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We want your visit to our hospital to be as positive as possible for you and your pet. Here are our top tips for a stress-free visit.

Schedule your vet appointment

By booking your appointment in advance we can ensure that we allocate the relevant space in the diary for you.

Let us know the reason for your visit

Whether you are coming in for a regular check-up or a medical concern – please be clear about it when you make the appointment. This allows us to book an appointment with the most appropriate member of the team.

Bring along any pet information or items we may need

If you are registering with us and having your first appointment, please bring any previous medical documentation (such as dates of vaccinations) with you if available. 

If you are expecting your pet to stay in the hospital and they have specific dietary needs, bring a small quantity of their usual food.

If you have been asked to bring a urine or stool sample, ensure that this is transported in a suitable container. Photographs of diarrhoea or videos of unusual behaviour can be very helpful, so have these ready on your telephone to share with the vet.

Make notes about your pet’s condition

The vet will ask you what the problem is that you have noticed with your pet and when it started. They will also need to know about any medication your pet has taken in recent weeks and when the last doses were given. You may find it helpful to write this information down in advance of the appointment, especially if you are bringing a pet to the vets on behalf of a friend or relative.

Ask about finances

Taking care of a pet can be expensive. We recommend that owners take out pet insurance to assist them with unexpected veterinary costs.

If our vet suggests a treatment, tests or surgery for your pet, the vet will let you know the costs of these. Please let the vet know if you are experiencing financial difficulties. The hospital is not able to offer payment in installments, but there are often a variety of possible treatment options and approaches. The vet can help you choose the most appropriate option for your budget if you are open about your ability to pay. 

Our pet health plans are designed to help spread the cost of preventative healthcare treatments and regular checks for pets in easy monthly instalments. Ask our team for details

Get your pet comfortable with a carrier

As you may need to transport your pet using a carrier, we want to avoid your pet only associating the carrier with a potentially difficult experience like vet visits. Before your appointment, leave the carrier out with some treats or toys in it so your pet can get used with the idea of going into it.

Transporting your small mammal/exotic pet

Bring a copy of your pet’s medical records

This helps the vet team to see what ongoing health conditions which may need to be factored in and factors like vaccinations.

Allow plenty of time to get to your vet appointment

Our vet practice is busy so to help us give you the best appointment experience – please arrive in plenty of time for your appointment. Late arrivals mean the vet may have less time to meet with you and your pet – or the appointment may have to be rescheduled for another day.

Please keep your pet restrained

Unless you have a big dog or another animal that you can’t physically carry, they should be kept in an appropriate carrier. Holding your pet, even on a leash, can give them the opportunity to escape, or get into other trouble. We want to ensure the safety of both your pet – and other clients and their pets too.

Bear in mind that even the most placid pet can act out of character when they are in unfamiliar surroundings.

Please pay attention during your pet’s examination

We request that your mobile phone is switched to silent/off. It is important to observe what the vet/vet nurse is doing and saying so you can get all the information you need about your pet’s condition. If you have any questions – please ask any of our team. We are here to help

Try to remain calm

Your pet is very sensitive to your body language and tone of your voice. By keeping calm, you will help your pet to stay as relaxed as possible.

Bring special pet treats with you

Having some treats to hand can be a great distraction. Use them to reward good behaviour so your pet can see the positive side of a visit to the vets.

NB Do not give your pet any treats if you have been asked to refrain from feeding your pet prior to treatment/procedures, and please do not, under any circumstances, bring raw meat treats into the practice.

How to prepare your small mammal/exotic pet for procedures

Agree the next steps

Before you leave the practice, make sure you are clear about giving any medication; making follow up appointments; how long any test results may take. Please ask our vet practice team any questions so that you leave your appointment clear on what to expect next.

Need more help from us when you get home?

We realise that you may not remember everything the vet told you, or something else will come to mind after your visit. Call us so we can address anything you are concerned about get it sorted as quickly as possible.