Choose a New Veterinary Practice in 5 Easy Steps

Choosing a new veterinary practice for your beloved pet can feel overwhelming, especially if there are several in your area. All UK vets must maintain registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) by keeping up to date with their skills and practices, which guarantees a baseline of competence. However, finding the right veterinary surgery goes beyond this, encompassing trust, communication, facilities, and service quality.
Pets are cherished family members, and entrusting their care to the best possible veterinary practice will ensure your peace of mind in both everyday check-ups and emergencies. This guide offers five straightforward steps to help you confidently select the perfect veterinary practice for your needs.

Step 1: Use Your Social Network and Online Reviews

Start by asking trusted friends, family, or fellow pet owners about their experiences with local veterinary surgeries. Personal recommendations are invaluable as they reflect firsthand service and care. If this isn’t possible, look online for reviews and testimonials. While opinions vary, patterns of satisfaction or concern often emerge, giving you a general sense of client experiences. Remember, a veterinary practice can have a different impact on each pet owner, so consider multiple sources where possible.

Step 2: Visit and Tour the Practice Before Registering

Arrange a visit to your shortlisted veterinary practices to see their facilities firsthand. Most surgeries welcome potential clients to tour the premises—just ask to schedule a time. Plan to visit when the practice is calm, often after busy surgery hours, ensuring you see clean, well-maintained spaces. During the visit, ask staff members about their experience and special interests, including vets, nurses, and receptionists. Well-qualified nurses and courteous staff can greatly enhance your pet’s care experience.
Check the layout of kennels and isolation areas—are dogs and cats separated? Are the recovery areas quiet, secure, and hygienic? Pay particular attention to cleanliness, especially in operating rooms and prep areas. A tidy, organised practice reflects professionalism and care for your pet’s safety.

Step 3: Understand Facilities, Specialities & Services Offered

Enquire about available medical equipment and services. Many surgeries now have in-house x-ray and basic ultrasound capabilities as well as rapid blood testing, which can speed up diagnosis and treatment.
Find out how emergency care is handled. Some practices offer 24-hour onsite service, while others refer emergencies to specialist clinics, which is critical to know in advance.
Larger practices might have visiting specialists for complex conditions such as orthopaedics or oncology. Complementary therapies like acupuncture or physiotherapy may also be available onsite.
If you plan to travel abroad with your pet, check if the practice can issue official pet passports. Additionally, some vet surgeries provide non-medical extras such as grooming, boarding, or socialisation classes—these can be convenient if you value these services under one roof.

Step 4: Check Accreditation and Quality Standards

Look for veterinary practices accredited by the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme. Approximately half of UK veterinary surgeries participate in this voluntary scheme that audits hygiene, equipment, staff training, and emergency protocols, fostering high-quality care.
The accreditation logo should be visible on the practice’s website or promotional materials. Alternatively, use the RCVS Find A Vet webpage to confirm if a practice's accreditation is current.
Choosing an accredited practice shows their commitment to maintaining excellent standards and provides an additional layer of reassurance beyond statutory registration.

Step 5: Discuss Prices and Consider Pet Insurance

Veterinary costs can vary widely, influenced by location, overheads, and the level of services provided. Ask for a transparent price list covering common services such as vaccinations, check-ups, and treatments before registering.
While it’s important to consider cost, the quality and reliability of care should remain your priority.
To help manage unexpected expenses, take out comprehensive pet insurance early. Insurance can cover emergencies and chronic conditions, easing financial stress and ensuring your pet receives timely care.

Changing to a New Veterinary Practice

If you decide to switch vets, kindly inform both your previous and new veterinary surgeries to ensure medical records are transferred smoothly and completely. Avoid registering your pet with multiple practices simultaneously to prevent confusion during emergencies.
If you’ve recently moved, registering with a local veterinarian promptly is vital as emergencies can arise suddenly.