# Questions to Ask Your Vet — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/questions-to-ask-your-vet-uk): Questions to Ask Your Vet — Quick answer. Before you register — or before agreeing to treatment — ask your vet about fees, out-of-hours cover, what is included in estimates, and prescription options. Since 2026, practices should publish standard prices and give written estimates for £500+ treatment. Compare published fees in our vet directory or find a vet search first.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/questions-to-ask-your-vet-uk): Questions to Ask Your Vet — When choosing a new practice. Use these questions when phoning or visiting for the first time: ### Fees and transparency - What is your standard consultation fee? — check whether it matches their published price list - Do you publish a full price list on your website? — required under CMA remedies for core services - Do you offer a health plan? — monthly schemes may bundle vaccinations and parasite treatment - Are there out-of-hours supplements? — emergency consult fees may differ See CMA vet pricing transparency UK for what owners should expect. ### Availability and cover - What are your opening hours? — including Saturday and early/late appointments - Who covers nights and bank holidays? — your practice, a partner clinic, or a referral to Vets Now? - How do I book urgent appointments? — same-day policy for sick pets - Do you offer home visits? — and at what cost? Browse out-of-hours vets in our directory. ### Clinical fit - Do you regularly see my species? — especially important for rabbits, birds and exotics - Do you have equipment on site? — X-ray, ultrasound, dental facilities - Do you refer to specialists? — and how are referral fees explained? For rabbits, see rabbit-friendly practices. ### Ownership - Are you independent or part of a group? — practices must disclose this clearly. See independent vs corporate vets.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/questions-to-ask-your-vet-uk): Questions to Ask Your Vet — Before agreeing to treatment. Estimates and billing - Can I have a written estimate? — essential for surgery, dental extractions, imaging and hospital stays likely to reach £500+ - What is included? — anaesthetic, monitoring, take-home medication, revisits - What might change the price? — complications, extra tests, longer stays - Can treatment be staged? — if cost is a concern, ask what is urgent vs what can wait ### Medicines and prescriptions - Can I have a written prescription? — you may buy medicine elsewhere, including online pharmacies - What is your prescription fee? — must be published under CMA rules - Are there generic or alternative products? — ask about efficacy and cost, not just brand names ### Aftercare - What should I watch for at home? — warning signs that need a recheck - Who do I call if complications arise tonight? — confirm the out-of-hours number - When is the follow-up? — included in the fee or extra?

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/questions-to-ask-your-vet-uk