Whether you choose an independently owned practice or a corporate-owned practice is a matter of personal preference. We believe that most veterinary professionals are motivated by a genuine love of animals and a dedication to good veterinary care.

While your choice of veterinary practice will ultimately be individual to your own circumstances, there are a number of factors that you should consider:

1. Location

When it comes to your pet’s healthcare, it is important that you can get the help that you need as soon as possible. Consider how far you would be willing to take your pet for veterinary care – especially in an emergency.

You may also wish to check the car parking situation before choosing a practice, as some smaller premises may not have on-site parking or the space to manage large numbers of clients.

2. Services

While there are many practices that can treat small animals, and a variety of options for large animal and equine care, you may find it more challenging to find a vet to treat your exotic pet. You can use our filter on IndependentVets.co.uk to search for independent practices which suit your needs.

You should also consider whether the practice can cater for your pet’s pre-existing conditions. A hydrotherapy suite would benefit a dog with mobility issues, while an on-site dermatologist is ideal for a cat with recurring skin issues.

For some pet owners, having emergency, 24-hour care on site at their practice is a must. Similarly, you may wish to find out how the practice provides any out-of-hours care – is this managed by the practice or outsourced to a different business?

If it is not apparent on the practice website, it may be worth calling their reception team for more details.

3. Price

The price of veterinary care can vary. If costs are a concern, it may be worthwhile to research a range of local options before booking your first appointment.

Many veterinary practices will publicise a basic price list on their website, detailing the costs of some (but not all) of their services. Remember that these prices are often an estimate, since the real price can depend on your pet’s size, weight and medical history.

Some practices will have a health plan in place, designed to make pet care simpler and more affordable. It is worth investigating whether a practice offers this option, and whether it is right for you and your pet.

4. Reputation

When it comes to choosing a practice, your decision may ultimately come down to the practice’s reputation for veterinary care in the local community.

Client reviews will provide a first-hand perspective of what it is like to visit that specific practice. You should consider reviews carefully, however, since some may be biased or falsified.

The practice’s social media page is also worth visiting to better understand its everyday life and ethos. This is a good opportunity to see stories from the practice, its local initiatives, and public comments on the practice’s social media posts.