How to Switch Vets in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
Switching vets can feel daunting — but it is simpler than many owners realise, and there is no loyalty obligation to a practice that no longer meets your needs. Whether you are moving house, unhappy with the service you have been receiving, or simply want to find a better-priced practice, this step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Key takeaways
- Switching vets in the UK is straightforward — register with your new practice first, then request your pet's records be transferred from your old practice.
- You are entitled to a summary of your pet's veterinary history for transfer purposes; a small administrative fee (typically £10–£30) may apply.
- Research your new practice carefully using price comparison, reviews, and a brief phone call before committing — the initial investment in research pays dividends in long-term satisfaction.
When Should You Consider Switching?
There are many legitimate reasons to switch veterinary practice. Moving to a new area is the most common, but it is far from the only one. Changes in pricing — particularly following corporate acquisitions that bring fee increases — have prompted many owners to look for alternatives. Dissatisfaction with the quality of communication, concerns about clinical care, difficulties getting appointments, or simply wanting a practice that better suits your pet's specific needs are all valid reasons.
The CMA's 2026 reforms have made vet pricing more transparent, and many owners switching vets are doing so because they have, for the first time, been able to compare what they pay against what other practices in their area charge. Discovering that your pet's annual vaccinations cost £95 at your current practice when a comparable practice nearby charges £65 is a reasonable basis for exploring alternatives.
Some owners feel a strong sense of loyalty to their current vet, particularly if they have used the practice for many years. This loyalty is understandable, but a practice that delivers excellent care, communicates well, and charges fairly has no reason to fear comparison. You are entitled to access the best possible care for your pet at a price you can sustain.
If your pet has an ongoing condition requiring long-term management, timing a switch thoughtfully — ideally during a stable period rather than during an active health episode — is sensible. However, even for pets with complex histories, transferring records is straightforward and a new practice can typically continue care without disruption.
Step 1: Research and Choose a New Practice
Before contacting your current practice, spend some time researching alternatives. Compare practices using CompareMyVet at app.comparemyvet.uk to see standard prices for consultations, vaccinations, and other routine services in your area. The CMA's 2026 reforms require all practices to publish these prices, making meaningful comparison possible for the first time.
Beyond price, consider practical factors: location and parking, opening hours, whether the practice offers online booking, emergency/out-of-hours access (either in-house or via referral), RCVS Practice Standards accreditation, and whether specialist facilities are available for any specific needs your pet has.
Word-of-mouth recommendations from local pet owners are valuable. Ask in local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or at your dog walking club. Personal experience from a trusted source carries significant weight alongside formal quality indicators.
Once you have identified one or two potential practices, it is worth calling them to ask a few key questions before committing. Does their availability suit your schedule? Can they accommodate your pet's specific needs? Do they use Fear Free or low-stress handling protocols if your pet finds vet visits stressful? A brief conversation is revealing.
Step 2: Register with Your New Practice
Registering with a new practice is simple. Contact them by phone, online form, or in person and ask to register your pet. You will be asked for basic information: your name and contact details, your pet's name, species, breed, age, microchip number, and whether they are insured. Most practices also ask about your pet's vaccination status and any current medications.
You do not need to have your records transferred before registering — you can register and request the records separately, or the new practice may handle this on your behalf. Many practices now handle routine record transfer as part of their registration process, asking your permission to contact the previous practice.
If your pet is on regular prescription medication, your new practice will need to see the animal before prescribing, as they cannot prescribe for a patient they have not assessed. This initial 'new patient' consultation is standard and usually no more expensive than a regular consultation (£40–£65 in 2026).
Inform your pet insurer of the practice change so that claims are directed correctly and the insurer has the right contact details for your pet's care.
Step 3: Request Transfer of Records
Your pet's veterinary records belong to the practice, not to you — but you are entitled to request a summary of your pet's history for transfer to a new practice. This is standard procedure, and most practices handle it routinely without any difficulty.
Contact your old practice either in writing, by phone, or in person and request that your pet's records be sent to your new practice. It is courteous (though not legally required) to inform your previous practice that you are leaving. Some practices charge a small administrative fee for record transfer — typically £10–£30 — though many provide this free.
The records you receive may include vaccination history, medication history, surgical records, diagnostic test results, and clinical notes from previous consultations. The more complete the transfer, the better informed your new practice will be. If your pet has complex ongoing conditions, a comprehensive clinical summary from the previous vet is particularly valuable.
Your new practice should confirm receipt of records and ideally review them before your first consultation. If you have not heard that records have been received within two weeks, follow up with both practices.
Find Your Next Vet on CompareMyVet
CompareMyVet makes the research stage of switching vets significantly easier. Compare prices, services, and locations for practices near you at app.comparemyvet.uk — all with the transparent pricing required under the CMA's 2026 reforms.
Whether you are looking for a lower-cost practice for routine care, a practice with a particular specialist interest, or simply one that is closer to home, our comparison tool gives you a clear picture of your local options. Starting with transparent price information means you can make a genuinely informed choice rather than guessing.
For help with what to ask at your first appointment with a new vet, see our guide: 10 Questions to Ask Before Registering with a New Vet.
Related guides
Common questions
No — there is no contractual obligation to give notice. It is courteous to inform your current practice that you are moving on, but you can register with a new practice at any time without prior notification to your old one.
Many practices offer monthly health plan subscriptions that include vaccinations, flea/worm treatment, and discounted consultations. If you are leaving mid-plan, check the terms — most plans require notice of cancellation (commonly one month) and may require you to pay out remaining fees if you have used more value than you have paid. Factor this into your timing.
Yes — you can switch at any time. For pets with ongoing conditions, transferring a comprehensive clinical record is particularly important. A short overlap — maintaining emergency access to the old practice until the new one is fully briefed — is a practical safety net during the transition.
CompareMyVet is live in Brighton & Hove — search 29 practices by price, ownership and services. Launching across the UK in 2026.