In some cases, your pet may benefit from assessment or treatment by a veterinary professional with further qualifications or a special interest in your pet’s condition or injury.

Referral may be beneficial for your pet due to the complexity of the condition, the need for advanced diagnostics, or access to specialist equipment or expertise.

If a referral is recommended, we will:

• Discuss why a referral is advised and what it may involve
• Explain the area of expertise and qualifications of the veterinary professionals available best suited to your pet’s condition.
• Provide details of available referral options and, if known, a trusted referral centre
• Where and if possible, get an idea of costings ahead of your appointment 
• Forward your pet’s clinical notes, test results, and imaging to the referral practice with your consent

We aim to help make the referral process as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.

If you would like a referral but it has not been recommended by your vet, please reach out and we will discuss your individual pet’s needs. 

We will be happy to explain your pet’s treatment options, outline whether referral might be of benefit and when it might not. We are always here to support you in your decision making.

Following a second opinion or referral appointment, we will continue to provide routine care, follow-up treatments, medicines and ongoing support, as advised by the referral veterinary surgeon.

Referral fees, investigations and treatments are set by the referral practice and may differ from standard practice costs.

We will discuss the initial referral consultation fee prior to referral, and we would then encourage you to discuss any estimated ongoing costs directly with the referral practice.