Choosing a Veterinary Practice

Choosing a Veterinary Practice

Veterinary practices are businesses and come in many shapes and sizes, offering varying ranges of services and facilities depending on their location, practice size, facilities and staff.

On 1 January 2005, the RCVS launched the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme, which accredits veterinary practices according to the services and/or specialities they offer. Every accrecited practice has volunteered to undergo rigerous inspection by a qualified inspector every few years. Between inspections, practices may also be subject to spot checks. For further information one practice standards, please see the Practice Standards section of the website.

The RCVS does not recommend practices, but the aim of this page is to suggest some factors that you may like to consider when choosing a veterinary surgeon to care for your animal. Careful thought should be given to choosing a vet, so that a long lasting partnership between you and your vet can develop, benefiting the well-being of your animal.

Some of the issues you may like to bear in mind when choosing a vet are:

• What do other animal owners in your area feel about their vet? Do they have the same type of animal as you? Are their requirements the same as yours?

• What are the practice consultation times and are they convenient to you?

• What services and facilities does the practice offer?

• Is the practice accredited by the RCVS?

• What range of animal species are normally treated?

• What are the costs for routine treatment? There may well be variation in costs, depending on location, facilities offered and overheads.

• Where is the practice located? Is it near any public transport links? Does it have a car-park? Are there any branch practices which may be nearer to your home?