Farm Animal Accounts Terms and Conditions

In order for us to work with you effectively to provide the best possible care for your animals, we would ask you to note the following terms of business. If you have any queries about any aspect of these terms, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Out of hours service

Dalehead Veterinary Group Ltd provides its own out of hours service, so if you need emergency care, you will always see one of your own farm animal vets. The duty vet can be contacted by calling the emergency receptionist, whose number is provided on our answer machine out of hours (01729 892030).

Animals overnight care at the surgery is under the direct supervision of the on call Veterinary Surgeon. The intensity of care and consequent fees will be tailored to each individual case and this does not necessarily mean continuous overnight monitoring.

Treatment Cost estimates

We will happily provide written estimates on request and keep you informed as treatment develops. Please bear in mind that an estimate is only an approximation based on the current information and actual costs may vary.

Fees and Settlement Terms

All fees and drug charges are subject to VAT at the current rate. Fee levels are determined by the time spent on a case and according to the drugs, materials, consumables used. Accounts must be settled within 30 days of billing we accept cash, business cheques and most debit/credit cards. For Direct Debit Accounts, payment for the full invoiced amount will be taken on the 22nd of the following month.

Treatment Plans (Inability to Pay)

If, for any reason, you are unable to settle an account as specified, we ask you to discuss the matter with us as soon as you can. Our primary concern is the care and welfare of your animals and so we will consider your proposals for payment if you discuss this with us at the earliest opportunity.

Standards and Complaints

Dalehead Veterinary Group Ltd is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Practice Standards Scheme and our aim is always to provide the highest standard of service to you and your animals. We hope that you will never have cause to complain but if you do, please contact us about the issue as soon as possible. In the first instance, complaints should be addressed to the Practice Manager who will liaise with the appropriate Veterinary Director. If the problem cannot be resolved at this stage, you may wish to contact our governing body, the RCVS.

Ownership of Records, Radiographs and Clinical notes

Case records and associated documents are the property of Dalehead Veterinary Group Ltd and will be retained by us in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018. At your request and with your authorisation, clinical and financial histories or case notes may be shared with third parties if/when necessary.

Prescriptions are available from the practice.

You may obtain Prescription Only Medicines Veterinary, (POM-Vs) from your veterinary surgeon OR ask for a prescription and obtain these medicines from another veterinary surgeon or a pharmacy.

Your veterinary surgeon may prescribe POM-Vs only for animals under their care.

A prescription may not be appropriate if your animal is an in-patient or immediate treatment is necessary.

You will be informed, on request, of the price of any medicine that may be dispensed for your animal.

The general policy of this practice is to re-assess an animal requiring repeat prescriptions every 4 months, but this may vary with individual circumstances. Fees may apply. Further information on the prices of medicines is available on request.