How to choose a veterinary practice in London

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Choose a practice before your pet becomes ill. Start with RCVS Find a Vet ↗, then compare two or three suitable practices for species, transport and access to care.

Check the vet and the practice's capabilities

Confirm that the practice treats your particular species. Treating dogs and cats does not establish expertise with hamsters or other exotic pets. You can check the veterinarian through the RCVS register. Practice Standards Scheme accreditation is voluntary and differs from a vet's professional registration. RCVS: choosing a practice ↗.

Ask where tests and operations take place, how specialist referrals work and whether you can usually see the same vet. If you need Russian, confirm the particular appointment and communication arrangements rather than relying on a receptionist's language skills.

Establish what happens at night

Practices must arrange round-the-clock access to emergency first aid and pain relief, but another out-of-hours clinic may provide it. Save its address, number and likely journey time. A home visit for a dog or cat should not be assumed to be a standard service. RCVS: out-of-hours care ↗.

Without a car, investigate a pet-friendly taxi and suitable carrier beforehand. A convenient daytime address does not resolve an inaccessible emergency service.

Compare the same set of costs

Request prices for an initial consultation, follow-up, vaccinations, a written prescription and an emergency appointment. Establish what a health plan includes: preventive packages and insurance for illness serve different purposes.

Before planned treatment, request a written estimate including VAT, possible extra investigations and follow-ups. Explain financial limits and ask about options and their implications. Practices set their prices; RCVS does not impose a common tariff. RCVS: fees and pricing ↗.

Register and transfer the history

Supply microchip details, vaccination records, medication, previous reactions and insurance information. Ask the old practice to transfer clinical records with your consent. Confirm booking, cancellation, payment and direct insurance claim arrangements. Keep treatment plans and invoices for future care and insurance claims.