An important part of being a responsible pet owner is making sure your pet receives prompt treatment for any illness or injury, and is protected from disease as much as possible.
The best place to get advice on pet health issues is from a veterinary surgeon, so
every pet owner should ensure that they are registered with a local veterinary practice.
You can find telephone numbers for local veterinary surgeons in the telephone directory, or use “Find a Vet” on the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons website. Personal recommendation is one of the best ways to choose a vet, so talk to other pet owners before deciding which vet to register with.
Most types of pet need some routine veterinary care, such as neutering, flea and worm control, vaccinations and microchipping. Your veterinary practice team will be able to give you comprehensive and professional advice on a wide range of pet healthcare issues. Your vet should also be your first port of call for guidance if your pet shows signs of illness or injury.
Owners need to consider the cost of veterinary treatment, and make plans to ensure that they can provide their pets with what they need, especially in an emergency.
Remember that there is no animal NHS!
Veterinary surgeons belong to a very caring profession but they are also running a business. Technological advancements in veterinary medicine have meant that vets are able to provide more and more comprehensive diagnostic tests and treatments for pet animals, but this service comes at a cost. If your pet was to have an accident or need extensive medical treatment it could end up costing you hundreds if not thousands of pounds.
Some reasons for making an unexpected trip to the vet:
The RSPCA strongly advises pet-owners to consider taking out a pet health insurance policy to help cover veterinary fees.
Try Vet Help Direct. Designed and run by vets, Vet Help Direct is an online guide to help you to decide how quickly you should contact your vet. Visit www.vethelpdirect.com.
The Clinic provides a low cost veterinary service for pets whose owners are on a low income.
Owned pets are seen strictly by appointment only.