If you have a pet, or you’re considering getting one, then it’s important that you find a vet. As a responsible and compassionate owner, it’s important for you to know where to get the care your pet needs when it needs it and to build a relationship with a trained expert who will get to know your pet over time and learn what the baseline for normal is, and spot when something changes.
It’s also your legal responsibility! As part of the provisions of the UK’s Animal Welfare Act (2006), pet owners have a legal responsibility to protect their pets from pain, suffering, injury and disease. The best way you can do that is to register your pet at a vet as soon as possible so you know where to go for help if you suspect your pet is suffering. The regularity of check ups isn’t mandated by law, but if you want to know where you have to register your pet at the vet, uk pet owners have to.
The Right Vet
Finding a vet can be a bigger challenge than simply going to the nearest one. You need a vet you can trust, that can treat the animal you’ve chosen for a pet, and that meets the right price point for you – some vets practices can cost more, and registering won’t do you much good if you can’t afford the treatment.
The first step to finding a vet is to see what’s in your area: don’t default to the nearest one. Check for online reviews, and most important ask around amongst your pet owning friends. A personal recommendation can make all the difference in helping you feel like you’re choosing a vet who’ll understand your pet and its needs.
Exotic Pets
If you have a less than usual pet, whether it’s a snake, a tropical fish or a parrot, you might need to look further afield for a vet that can do everything you need.
Many vets are qualified to practice only on the common animals in their area. It’s easier to find an equine vet in the countryside near lots of stables, for example. If you’ve got a pet that needs specialised care, there are lots of ways to find the right vet. You could look at professional bodies, for example, like the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, groups or clubs of owners or breeders like the UK Parrot Society or ask a local vet for a recommendation.