How to find the right vet

Vets do an amazing job of keeping pets healthy and pet parents informed. Finding a vet that understands you and your pet is normally easy.

But sometimes, you're spoiled for choice, or you move away, meaning finding a new vet is hard. What questions do you ask? How do you know it suits you? Will your pet feel comfortable?

Here, we list how to find a veterinary practice that works for you and your pet.

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Why choosing the right vet matters

Finding the right vet is a cornerstone of good, preventative pet care. A strong relationship with your vet is perhaps the most important thing you can do to support your pet’s health throughout their life and protect them from preventable illnesses.

A trusted vet - or one you find easy to communicate with - can improve your pet's quality of life; it's not just about treating health issues, it's giving you a resource to make your pet's life better.

Vet bills can add up, which is why we've designed our pet insurance with a variety of limits so you can get routine check-ups and treatments without financial worry.

How to find a good vet in the UK

Online research & reviews

Researching online can help you find the right vet in your area. For example, you can use directories like the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Find A Vet tool.

Check ratings, reviews and feedback to see if the vet suits you and your dog. Research clinic websites to see what their facilities are like or call them to find out more.

Word-of-mouth

Word-of-mouth is a powerful thing, so ask friends, family and local pet groups on places like Facebook and Nextdoor for recommendations and personal experiences.

Accreditation & memberships

Always make sure your vet is registered with the RCVS or similar professional accreditations.

You should also look for a British Veterinary Association (BVA) membership and Cat Friendly Clinics.

Visit the vet practice in person

Visiting the vet practice in person is great if you're unsure. We recommended focusing on its accessibility, facilities and whether the communication style suits you. You can even take your dog in with you to say hello to the staff and see if they seem comfortable there.

Consider specialised care needs

Sometimes, it's worth looking for specialist vets if your pet has specific health concerns, like cardiology or dermatology care.

What to look for in a good vet practice

Almost all vet practices in the UK will take care of you and your pet in a professional, caring and effective manner; it's very rare to have bad experiences.

But that doesn't mean you shouldn't look around for one that suits you.

If you're asking, "how do I find a good vet in my area?", look for these qualities:

• A communication and booking style that suits you and your pet.

• Access to emergency and after-hours care (this is where services like 24/7 video vet calls come in handy).

• Accessibility, like having at-home visit options or multiple practice sites.

• Location.

• Modern equipment and facilities.

• Payment options, like support or payment plans.

• Qualified and experienced staff, with clear credentials, experience and specialisations.

• Speciality, like treating certain health conditions or an ability to handle nervous pets.

• Other services like behaviour, puppy classes, nutrition or complementary therapies like physiotherapy.

Questions to ask before choosing a vet

Some common questions to ask are:

• What is the booking system, and what is the wait time like for routine appointments?

• Do they have experience with your pet’s breed or specific healthcare needs?

• What are the appointment costs and standard fees?

• Do they offer preventative care plans?

• Do they have several sites, and what facilities are at each site?

• How do they handle pet emergencies, including out-of-hours care?

• Does the practice accept pet insurance for unexpected costs?

How to switch vets

Switching vets is something a pet owner faces if they do something like move away or their pet needs more specialised care.

Transferring your pet's medical records is vitally important. You can either:

1. Ask your old vet to send them directly to your new vet.

2. Request a copy of your pet's records from your old vet and give them directly to your new vet.

Normally, your new vet will contact your previous vet, and they'll sort it out without you. Vets will always need your written or verbal consent to transfer records.

Transferring is usually done digitally these days, and it doesn't take long. We recommend calling your new vet to confirm receipt of the records.

Please make sure you tell your insurer you've changed vets.

How pet insurance can help

Vets do a fantastic job, and in the UK, we're thankful to have so many vets and veterinary staff helping so many pet parents every day. If you're looking for "how to find a good vet near me", you thankfully can't go wrong.

But sometimes things change, and you're free to find a vet that gels more with your pet, communication style or location.

Overall, having good pet insurance can make sure that you can prepare for unexpected incidents and see a vet when needed.

Plus, if you can't make it to the vet, our customers get 24/7 video vet call access with FirstVet, which can help you and your pet at any time, anywhere.

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