I'm so pleased we've finally got our new long awaited Pets and Vets Forum! (Thanks to The Chez for the suggestion)

To save repeated queries and as a point of reference I thought it might be a good idea to provide some general guidelines and hopefully useful information.

I'm sure others will agree that the golden rule is to always consult a qualified vet if you have any serious problems with your pets.

Any advice given on here is from experience only and obviously even a vet posting would usually need to examine the animal before making a full diagnosis.

However, if you have a problem with your vet, whether it's about treatment, alleged malpractice or fee disputes, the first priority is the welfare of the animal concerned so do see another vet for a second opinion (a "parachute practice" ).

If you still feel you have a problem, you should initially discuss it with the Senior Partner in the practice.

If you are still not satisfied, ask for a copy of their complaints proceedure and make a written complaint.

The next step depends on the nature of the complaint.

The Royal College of Vetinary Surgeons only deals with complaints of

Serious Professional Misconduct

"A complaint may be referred to the RCVS Disciplinary Committee where the veterinary

surgeon’s alleged conduct or behaviour is fundamentally incompatible with his or her

being a veterinary surgeon and this may involve any of the following (the list is not exhaustive):

a) Serious departure from professional standards as set out in the RCVS Guide to Professional Conductb) Causing serious harm (or causing a risk of serious harm) to animals or the public, particularly where there is a breach of trust

c) Offences of a sexual nature

d) Offences involving violence and/or loss of human life

e) Evidence of a harmful deep-seated personality or attitude problem

f) Dishonesty (including false certification), particularly where persistent or concealed"

If your complaint falls into the serious categories above, you can download the RCVS's complaint form HERE.　

Other Disputes

More often, disputes will be about fees or alleged negligence, in which case they must be taken up directly with the Vet concerned (who will have professional negligence indemnity insurance) and if necessary through the Courts.

What Constitutes Negligence?

Check out the RCVS's guidelines

Fees

The RCVS issues guidance, but has no jurisdiction over fees charged by your vet.

When you have your first consultation, if a course of treatment is needed your vet should give you clear advice on treatment options and the relevant costs involved.

Fee disputes must be resolved between the client and the vet in the civil courts, but if you feel there is significant cause for concern that fees are unfair or have not been disclosed prior to receiving your final bill, seek advice from your local Trading Standards Office.

Fees can vary significantly between practices so it's worth shopping around, although my first choice would be for a good, sympathetic and knowledeable vet!

RCVS guidance on precription charges

RCVS guidance on Professional Fees

At the end of the day, good animal husbandry, general care and common sense can reduce the chance of needing a vet's services significantly. Many problems can be averted if spotted early enough, which is where I hope this forum will come into it's own

Elsa xx