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Choosing a veterinary practice
Finding the right veterinary practice for your pet is an important decision that will have a lasting impact on their health and wellbeing. This guide explains the key things to consider, helping you find care that meets your pet’s needs and gives you confidence as an owner.
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Check which species are treated
Not all veterinary practices treat every type of animal. Most practices fall into one of the following categories:
- Small animal practices – dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and exotic animals such as tortoises and snakes
- Equine practices – horses, ponies, mules, donkeys
- Farm animal practices – cattle, sheep, pigs, and other livestock
Some practices provide care for more than one category of animals. Always check which species a practice treats before making your decision.
Look for RCVS accreditation
The RCVS runs a voluntary Practice Standards Scheme to help identify practices that meet the highest standards of veterinary care.
Practices in the scheme undergo regular assessments and spot checks to ensure they maintain the highest quality standards.
Look for the RCVS-accredited practice logo when choosing a practice (right). This gives you confidence that the practice meets our regulatory standards and is committed to providing high-quality care.
You can search for RCVS-accredited practices using our Find a Vet service.
Types of practices
Veterinary practices can be owned and run in different ways:
- Independent practices – owned by individual veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, non-vet professionals, or small teams
- Corporate practices – owned by larger companies that may operate multiple practices
- Charity practices – run by animal welfare organisations
All types of practice can provide excellent care. What matters most is the quality of service, the skills and qualifications of the veterinary team, and whether the practice meets your needs and those of your pet.
Practical considerations
Beyond the type of practice, several practical factors can help you choose the right veterinary practice.
Distance
Consider how far the practice is from your home. For routine visits, such as vaccinations or check-ups, a nearby practice is often more convenient. For specialist care, you may be willing to travel further.
Cost and payment options
Consultation fees and treatment costs can vary between practices. Contact practices directly to get a clearer understanding of costs, rather than relying solely on online information.
You may want to ask about payment options as well. Some practices offer payment plans or work with pet insurance companies to make treatment more affordable.
Emergency and out-of-hours care
Check what happens if your pet needs urgent care outside regular opening hours. Some practices provide their own emergency service, while others refer you to specialist clinics. Make sure you understand the arrangements and keep emergency contact details handy.
Using more than one practice
You don't have to use just one veterinary practice. Many pet owners use different practices for different needs. For example, you might use your local practice for routine care such as vaccinations, neutering and microchipping, and use a specialist practice for more complex treatments or diagnostic scans.
If you use more than one practice, make sure they can share information about your pet's care if needed. Most practices are happy to work together and share medical records.
Large or small practice?
Vet practices vary in size, and both have advantages:
- Larger practices often have more specialists, advanced equipment, and longer opening hours. They might offer services such as advanced imaging or specialist surgery on-site.
- Smaller practices often provide a more personal service, where you'll see the same vet regularly. This can help build a relationship and ensure continuity of care.
Think about what matters most to you - whether that’s access to specialist services or a more personal approach to your pet’s care.
Online reviews
Online reviews can provide useful insights, but shouldn't be the only factor when choosing a practice.
People are more likely to leave reviews after a particularly good or bad experience, which means reviews may not reflect a typical visit.
The most reliable way to assess a practice is to contact them directly, visit if possible, and ask questions about their services, pricing, and approach to care.
Finding a vet when you’re away
If you're planning to travel with your pet, it's worth identifying veterinary practices near your destination in advance.
- Find a local vet - use our Find a Vet service to locate practices in the area you're visiting.
- Keep your regular vet’s details handy - in case the new practice needs your pet's medical history.
Taking your pet abroad
Being prepared can help your pet receive prompt care, wherever you are.
- Check your pet is fit to travel: speak to your vet before you go.
- Travel documents: make sure your pet has a valid EU Pet Passport, and that microchip and ID details are up to date.
- Insurance: consider pet insurance that covers care overseas.
- Locate local vets: use tools such as Google Maps or the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) search tool to find veterinary practices in the area you're staying.
- Official guidance: for detailed travel rules, visit Gov.uk.
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