyth Vets in Llanbadarn are opening their doors to cameras once again in a new series of Y Fets, which begins on S4C on Thursday, 17 June.

The last year has been one of the most challenging times in the history of the practice. During lockdown, the cameras have borne witness to the tireless work of the staff. From the reception to the operating theatre, each episode follows the amazing and emotional stories of the animals in the care of the team.

“It hasn’t been easy but also we didn’t have any choice – we had to push on, the animals needed to see us,” said Dafydd Jones, one of the practice’s vets, as he looks back over the last year.

“That personal connection where you put a hand on a shoulder or just comfort someone has been a lot more difficult this year,” adds Phil Thomas another practice vet.

“It seems that having a pet has become more popular during this time and it has been a big comfort to people and has helped them through this period.

“The demand for small dogs has risen and because of this, prices have increased dramatically too. Unfortunately, this has led to more dog thefts; it has increased the problem which we had before the pandemic.”

Like most people, the lives of the vets outside the practice also changed.

“I was at home with the children from the beginning of March until September,” said vet Glesni Arfon-Powell.

“It was nice to be at home with them during this time but it was difficult too, because it was only me there with them.”

Like many others, Glesni had to turn her hand to being a teacher.

She said: “I don’t think it’s a good idea to teach your own children. I’m quite patient – I think I am anyway but they know exactly how to push my buttons!

“I thought it was difficult to be at home, but when I went back to work and the children were home too, it was even more difficult because I had to do school work after coming home, and sometimes I wouldn’t be home until 6.30, 7pm maybe. Coming home and needing to put on my teacher’s hat – it was quite a job switching from one to the other."

Among the patients in the first episode are Cymro, the retriever who is facing an operation on his leg and Donald Trump the hamster visits the practice in his Air Force One box.