How to Switch
Vets in the UK
Switching vets is easier than you think. You have the right to change practices at any time, for any reason — with no notice period and no penalty.
Find a new vet near you
Why Do People
Switch Vets?
There are many valid reasons to switch vet practices. The CMA's investigation found that pet owners often feel "locked in" to their current vet because they think switching is complicated. It is not. Here are the most common reasons people switch:
Prices too high
The most common reason. With prices varying 50-100% between practices, switching can save hundreds.
Moving house
After relocating, it makes sense to register with a vet closer to your new home.
Poor experience
Bad communication, rude staff, or a lack of trust in the vet's recommendations.
Corporate takeover
Learning your vet was acquired by a corporate group, with rising prices.
Prescription issues
Vet refusing prescriptions or charging excessive fees.
Specialist needs
Your pet needs a vet with specific expertise — exotic animals, orthopaedics, dental, etc.
How to Switch Vets:
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps and you will be registered with a new vet within days.
Research and choose a new vet
Use VetCost's search tool to compare vet practices near you. Look at prices, reviews, ownership (corporate vs. independent), and services offered. Consider visiting the practice before committing — most will give you a free tour.
Things to compare: consultation fees, vaccination prices, neutering costs, prescription fees, out-of-hours charges, and opening hours.
Register with the new practice
Contact the new vet and register your pet. You will typically need your name, address, pet's name, breed, age, and any known medical conditions. Most practices offer online registration forms. You can register before you have left your old vet — there is no rule against being registered at two practices.
Request your pet's clinical records
Ask your new vet to request clinical records from your old practice. Under the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, your old vet must transfer records when requested. You will usually sign a consent form, and the new vet handles the rest. Records should arrive within 28 days, but often much sooner.
Handle ongoing prescriptions
If your pet is on long-term medication, any existing prescriptions remain valid until they expire. Your new vet can issue new prescriptions once they have reviewed the records. For continuity, consider getting a prescription from your old vet before you leave to cover the transition period.
Update your pet's microchip
Contact your microchip database (Petlog, IdentiChip, Pet-ID, etc.) and update the secondary contact to your new vet's details. The primary contact should always be you. Many new vets will do this for you during the registration appointment. It is also a good time to check that all your contact details are correct.
Notify your pet insurance provider
Tell your insurer about the change. Your policy is not tied to a specific vet, so switching does not affect your cover, premiums, or existing claims. But the insurer needs the new vet's details to process future claims correctly. Most insurers have an online portal or a simple phone process for this.
Book a registration appointment
Many new vets offer a free or reduced-price initial consultation. This is a good opportunity for the vet to meet your pet, review the records, discuss any ongoing conditions, and establish a relationship. Bring any recent blood test results, vaccination certificates, or medication details you have.
Things to Consider
Before You Switch
Ongoing treatment
If your pet is mid-treatment (surgery recovery, dental work, etc.), it may be better to wait until treatment is complete before switching. Continuity of care during active treatment is important.
Compare total costs
Do not just compare consultation fees. Look at the full picture: vaccination costs, prescription fees, neutering prices, and out-of-hours charges. Use VetCost to compare all costs side by side.
Check ownership
If you are leaving a corporate vet because of high prices, make sure the new practice is not owned by the same group. Use VetCost's ownership checker to verify before you switch.
Read reviews
Check Google reviews, Trustpilot, and VetCost practice profiles. Pay attention to patterns in reviews — a single bad review might be a one-off, but consistent complaints about pricing or communication are a red flag.
Your Rights When
Switching Vets
You can switch at any time
There is no contract, no notice period, and no penalty. You are free to leave a vet practice whenever you want, for whatever reason.
Your records must be transferred
Under the RCVS Code, your old vet must transfer clinical records when requested. If they refuse, complain to the RCVS.
Existing prescriptions remain valid
A prescription does not expire because you change vets. It remains valid until the date stated on the prescription.
Insurance is not affected
Your pet insurance policy is between you and the insurer. Switching vets has no effect on your cover, premiums, or claims history.
You do not need permission
You do not need your current vet's consent or approval to switch. You do not even need to tell them — though it can be helpful for the transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You have the absolute right to switch vets at any time, for any reason. There is no contract, notice period, or penalty. You can register with a new vet immediately without permission from your current one.
Ask your new vet to request records from your old practice. Under the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, your old vet must transfer them. You sign a consent form, and the new vet handles the rest. Records typically arrive within 28 days.
No obligation, but it can be courteous and practical — especially for ongoing prescriptions. Your new vet will contact the old practice for records, which effectively notifies them.
Existing prescriptions remain valid until expiry. Your new vet can issue new ones after reviewing records. For continuity, get a prescription from your old vet before leaving if your pet takes long-term medication.
Yes — update the secondary contact to your new vet's details. Contact your microchip database (Petlog, IdentiChip, etc.) or ask your new vet to do it at registration. Primary contact should always be you.
No. Your insurance is between you and the insurer, not tied to a vet. Switching does not affect cover, premiums, or claims. Just notify your insurer of the new vet's details for future claims.
No. The RCVS Code requires vets to transfer records on request. If they refuse or delay, complain to the RCVS. A small admin fee for copying may apply, but many practices do it free.
Ready to find a better vet?
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