Prescription medication
Understand pet prescriptions and make safe, informed choices when buying your pet’s medicines.
I’ve found a practice I like – what next?
Now that you’ve chosen a veterinary practice, you want to make the most of the care available.
This page takes you through each step - from registering with a practice, to what happens at a consultation, and understanding fees and payments.
On this page
Registering with the practice
It’s a good idea to register your pet with a veterinary practice before care is needed. This gives you faster access in the event of an emergency and ensures the team already know your pet's health history.
When you register, you'll provide your contact details and information about your pet, such as its species, breed, age, name, and microchip number, if it has one. The practice may also ask about pet insurance, so they have a better understanding of your payment options.
You can register at any time, but doing it early makes things much easier if your pet needs care. Some practices may ask you to complete forms online or over the phone before your first visit.
Do keep in mind that unlike human healthcare, there's no NHS for animals, so you'll need to pay for all veterinary services. This is why many pet owners opt for pet insurance or set aside savings.
Booking appointments
Most veterinary practices make it easy to book appointments - by phone, through their website, or via an app. For regular check-ups and preventive treatments such as vaccinations, it’s best to book in advance.
When you make an appointment, let the practice know what it’s for. This helps them schedule enough time and ensures the right veterinary professional sees your pet. Routine consultations usually last 10-15 minutes.
For non-urgent enquiries, many practices offer phone or online consultations. Some even provide mobile vet services where a veterinary surgeon visits your home.
If your pet needs urgent care outside regular hours, your practice will provide details of emergency or out-of-hours care. These services often cost more than routine appointments, so it’s worth checking in advance what emergency options are available in your area.
Consultations
During consultations, the veterinary surgeon will examine your pet and discuss their health with you. They'll explain any problems they find and recommend treatment options. This is your chance to ask questions about your pet's condition and care.
As the regulatory body, we oversee veterinary professionals. Vets must adhere to strict professional standards and provide honest advice to ensure the best possible care for your pet’s health and welfare.
If your pet needs treatment, the vet will explain what's involved, the expected costs, and what to expect. For more complex procedures, they may give you time to consider your options before deciding.
You can choose to see the same vet each time, which helps build a relationship and means they'll know your pet's history. However, this isn't always possible, especially for urgent appointments or in larger practices.
Treatment considerations
When your pet needs treatment, you'll be asked to give informed consent. This means you have agreed that you understand what the treatment involves, any potential risks, the likely outcomes, and the costs.
You have a legal responsibility for your pet's welfare, which includes ensuring they receive proper care when injured, ill, or in pain. Your vet will guide you on when treatment is necessary.
For serious conditions or complex procedures, you may wish to seek a second opinion. Most vets are happy to support this and can refer you to a specialist if needed. Some treatments are only available at specialist centres or veterinary hospitals.
After treatment, the veterinary team will provide clear aftercare instructions and arrange follow-up appointments if needed. Make sure you understand how to care for your pet at home and what signs to watch for that might indicate a problem.
Paying for treatment
Most veterinary practices expect payment at the point of care - either when you collect your pet or at the end of the consultation. Unlike human healthcare, there aren’t standard fees across practices, so costs can vary.
It’s a good idea to ask for an estimate before treatment starts, especially for more expensive procedures. The practice should explain what's included in their fees, so you know exactly what to expect.
If you have pet insurance, check what's covered and whether you need to pay the practice first and claim back later, or if they can deal directly with your insurer. Keep all receipts and documentation for your records.
Some practices offer payment plans for costly treatments or may suggest finance options. If you're concerned about costs, talk to the practice - they can often suggest alternative treatment options or payment arrangements.
Find out more about treatment and care standards and what to expect from veterinary services.