Visiting Nightingale Vets

Getting the best from your visit to us

Arrive in good time

Our online booking facility means you can select an appointment time that’s convenient for you. Make sure you arrive in good time so you feel unhurried and can take your time with your pet. We send complementary email reminders for annual vaccinations, your pet’s preventative healthcare medications as well as all consultations to make busy lives a little easier.

What to remember

We stock a wide selection of yummy treats to reward the goodest boys and girls, but if there is something particular you know your pet absolutely loves then feel free to bring them a little picnic snack.

If your pet is coming to stay with us, you may asked to ensure they have skipped breakfast before their procedure. As soon as your pet is able however, we offer a tempting range of foods to suit all appetites, including foods for dogs and cats that have specific dietary requirements.

We always stock diets suitable for patients requiring hydrolysed hypoallergenic, low fat, urinary, renal, sensitivity, or gastrointestinal support, and are able to order a variety of other specialised foods in advance for next day delivery should your pet require them whilst they stay with us.

If your pet is due their annual healthcheck and vaccination, it is useful to bring their vaccination certificate with you so we can update it. If you don’t have one, we’ll happily issue you with a brand new one free of charge.

We love lists! If you have any questions feel free to make a list and we’ll make sure all your queries are answered whilst you’re with us.

Payment

We will never charge you for any of our services without providing you with a clearly explained estimate beforehand and we’ll never take payment from you without your permission.

You will be furnished with a paper or email copy of treatment estimates according to your wishes. Any possible changes that may be made to any estimated patient care plan will be communicated to you, the options explained and your express permission sought beforehand.

We take card and cash payments. We ask that all veterinary fees are paid at the time of the service being provided, with the exception of insurance claims. For our Welcome to the World programme and Happy Pet subscription, these fees are collected monthly.

Insurance Claims

We recommend insuring your pet to help you with the financial aspect of veterinary care if your pet ever becomes poorly and needs us. We deal with most pet insurance companies and for our Happy Pet subscription members, we offer unlimited free insurance administration so the cost of submitting a claim is removed.

All you need to do is tell us who you’re insured with, pay your excess and any percentages of the claim according to your policy, sign a consent form where needed, and we do the rest. You can of course settle your fees with us outright, and recoup the insurance payment to your account if you prefer, but we want to reward our owners for taking the responsible step of insuring their pet, and are very happy to provide this service.

If you would like to submit an insurance claim for any of your pet’s treatment, just let us know, and remember to bring your claim form and policy details. We can help you with this if you are uncertain.

Safety

Please make sure all cats and smaller pets are safely transported to us in secure carriers and that dogs wear collars or harnesses and are on a lead at all times.

Be mindful that not all dogs may be as friendly as your dog, and that some dogs need more space than others.

We are happy for you to bring your children with you to your pet’s consultation, but please be mindful not all pets who visit the practice are used to little people and may not always be friendly.

Please do not leave any animals unattended in vehicles or once in the practice.

Toiletting

We have a grassy area at the front of our practice which is perfect for those last minute toilet breaks for your dog. If you need a little poo bag just ask reception and we’ll be happy to help. If you need to use our WC facilities whilst you’re with us, just ask and a member of the team will escort you.

If your dog has any sensitivities towards other animals or people, please let us know and we will advise you on the next steps before you come into the practice. If you think your dog may have Kennel Cough, or has vomiting or diarrhoea, please let reception know before your appointment and we will be able to advise you.

We look forward to welcoming you and your pets under our wings at Nightingale Vets.