Good Advice
Vet practices can vary a lot – in the services they offer, their areas of expertise and how they work day to day. It’s worth taking the time to find one that feels like the right fit.
A good relationship with your vet can make a real difference, giving you confidence and helping your dog stay healthy throughout their life.
It’s completely up to you which vet practice – and which individual vet – you choose. Taking the time to do a bit of research now can make all the difference later.
Here are a few things to think about:
Experience and qualifications
All vets are qualified to treat a range of animals, but their experience and personal interests can vary. Some may be more confident or comfortable with dogs than others, simply because they see them more often or have a particular interest in canine care.
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It’s important that you feel at ease with your vet, able to talk openly about any concerns and confident that the advice you’re getting is right for your dog and your situation.
Location
Location and access matter, especially in an emergency or if you’ll need regular visits for treatment. Think about how easy the practice is to get to, local traffic and parking. If you have access needs, check whether all public areas are wheelchair accessible. If not, ask whether the team can see your dog at your car or offer an alternative arrangement.
Availability
Sometimes you might need support from a vet outside of regular hours, whether it's in the evening, at the weekend or on a public holiday. Every practice is different, so it’s worth checking their opening times and how they manage out-of-hours care.
Some have their own on-call service. Others may refer you to a nearby emergency vet. Either way, it helps to be prepared. Save the number somewhere easy to find, just in case.
There are also 24-hour advice lines like Vetfone, staffed by registered veterinary nurses. You need to register to use their service, but some pet insurance policies include a helpline too. It's worth checking what support is already available to you, so you're ready if something urgent comes up.
Facilities & services
When looking at vet practices, it's worth considering the space and facilities on offer. A larger, welcoming waiting area can make all the difference, especially if your dog feels more comfortable with a bit of space around them.
Many practices now offer more than just standard consultations. Some are linked with other trusted providers or have in-house services like hydrotherapy. Others may have vets with specific expertise, such as cardiology, dermatology or diagnostic imaging.
You might also find added support through free nurse clinics or puppy-focused services. These can be really helpful, particularly in the early days.
Costs
It is worth asking around and comparing prices. While many vaccinations, medications and procedures may have a standard charge, prices can differ between surgeries.
Regulation
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the UK and ensures that standards within the veterinary profession are maintained. For further information please visit the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) website.
Summary
Choosing the right vet for you and your dog takes a bit of time and thought, but it's worth it. Finding a practice you feel confident in can give you peace of mind and make a real difference to your dog’s long-term health and wellbeing.
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