# How to Switch Vets in the UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/how-to-switch-vets-uk): How to Switch Vets in the UK — Quick answer. You can switch vets at any time in the UK. Register with your new RCVS practice, ask them to request your pet's clinical records from the old one, update your microchip contact details, and settle any outstanding bills. Use our find a vet search or county directory to compare local options — including published prices where practices list them.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/how-to-switch-vets-uk): How to Switch Vets in the UK — Common reasons owners switch. Moving house, dissatisfaction with communication, cost, out-of-hours arrangements, or needing a specialist service (exotics, behaviour, dentistry) are all valid reasons. The best switch happens before an emergency — register while your pet is well so you are already a client when you need an appointment quickly.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/how-to-switch-vets-uk): How to Switch Vets in the UK — Step-by-step: changing practices. 1. Choose your new practice Compare practices on location, opening hours, out-of-hours cover, species treated and — where published — consultation fees. Our vet directory shows only verified details from each practice's own website. Read questions to ask your vet before you call. ### 2. Register as a new client Phone or book online. You will usually need: - Your name, address and contact details - Your pet's name, species, breed, age and microchip number - Insurance details if applicable - A brief history of current medications or ongoing conditions ### 3. Transfer clinical records With your consent, your new vet requests records from your old practice. This typically includes vaccination history, test results, surgical notes and medication lists. Keep your pet passport, vaccination card and any referral letters yourself — they speed things up if the transfer is delayed. ### 4. Manage prescriptions and health plans - Repeat medications — your new vet may need to re-assess your pet before prescribing (this is a clinical requirement, not obstruction) - Health plans — cancel or transfer according to your old practice's terms; read the small print on notice periods - Insurance claims — update your insurer with the new practice details if required ### 5. Update microchip and tag details When you move or change vet, update your pet's microchip database entry with your current phone number and address. A vet change alone does not update the chip — the registered keeper is you, not the practice. ### 6. Settle with your old practice Pay any outstanding invoices and collect items held at the practice (medications, harnesses left after surgery, etc.). If you prepaid for a course of treatment you will not use, ask about their refund policy.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/how-to-switch-vets-uk