Shared responsibilities

What to expect from your vet team

Your vet team must follow the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct. This means you can expect them to:

• Put your pet's health and welfare first in all decisions
• Provide 24-hour emergency first aid and pain relief, either at their practice or through arrangements with other vets
• Prescribe, supply and administer medicines responsibly, and only when they have sufficient information to do so.
• Ensure only veterinary surgeons prescribe veterinary medicines
• Be clear about treatment costs upfront and seek consent for any treatments or procedures
• Keep your pet's medical information confidential, unless animal welfare or the public interest may be compromised, or you give them permission to share
• Explain treatment options in plain, clear language 

These standards aren't just professional guidelines - they're requirements that protect you and your pet.

Your responsibilities as a pet owner

UK animal health and welfare legislation means you have legal duties as a pet owner, including registering your pet with a local veterinary practice. To help your vet team provide the best care, you should:

• Act promptly if your pet's health causes you concern. When in doubt, always contact your veterinary practice
• Follow your vet's advice about ongoing care and follow-up appointments
• Give medicines exactly as your vet directs
• Know your practice’s out-of-hours arrangements and plan how you would transport your pet in an emergency.
• Pay for treatment when it's provided, or arrange payment in advance*
• Be honest about your pet's symptoms, behaviour, and medical history
• Ask questions if you don't understand any part of your pet's treatment

* If you’re worried about costs, talk to your vet team. They should be able to advise you on payment plans, cheaper medication options, pet insurance, or local charities that can help with veterinary bills.

Taking these positive steps will help create the partnership your pet needs for a healthy, happy life.