How to Switch Vets in the UK

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.

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.

Avoid changing practices mid-treatment for a serious ongoing condition unless necessary — continuity helps your vet team monitor progress. If you must switch during treatment, ask both practices to communicate directly about the care plan.

For emergencies, go to whichever vet can see you fastest — registration can be completed afterward.

Save your new practice number and listen to their answerphone message for the out-of-hours provider. Policies differ: some practices cover nights themselves; others refer to a dedicated emergency clinic.

See when to see an emergency vet.

Since the CMA's 2026 transparency rules began phasing in, more and more practices publish standard price lists — large groups first, smaller practices into 2027. Compare what is published in our directory, and read CMA vet pricing transparency for what owners should expect.

For wider UK ranges, see the UK Vet Price Index.

If you have recently taken on clients from another area, claim your free directory listing so owners find accurate contact details and published prices.