I am unhappy with my vet's performance/ the fees. What can I do?
If you are unhappy with some aspect of the way either you or your pet have been treated, your first step should always be to discuss your concerns frankly with your veterinary surgeon. Write to, or telephone your veterinary surgeon as soon as you can.
Many problems arise because of a misunderstanding or lack of communication and can often be easily dealt with at this first point of contact.
If you are still dissatisfied, ask to speak to a partner, the senior partner, if a practice has one. If you concern has still not been addressed, you should contact the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. They are the governing body for the profession and deal with complaints.
The BVA is unable to deal with complaints relating to individual veterinary surgeons.
Fees
The question of fees can be a concern for many pet owners. Unfortunately there is no national health service for pets. A veterinary practice has to run like a business. Staff salaries, the cost of equipment, medicines, syringes, needles, dressings and the overheads of running the premises and vehicles account for the bulk of the fee you pay. VAT must also be added to charges.
Practices make considerable ongoing investment into staff education, training, publications and new technology - sometimes in the form of costly equipment. Veterinary medicine advances in the same way as human medicine. The range of diagnostic techniques and treatments now available can save and restore to health animals who not long ago could only have been put to sleep. This type of treatment, however, invariably comes at a cost.
Any good practice will be willing to give you an estimate of costs before progressing with treatment. Ask for an estimate in advance but remember that in some cases it may be difficult for your veterinary surgeon to anticipate the full nature and extent of treatment before initial tests are carried out. Similarly, unforeseen complications can arise. Every animal is unique and can sometimes react differently to procedures and treatment.
Many people ask why there are no standard fees within the veterinary profession. As every practice is different, none of them will have the same overheads for all the reasons outlined above. The area of the country will also have an effect. It is acceptable for you to compare prices among practices if you wish to, although a close relationship with your usual practice will ensure that your pet is cared for by veterinary surgeons who are fully aware of your pet's medical history.
Should your pet suffer an accident or serious illness, your vet's bill may be an unforseen expense. For this reason you may consider insurance. See our insurance section for more details.