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Vet referral care made easy.

Our Advanced Practitioner-led team work collaboratively to make your referral experience feel as supportive and seamless as possible.

You can rely on us

We understand the trust that you put in us when you bring your pet to one of our hospitals.
That’s why we do everything we can to give you peace-of-mind and confidence at every step.
Here’s what you can expect:

Your vet refers your pet

If your vet feels that your pet will benefit from referral, they will discuss this with you first. If you agree that it’s the right step, then they’ll contact us and refer your pet.

We book your appointment

Once we receive your vet’s referral, we’ll contact you directly to book your appointment. We’ll do our best to find a time that fits around any commitments that you may have.

You attend your appointment

Whichever of our hospitals you are visiting, you and your pet will receive a warm welcome. We’ll explain everything, so you understand both what we find and our recommendations.

Next steps

Your pet may need further diagnostic tests and treatment. We’ll explain the options and help you choose a path that’s right for you and your pet. You stay in control, always. And often we can admit your pet on the same day as your initial appointment.

We’ll keep you updated

We understand that leaving your pet with us is stressful, so we take special care to stay in touch. We’re pet owners too, and we appreciate that you need to know that your pet is happy and cared for.

We’ll develop a care plan with you

Depending on the outcome of your pet’s diagnostics or treatment, we’ll work with you to develop a personalised care plan. Your plan will takes into account both your pet’s unique needs and your own. We can then support your vet with follow-up advice and Advanced care as required.

We’ll keep your vet updated

We know that you want your vet to stay at the centre of your pet’s care, so we’ll keep them updated at every step.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does a referral compare to a regular vet appointment?

A veterinary referral works in a similar way to human healthcare. Just as your GP would, your veterinary surgeon can refer your pet on to a Specialist or Advanced Practitioner for advanced care. This is normally done where either very advanced equipment, skills or knowledge are required to give your pet the best care.

How do I make an appointment?

Your vet will arrange a referral to one of our teams, and once we’ve received that we will be in touch with you to book your appointment and answer any questions which you may have.

How quickly will my pet be seen?

We always aim to see your pet as quickly as possible. Depending on the situation, this can mean the same day as your referral or a few days or weeks later. We will always discuss this with you, and we’ll work to create a plan that suits you and your pet.

How will my vet be kept updated?

We will stay in touch with your vet to let them know what we find when we examine your pet, and the results of any diagnostic procedures and treatment. You don’t need to worry about this, we’ll take care of keeping your vet up to speed.

How can I contact you?

You can call either of our hospitals any time, or email us at referrals@southdownsveterinaryreferrals.co.uk
Remember though, we can only book an appointment for you following referral by your vet. If your vet hasn’t referred your pet to us, then you should contact them.

Will my insurer cover my pet’s referral?

This depends very much on your pet’s individual policy and other claims which you may have already made. We recommend that you speak with your insurer as early as possible, and always before you attend your appointment. Our team can help you submit a claim against your pet’s insurance policy.
Explore your referral journey
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For Pet Owners

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For Referring vets

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