We offer home visits in a limited number of situations but it is worth remembering that the vet coming to your home will not have the same diagnostic equipment and drugs available to them so may not be able to give the full diagnosis or range of treatments. In an emergency or with a very ill pet we always recommend that you are seen in the surgery.
Emergency home visits
We will, wherever staff are available and balanced against the needs of our other patients, try to come to you in an emergency situation if requested. Remember though that the best care for your animal in an emergency will always be given at the practice because we are not able to carry all the diagnostic equipment and range of drugs to your home.
In many circumstances you will get quicker attention if you are able to bring your pet into the surgery because we can fit them in around our other patients’ needs.
Planned home visits
Please try to give us three days notice if you are requesting a planned home visit. You will be asked to pay up front for the visit and will be given an estimate of the treatment costs (wherever possible). We will call you to complete payment after the vet has been.
We try our hardest to be there at the time we say but in exceptional circumstances we may need to change the time or day if there is an influx of emergency cases. We will let you know as soon as possible if this is the case.
Plan ahead
You are responsible for transporting your animal to the practice, including in emergency situations. It pays to plan ahead if you don’t have your own transport. Maybe ask a friend or neighbour if they’d be happy to help in an emergency, or ask us for the contact number for the pet ambulance service or a the list of local taxi firms who are happy to carry pets.
Cost
There is an additional cost to a home visit on top of the usual consultation fees. Many people find it cheaper and better for their animal to come to the surgery by the pet ambulance or by taxi. We keep a list of pet friendly taxis/transportation ambulances that the staff will be happy to share with you.
