9 Essential Questions to Ask When Choosing Your New Vet

If you are adopting a new pet, have recently bought one, or are moving to a new area and need to register with a veterinary clinic, it is essential to choose the right practice rather than simply signing up with the nearest one. Taking the time to explore your options will ensure that your pet receives the best possible care.

Often, recommendations from local pet owners can guide you towards reputable vets, but if you’re new to an area or do not have local contacts, don’t hesitate to ring around. Asking a few key questions can help you make an informed decision and select a clinic that suits both you and your pet.

This article covers nine important questions to ask vets when considering registration, helping you to find a veterinary practice that provides comprehensive, compassionate care. Read on to learn more.

1. Can you treat my pet?

Though it might sound obvious, not all veterinary practices treat all kinds of pets. Veterinary care in the UK usually divides into large and small animal services. Large animals include farm livestock and horses, while small animals are companion pets like cats and dogs.

Most mixed practices may treat both, but some small animal clinics focus only on cats, dogs, and other smaller pets; and some equine clinics treat horses exclusively. Additionally, if you own an exotic pet such as a chinchilla or a reptile, you might need to find a clinic or specialist experienced in exotic pet care.

2. Do you offer appointments at convenient times?

With busy lifestyles, it's important to find a clinic that schedules appointments at times that suit you, including evenings or weekends. Many UK veterinary practices offer evening appointments at least once weekly and weekend hours, which can be crucial for routine visits and emergencies.

Weekend opening hours can reduce the need to use emergency clinics with high out-of-hours fees. Finding a practice with flexible scheduling ensures you can access care without disrupting work or family commitments.

3. Will you accept direct payment from my pet insurance?

Not all clinics accept direct payments from insurers, meaning you may have to pay bills upfront and claim reimbursement later. It’s worthwhile asking whether your chosen practice handles direct billing with your insurance company, which eases financial stress and speeds up payment processes.

Have your insurance policy details ready when enquiring to receive accurate information about billing arrangements.

4. How is out-of-hours care managed?

Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to understand how your vet manages care outside normal hours. Some clinics have their own on-call vets or emergency facilities, while others collaborate with dedicated emergency centres.

Clarify whether your local practice provides emergency consultations, how they arrange overnight care if hospitalisation is needed, and how your pet’s medical history is shared to ensure seamless treatment.

5. What procedures are in place for emergencies outside working hours?

Ask about the expected response time for emergency cases and how quickly a vet can attend to your pet during urgent situations. Most practices strive to have a vet on-site or arriving within 30 minutes in emergencies.

Also, understand the process for contacting the clinic during out-of-hours periods, including any hotlines or emergency contact numbers, so you’re prepared should you ever need urgent assistance.

6. How do you ensure continuity of care?

Continuity of care is vital for your pet’s wellbeing. Find out if one particular vet will be assigned to your pet upon registration and whether you can usually see the same vet for ongoing health issues.

While it’s common for multiple vets to treat a pet at a practice, having a dedicated vet who monitors your pet’s health and history can create a stronger relationship and more personalised care.

7. What happens if my pet needs specialist referral?

General practices often need to refer complex cases to specialist clinics. Ask whether your vet has established relationships with specialists for areas like dermatology, surgery, or exotic animal medicine.

Additionally, inquire if the practice offers transport services for referred pets, particularly during emergencies, ensuring your pet receives prompt specialist attention.

8. What additional support services do you offer?

Beyond standard medical care, many practices provide supplementary services such as free or low-cost nurse clinics to assist with weight management, dental care, vaccinations, nail trimming, and parasite control.

Find out what support your clinic provides to help maintain your pet’s health and wellbeing between vet visits, assisting you to be a responsible pet owner.

9. Are there benefits to registering with your practice?

Some clinics offer perks for registered clients, including loyalty schemes, annual preventive care discounts, and special offers for multi-pet households. While these should never be the sole deciding factor, they can provide valuable savings and incentives for ongoing pet care.

Ask about any membership benefits or programmes that could support your pet’s health over the long term.

Choosing the right veterinary practice requires thoughtful consideration. By asking these nine essential questions, you’re equipping yourself to find a clinic that suits your pet’s needs and your lifestyle, ensuring compassionate and comprehensive veterinary care for years to come.