How do I choose a vet?

Finding a vet that is right for you and your pet is one of the most important decisions you will make. If you are a new pet owner, it’s a good idea to have chosen your vet before you actually need one! This way, you can relax knowing that your pet is already registered should you suddenly need an appointment.

There are various factors that you might like to consider when you are finding a vet.

As for recommendations

A great place to start is by asking around for recommendations. You might have local friends who can recommend their own vets. Alternatively, local pet groomers, boarding kennels or catteries, and pet shelters, may be able to advise you. And of course, you will be able to check reviews online

Consider location

The location of your vet is crucial. You need to make sure that you can get your pet to the veterinary clinic easily, so finding a vet within a short distance is a good idea.

Read through their website

Have a good look through the websites of local vets that you are considering. This will start to give you an idea of locations, any specialised services offered, emergency care facilities, and possibly pricing

Think about what veterinary services are important to you

Find out about the vet’s out of hours service – some will carry out their own out of hours service on-site, whereas others will use a separate site, perhaps run by a third party. If your pet had an emergency in the middle of the night, you need to know where to go.
If specialist services such as alternative treatments or holistic therapies are important to you, find out if your prospective vet offers these.

Meet your vet

When you first meet your vet, this is a great opportunity to have a chat and make sure that you find them easy to communicate with. If you have a new puppy or kitten, it’s likely you’ll meet your vet first of all to have a check-up and first vaccinations.

Make regular visits to your vet – that relationship is so important. If you are ever in a situation where your pet has a serious issue, it’s very helpful to have already built that relationship between you, your pet and your vet.

'Ask a vet' services

There are plenty of “ask a vet” services available online, however we recommend that you find a reputable local vet, so that you have peace of mind that your pet can be seen easily whenever needed.

As an Agria Pet Insurance customer, you can speak to a vet completely free whenever you have a question or concern about your pet’s health. Simply download the Agria app app for free 24/7 video calls; giving you expert advice to help keep your pet happy and healthy. Download free from your app store.

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Written by: Samantha Khan
Last reviewed on: 1 July 2026

About the Author

Sam Khan shares her woodland home with Junior, the cat, Gully, the dog and bunnies Hugo & Billy, sometimes playing the family’s ‘favourite’ game with the tortoise – “Where’s Churchill?” She loves writing for Agria, sharing our passion for animal welfare, protecting biodiversity and the environment. When not writing or illustrating, she will be making something, reading a book or swimming in the lake at the bottom of her lane.