Tips on choosing a vet...

There are approximately 13,500 vets working across nearly 4,000 premises throughout the UK. Many people don’t know that it’s possible to shop around to get the best deal every time you need to visit a vet, however the majority of people are comforted by having a familiar face who knows their pet and their medical records deal with any issues.

Checklist

Key Point - Only 33% of the vets contacted offered consistent pricing for their services.

Finding a quality vet 

It is advisable to select a practice that is a member of the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) Practice Standards Scheme. You can go to www.findavet.org.uk to find  a registered practice near you.

Costs of visiting the vet 

It is thoroughly recommended to investigate the costs for routine treatments and medicines before deciding on a vet. It can also be extremely beneficial to consider taking out pet insurance.

Convenience of your local practice

Be sure to check that the opening hours and the appointment system are suitable for you. Is it possible to get an appointment at short notice?

Emergency care 

It is essential to find out about emergency measures and contacts. If it is based at a different location, will that be suitable in an emergency?

Consistent fees

Once you have selected a vet, you should agree a price up front for any treatment your pet needs. Prices are shown to vary greatly across the country, so be sure to shop around






Specialist care requirements
If you have to visit an animal hospital for treatment, choose one that is recognised by the RCVS. 

Best practice

All vets should have the initials MRCVS or FRCVS after their name, this shows their qualifications are recognised by the RCVS and that they are licensed to practise.
In addition to this, since January 2005, practices have been able to apply for RCVS Practice Standards Scheme accreditation. This means practices need to meet pre set standards in surgical equipment, hygiene, training and emergency cover and they must also provide accurate cost estimates for treatments. For the scheme, the college will inspect the registered premises every four years and carry out random spot checks.

By following these tips you will be sure to get the best service for both you and your pet.