What makes up a visit

  1. Consultation: the vet's history, examination and advice. Emergency consultations cost more than daytime ones because they include immediate triage and 24-hour staffing.
  2. Tests: blood, urine, X-ray, ultrasound and microscopy, itemised.
  3. Treatment: injections, fluids, bandaging, prescribed medication.
  4. Anaesthesia and monitoring: by weight and duration, including pre-anaesthetic blood tests where needed.
  5. Surgery: by type and complexity.
  6. Hospitalisation: per day, including nursing, feeding and monitoring; intensive care and oxygen cages are extra.
  7. Consumables and external laboratory fees: send-out tests, special drugs.

Why emergencies cost more

A 24-hour hospital keeps vets and nurses on duty around the clock, and emergency patients usually need stabilising (oxygen, fluids, pain relief) before they can even be examined. The emergency consultation fee reflects that; tests and treatments afterwards are charged at the same rates as daytime.

How we quote

  • Non-emergency procedures (neutering, dental scaling, imaging): a written estimate when you book, with nothing added before surgery.
  • Emergencies: stabilise first, then a written estimate before further treatment, updated daily.
  • Hospitalisation: a deposit on admission, with the balance settled or refunded at discharge.
  • If something extra is found under anaesthesia (extractions during scaling, for example), we phone you first.

How to keep costs down

  • Prevention is far cheaper than treatment: vaccines, monthly parasite control, yearly check-ups, tooth brushing.
  • Come at the first sign of illness; one consultation costs far less than days in hospital.
  • Bring previous test results and X-rays to avoid repeating them.
  • Consider insurance; see our pet insurance article.

Payment

Cash, credit card, FPS and bank transfer. Large bills can be discussed and treatment staged.

Common questions

  • Can you quote over the phone? We can explain the components and a rough range, but an accurate estimate needs the vet to examine your pet.
  • Are there hidden charges? No. Every item appears on the invoice, and the same invoice is used for insurance claims.