1.What should I do if my animal needs veterinary care? (14/01/21)

Your practice will be working hard to avoid any unnecessary risk to you, and to their team.

As such, you should be prepared to wait outside the practice, or even in your car, while your animal is examined to ensure safe distances are maintained. The consultation with you may then take place over the telephone.

If you are asked to enter the practice premises, please maintain at least a two-metre distance between yourself and others and ensure you wash your hands before, during and after your visit to the practice. 

You should also wear a face covering at all times, unless you are exempt or have a reasonable excuse. You can view rules applicable to your region in the UK including exemptions on wearing face coverings.

In line with government guidance limiting contact with others, you should ensure that, wherever possible, only one person attends the appointment with your animal.

Last updated: 14 January 2021

Your vet will use their professional judgement when deciding whether or not to administer primary and/or routine vaccinations.

They will base their decision on a number of things including the risk to your animal if the vaccination is not given (this will include local factors such as whether a particular disease is widespread in your area) and any unnecessary risks to their team in carrying out the vaccinations.

Please be aware that we do not expect veterinary practices to offer business as usual for the time being.

Please respect your vet’s decision, and remember that decisions may vary between practices, and in different parts of the country, depending on the circumstances and the latest government restrictions/guidelines in place.

Last updated: 14 January 2021

Please do not attend your veterinary practice if you are self-isolating.

You should call the practice so that your vet can decide whether they can assist remotely and, if not, whether they should physically see your animal or safely delay treatment.

You should also inform the practice that you and your household are self-isolating.

If your vet wants to physically see your animal, you should make arrangements for another person (not from your household) to take your animal to the practice.

If this is not possible, you should inform the practice so that alternative arrangements can be made if possible.

Last updated: 14 January 2021

Check what arrangements your practice has in place, and the services they are providing, so you can plan ahead as much as possible.

Think about what you would do in the event that your animal needs to attend the practice in the coming weeks, especially in an emergency, and identify any family, friends or neighbours who might be able to help if you are unwell or self-isolating.

Please respect your vet's decision if they decide that it is not appropriate to carry out a particular procedure or treatment at this time. You can discuss with them when it might be possible to review this decision at a later date.

Last updated: 14 January 2021

The four UK governments have published advice for people with animals, as follows:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

The British Veterinary Association has published guidance for veterinary practices in providing essential veterinary care.

Finally, Public Health England continues to update its guidance on the coronavirus on a regular basis, which includes general advice on social distancing and how you can protect yourself and others.

Last updated: 14 January 2021