Find a vet
Finding the right vet for your pet is one of the most important things you can do as an owner – and it’s worth sorting out before you actually need one. Whether you have a dog, cat, horse or an exotic pet, having a registered vet you trust means faster treatment and better outcomes when something goes wrong.
Here’s how to find the right vet for your pet, and what to look for when you do.
Jump to:
Find a vet for dogs and cats
Find a vet for horses and equines
Find a vet for exotic animals (reptiles, birds, small mammals)
How to find a vet near you
All practising vets in the UK must be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Their online directory lets you search for local practices and filter by species, so you can find a vet with the right expertise for your specific animal.
RCVS Find a Vet
For specialist referrals – if your pet needs treatment beyond the scope of a general practice – the RCVS also maintains a directory of recognised specialists across disciplines including surgery, internal medicine, dermatology and oncology.
RCVS Specialist Directory
Finding the right vet for your type of pet
Dogs and cats
Most general veterinary practices are well equipped to care for dogs and cats. When choosing, it’s worth looking at the size of the practice, how easy they are to contact, whether they offer out-of-hours cover or have a referral arrangement with an emergency clinic, and the general approach of the team. Many owners also find it helpful to read recent reviews.
If your dog or cat has a known condition or is a breed that’s prone to specific health issues, it’s worth asking whether the practice has particular experience in that area.
RCVS Find a Vet
Horses and Equines
Equine veterinary care is a specialist field. Most large animal and equine practices offer a mix of ambulatory visits (where the vet comes to you) and clinic-based care. If you keep a horse at livery, your yard may already have a preferred vet – it’s worth asking before making your own arrangements.
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) member directory is a useful starting point for finding an equine vet near you.
BEVA Find a Vet
Exotic pets
Fortunately, specialist exotic vets are more accessible than they used to be. The RCVS directory allows you to search specifically for practices with exotic animal expertise, and the British Exotic Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA Exotic Species) can help direct you to a specialist.
RCVS Find a Vet (search for exotic specialist)
What to look for when choosing a vet
Once you have a shortlist of local practices, here are the things worth checking before you register:
- RCVS registration – all practising vets in the UK must be registered; you can verify this on the RCVS website
- Species experience – particularly important for exotic pets, horses and less common breeds
- Out-of-hours cover – does the practice provide 24-hour cover, or do they have a referral arrangement with an emergency clinic?
- Proximity – especially relevant for emergencies – know where your nearest out-of-hours clinic is
- Communication – how easy is it to get an appointment or speak to someone on the phone?
- Reviews – recent patient feedback can give a useful indication of the day-to-day experience
Pet insurance and vet bills
Even with the right vet in place, unexpected treatment costs can be significant. A single surgery for a fracture, a course of cancer treatment, or an emergency hospitalisation can run to thousands of pounds – and that’s before specialist referral fees are factored in.
We offer insurance cover for dogs, cats, horses and exotic pets, with a range of plans designed to suit different needs and budgets. Our claims process is straightforward, 95% of claims are paid within three days, and we can pay your vet directly so you’re not out of pocket while waiting for reimbursement.
Find out more about our cover, or get a quote today:
- Dog insurance – up to £12,000 vet fee cover
- Cat insurance – up to £9,000 vet fee cover
- Horse insurance – up to £5,000 vet fee cover
- Exotic pet insurance – up to £5,000 vet fee cover for reptiles, birds, small mammals and more