Help & advice
Building a good understanding with your veterinary practice is essential to maintaining your pet's health and welfare.
Our comprehensive help and advice for pet owners* highlights the responsibilities of both you and your vet team, explains the professional obligations that shape how vets and vet nurses work, and provides valuable tips for creating a successful partnership with your vet practice.
if you can't find the answer you're looking for here, our dedicated advice team is on hand to answer your queries.
You can contact them by phone on 020 7202 0789 or by email at [email protected].
Shared responsibilities
Caring for your pet's health and happiness depends on a good relationship with your vet. Here’s what your vet should provide - and what they will need from you.
Choosing a veterinary practice
There are many types of vet practices, each offering a range of services and treatment options. View our advice on choosing the perfect one for your pet.
I've found a practice I like - what next?
So you've found the perfect practice. We guide you through everything from registering to scheduling appointments and paying for treatments.
Who's who in the vet practice
It's reassuring to know who will care for your pet if they're poorly. Our guide will introduce you to the veterinary experts committed to your pet's wellbeing.
Treatment and care
Vets and vet nurses have a professional responsibility to the animals in their care - and to you. Discover how this responsibility shapes the services they provide.
Prescription medication
Some pet medicines can only be prescribed by a qualified veterinary surgeon. We explain the regulations governing these, and your options as a consumer
Fees and pricing
It's important you have enough information about the cost of vet care to make the right decision for you and your pet. We set out the key things you need to know, and what to ask about.
Emergency and out-of-hours care
Vets must take steps to offer 24-hour emergency first-aid and pain relief to animals. And as a pet owner, you have a legal duty to seek out-of-hours care if there's an emergency.
When things go right
If you're happy with the service provided by your veterinary team, do consider sharing your thoughts! There are several ways you can express your appreciation.
If things go wrong
We understand that, occasionally, things may not go as planned. If you're dissatisfied with your visit to the vet, there are several options you can explore, depending on the circumstances.
*While this advice is mainly for owners of pets, we plan to produce additional advice for owners of horses and livestock in due course.