Ownership of Records

Case records including radiographs and similar documents are the property of, and will be retained by, Argyll Veterinary Clinic. Copies of a summary of the history will be passed on by request to another veterinary surgeon taking over the case.

Out-of-Hours Service

The Practice operates an out-of-hours service for emergencies, which can be contacted by telephoning any branch. Out-of-hours emergency cases are generally seen at the Braunton surgery, though this may vary depending on which vet is on duty.

Home visits

We provide home visits where necessary as a service to our clients, particularly for euthanasia of registered pets. However, pets are often better treated at the surgery where all the drugs, diagnostics and nursing help are available. Due to the unpredictability of the nature of work at a veterinary surgery, sometimes it is not possible to fit in a non-urgent visit on the day of request; however, please phone through your request early in the morning and we will do our best.

Fees

All fees, food 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 and diets used. A detailed statement is available for every consultation, surgical procedure and transaction with us.

Methods of Payment

Accounts are due for settlement at the end of the consultation, the discharge of the pet or upon collection of medicines. You may settle your account using cash or credit/debit card.

Estimates of Treatment Costs

We will happily provide a written estimate of the probable costs of a course of treatment. Please bear in mind that any estimate given can only be approximate as a pet's illness will often not follow a conventional course. We will however keep you up to date on costs if requested.

Settlement Terms

Should the account not be settled at the time of treatment for some reason, then a statement will be sent at the end of the month with an additional accounting fee in respect of the administrative costs incurred. Should it be necessary for additional statements to be sent, further charges will be incurred. After due notice, overdue accounts will be referred to the Small Claims Court and further charges will be levied in respect of costs incurred. Any cheque returned by our Bank as unpaid, any Credit Card payment not honoured and any Cash tendered that is found to be counterfeit will result in the original account being restored to the original sum with further charges being added in respect of bank charges and administrative costs together with interest on the principal sum.

Pet insurance

Argyll Veterinary Clinic recommends insuring your pet against unforeseen accidents and illnesses. If you require information about insurance we can supply you with leaflets, but not being FSA registered we cannot give specific advice. We require clients to settle their account with us and we then claim the fees back from the insurance company for you.

Hospitalisation of Animals

If hospitalisation of your pet is deemed necessary, an assessment will be made as to the level of care that is needed during the hospitalisation period. This may vary from regular checks by a nurse or vet; up to 24 hour, one to one attention. There will not always be someone present in the surgery with your pet if it is deemed unnecessary, but if you would like this to be arranged, please let us know. Dogs are never hospitalised at our Ilfracombe surgery, and other pets only rarely; they are transferred to Braunton.

Variations in Terms of Trading

No addition or variation of these conditions will bind the practice unless it is specifically agreed in writing and signed by one of the Practice partners. No agent or person employed by, or under contract with, the Practice has the authority to alter or vary these conditions in any way.