I’ve found a practice I like – what next?

Registering with the practice

We strongly encourage you to register with your vet practice as soon as possible, rather than waiting until your pet might require urgent treatment. This ensures your pet will have quick access to professional care if they need it.

You can usually register by phone, online, or in person. You’ll need to provide your name and contact details, plus basic information about your pet(s), including their species, breed, age, microchip number and whether they are insured.

This is also a good time to check how to book appointments at your practice, and to make sure you understand their arrangements for providing emergency and out-of-hours care.

Booking appointments

It is your responsibility to ensure your animal has access to regular vet care to support their health and welfare.

Your vet will be able to advise you on how often your animal should have a check-up or other routine appointment.

You can usually book appointments by phone, although some practices offer online or app bookings too.

Vet practices are often very busy, so try to book well in advance for routine appointments to avoid delays, and ensure you arrive in good time.

If you are unable to visit a vet practice in person, you might wish to consider registering with a mobile vet service or seeking advice from an online vet service. 

Consultations

Whether you’ve booked an appointment for routine treatment or a specific concern, during a consultation your vet will ask questions about your pet’s health, listen to your answers, and examine your animal.

It's also a really good opportunity to ask your vet or vet nurse any questions you may have about your pet’s health, condition, or any treatments they may recommend.

Consultations typically last between 10 and 15 minutes, although this can vary between practices. Appointments may take place in person or online.

Treatment considerations

We expect vets and vet nurses to make animal health and welfare their priority, and to provide vet and nursing care that is appropriate and sufficient. 

At the same time, it is your legal responsibility to take steps to protect your animal from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

You should act promptly if you have any concerns about your animal’s health. If in doubt, always contact your vet practice for advice.

Learn more about treatment and care. 

Paying for treatment