FAQs

In the same way your GP might refer you to a consultant at a hospital, your vet may be concerned that your pet has a persistent or serious problem – that needs to be looked into by a specialist.

It’s important to bring things like your pet’s medical records, laboratory test results and x-rays, along with any medication they may be on. Your vet will be able to provide you with things like medical reports.

Please don’t bring your pet’s belongings (bedding, toys, etc.) – this is to minimise the risk of cross infection. Don’t worry – we’ll make sure your pet’s as comfortable as possible while we’re looking after them.

Please make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. If your dog isn’t vaccinated against kennel cough, please take a look at our fact sheet – and also ask your vet whether vaccination is appropriate prior to your visit.

Click here to read our Kennel Cough Fact Sheet.

Our customer care team will always give you a guide to the costs, and we’ll keep you up to date with revised estimates throughout any treatment. Fees are paid in full when treatment is completed and you come to collect your pet. If fees begin to add up, we might ask for an interim payment. To make things as convenient as possible, we accept most major credit cards.

If your pet’s insured, you’ll need to get in touch with your insurance company to let them know your pet’s been referred to us. If you would like us to fill in the Veterinary Surgeon’s section of the claim form, simply bring it with you when you come to collect your pet. Or if you would like to discuss us assisting with a direct claim simply email insurance@vetspecialists.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help. See our Insurance, Payments and Claims factsheet here.

You can leave your pet in the car and come into reception, where one of our team will take a quick look at your paperwork. If the weather is hot please bring your pet with you.

A clinician will take a look at your pet’s history and any test results. After a thorough examination, your clinician will discuss your pet’s specific health issues with you, whether further tests and/or treatments will be needed, as well as costs and prognosis.

If you have any questions or concerns following the initial consultation just give us a call on 01582 883950.

Your pet may need further procedures – and may therefore need to stay with us whilst we carry these out. Investigations, tests and operations take place as required. Your clinician will discuss the results with you, as well as any further actions that may need to be taken.

Once all necessary procedures have been completed, your pet will be discharged with a care plan. We’ll also give your primary vet an update.

You may want to call us to see how things are going. We’re open for routine enquiries from 8.30am – 5.30pm but we can suggest the best time for you to ring us.

Visits to your pet can of course be beneficial, but we always advise discussing individual needs on a case-by-case basis.

Your pet will have 24-hour care, with experienced Veterinary Surgeons and nurses on site right throughout the night, for your peace of mind.

Our Client Care team will be available on the phone and at reception from 8.30am until 5.30pm. If your pet is staying with us we can arrange times for you to call and speak to the team members looking after your pet.