Can I Get a Second
Opinion from Another Vet?
Yes, absolutely. It is your right, it is encouraged, and it could make all the difference to your pet's health. Here is everything you need to know.
Yes, You Can —
and You Should if in Doubt
Getting a second opinion from another vet is entirely your right. The RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) — the regulatory body for vets in the UK — explicitly supports pet owners seeking second opinions. It is considered a normal and healthy part of veterinary care.
You do not need permission from your current vet. You do not need to tell them you are seeking another opinion (though most vets will be supportive if you do). And your current vet is professionally obligated to share your pet's medical records with another practice when asked.
In fact, for serious diagnoses, expensive treatments, or situations where treatment is not working, a second opinion is not just reasonable — it is recommended. Many conditions are complex, and different vets may have different expertise and approaches.
Your right
The RCVS confirms you can seek a second opinion at any time
Records must transfer
Your vet must share clinical records with another practice on request
£40 – £70
Typical cost for a second opinion consultation
When Should You Seek a Second Opinion?
Not every situation warrants a second opinion, but these are the times when it is especially valuable.
Serious or life-threatening diagnosis
If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, a serious organ condition, or anything life-threatening, a second opinion can confirm the diagnosis and potentially reveal different treatment options you were not offered.
Expensive treatment recommended
If you have been quoted a large sum (£1,000+) for treatment, it is sensible to get a second opinion. Different vets may offer different approaches, some of which may be equally effective but significantly cheaper.
Treatment is not working
If your pet has been on treatment for a while and is not improving (or is getting worse), another vet may identify a different underlying issue or suggest an alternative treatment approach.
You have been told nothing more can be done
Before making any final decisions about your pet, getting a specialist second opinion can sometimes reveal options your general practice vet was not aware of. Specialist vets have advanced training in specific areas.
Diagnosis seems uncertain
If your vet seems unsure of the diagnosis, or if the symptoms do not match what you have been told, another pair of eyes can provide clarity and confidence in the diagnosis.
Your instinct says something is not right
You know your pet better than anyone. If something feels off — about the diagnosis, the recommended treatment, or the way your vet is communicating — trust your instinct and seek another opinion.
How to Get a
Second Opinion
Choose another vet practice
Use VetCost's search tool to find another vet practice near you. Consider choosing a practice that is independent if your current vet is corporate-owned (or vice versa) to get a genuinely different perspective. For complex conditions, you may want to seek a specialist referral.
Request your pet's records
Ask your current vet to send your pet's medical records to the new practice. Under RCVS guidelines, they must provide a clinical summary. Most practices do this electronically. You can also request a copy for yourself. There should be no charge for a basic summary.
Book a second opinion consultation
Call the new practice and explain you would like a second opinion. Many practices are used to this and may offer a slightly longer consultation slot. Bring any test results, x-rays, or notes you have from the original vet. This is a standard consultation and costs £40–£70 (or £200–£500 for a specialist).
Compare the advice
Once you have two opinions, compare the diagnoses, recommended treatments, and costs. If the two vets agree, you can proceed with greater confidence. If they disagree, ask each vet to explain their reasoning. For serious conditions, a third opinion from a specialist can help resolve any uncertainty.
Decide and proceed
You are free to continue treatment at either practice — or switch to the new vet entirely if you prefer. There is no obligation to remain with your original vet. If you do switch, the new practice will request a full record transfer.
Specialist Referrals
and When to Ask for One
For complex conditions, a specialist referral can be more valuable than a second opinion from another general practice vet. Veterinary specialists hold additional qualifications (typically a Diploma or Fellowship) and have years of advanced training in their specific area.
You can ask your vet for a referral, or in many cases you can self-refer directly to a specialist practice. Specialist consultations cost more (£200–£500) but provide expert-level assessment and access to advanced diagnostic equipment and techniques.
Orthopaedics
Joint problems, fractures, cruciate ligament, hip dysplasia
Oncology
Cancer diagnosis, treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy
Cardiology
Heart conditions, murmurs, heart failure, arrhythmias
Neurology
Brain and spinal conditions, seizures, paralysis
Dermatology
Chronic skin conditions, allergies, ear problems
Internal Medicine
Complex medical conditions, endocrine, gastrointestinal
What Does a Second Opinion Cost?
General practice second opinion
£40 – £70 — the same as a standard consultation. Some practices may allocate a slightly longer slot for second opinions.
Specialist referral second opinion
£200 – £500 — includes a thorough examination by a vet with advanced qualifications. Additional diagnostics (scans, blood tests) are extra.
Record transfer
Free — your vet should not charge for providing a clinical summary to another practice. Some may charge a small fee for copying extensive records or imaging.
Is it worth the cost? Consider that a second opinion costing £50–£70 could save you thousands if it reveals a less expensive treatment option, catches a misdiagnosis, or confirms that an expensive recommended treatment is genuinely necessary. For your peace of mind alone, it is often money well spent.
How Records Transfer
Between Vets
Under the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, vets must provide a clinical history summary when requested. Here is how the process typically works:
You or the new vet requests the records. Either you call your current vet and ask them to send records to the new practice, or the new practice makes the request directly. Both approaches are normal.
Records are sent electronically. Most modern practices use digital practice management systems and can email a clinical summary quickly. Imaging files (x-rays, scans) can be sent on CD or via secure file transfer.
The new vet reviews everything. With the full history, the new vet can provide an informed second opinion without needing to repeat all the diagnostic tests. This saves time and money.
You can also request your own copy. You are entitled to a copy of your pet's medical records for yourself. This is useful to have regardless, so you always know your pet's full medical history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. You have every right to seek a second opinion from another vet at any time. The RCVS confirms that seeking a second opinion is a normal part of veterinary care. Your current vet cannot refuse to share your pet's records with another practice.
A good vet will not be offended. Many vets actively encourage second opinions for complex or serious conditions. The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct states that vets should support your right to a second opinion. If your vet reacts badly, that itself is a red flag.
A second opinion at a general practice costs the same as a standard consultation — typically £40-£70. A specialist referral second opinion costs £200-£500. Record transfers between practices should be free. Even at the higher end, the cost is a small price for peace of mind and potentially better treatment options.
Simply ask your current vet to send your pet's clinical records to the new practice, or have the new practice request them directly. Under RCVS guidelines, vets must provide a clinical history summary. Most practices send records electronically. There should be no charge for a basic summary.
In many cases, yes. While some specialist practices require a referral from your vet, many now accept self-referrals. Call the specialist practice directly and ask. Even if a formal referral is needed, your vet should not refuse — the RCVS requires vets to refer when asked.
No, you are not obligated to tell your current vet. However, being open about it is usually beneficial — your current vet can provide records and context that helps the second vet. Most vets are professional about it and will not take it personally.
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