Treatments at the vet
Common vet treatments in the UK. What they involve and when your pet needs them, explained simply.
13 treatments
All treatments
Under each treatment you can read what it involves and when it is relevant for your pet. Treatments are grouped the way clinics group them themselves.
Visits & emergency care
- Consultation feeA standard vet visit where the vet examines your pet, makes a diagnosis and suggests treatment. Needed for new symptoms or when you're unsure whether something is wrong.
- EmergencyEmergency veterinary care for sudden illness or injury, or outside regular opening hours. Find emergency vet care near you
- Home visitThe vet comes to your home, often for vaccination, a simple examination or euthanasia.
Health & preventive care
- VaccinationCore vaccination against common infectious diseases — distemper, parvo and more (DHP) for dogs, and usually Tricat (feline panleukopenia and cat flu) for cats. Core protection as a puppy or kitten, followed by regular boosters.
- Health checkA review of the animal's general condition when there is no acute problem. Often annual, common for older animals or before switching insurance.
- MicrochippingA small chip is inserted under the skin so your pet can be identified. A legal requirement for dogs, and in many places for cats too. Often done alongside the first vaccination.
- WormingTreatment against intestinal parasites.
- EU pet passportEU pet passport for travel within the EU, issued by a vet. Requires ID chipping and a valid rabies vaccination: the chip must be fitted before vaccination, the animal must be at least 12 weeks old, and after a primary vaccination a 21-day waiting period applies before travel.
Treatment & procedures
- Neutering and spayingSurgery that renders the animal sterile. The right age varies by species and sex — your vet can advise.
- Dental careDental care under general anaesthetic: examination, scaling and, if needed, tooth extraction.
- X-rayBreeding X-ray under the national kennel club's programme, of the hips (HD) and elbows (ED), often including sedation. Done before breeding or on the breeder's recommendation.
- UltrasoundA gentle examination of internal organs without radiation, e.g. for stomach or heart investigations and pregnancy checks.
End of life
- CremationCremation after euthanasia, either individual (ashes returned to you) or communal.