Many pet owners stay with the same vet even if they are unhappy with prices or service, because they worry about losing their pet's medical history. In reality, switching vets is straightforward, and your current practice is required to cooperate.

Your Rights When Switching

Under the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, veterinary practices must:

  • Transfer your pet's clinical records to a new practice when requested
  • Not obstruct or unreasonably delay the transfer
  • Not charge an excessive fee for preparing and sending records (some practices charge a small admin fee of £10–£20, but many do this free)

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Research new practices: Use VetCost to compare prices, check reviews, and verify opening hours for practices near you
  2. Visit the new practice: Many offer free new client consultations. Use this to meet the team, see the facilities, and ask about pricing
  3. Register with the new practice: Fill in their registration form with your and your pet's details
  4. Request record transfer: Your new practice will usually contact the old one to request records. You can also contact the old practice yourself
  5. Continue any ongoing treatment: If your pet is on medication, ensure you have enough supply to cover the transition period. Ask your old practice for a written prescription before you leave

What Gets Transferred

Your pet's clinical records include:

  • Consultation notes and clinical history
  • Vaccination records and dates
  • Test results (blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound reports)
  • Surgery notes
  • Medication history
  • Microchip number

Some practices keep digital records, making transfer quick and easy. Others still use paper records, which may take a few days to copy and send.

Good Reasons to Switch

  • You have found a practice that is significantly cheaper for routine care
  • You want an independent practice instead of a corporate one (or vice versa)
  • The practice is closer to your home (important for emergencies)
  • You are unhappy with the quality of care or communication
  • You have moved to a new area
  • The practice has changed ownership and prices have increased

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, CMA provisional decision (October 2025).