Vet appointment availability

[daydreamer]

I just wondered how long people usually have to wait for a small animal appointment?

My OH fell out with our last vets over a billing issue and said we needed to find another vets (yes it was annoying and they handled it badly, but still). I found a new vets with supposedly a good reputation and registered our cat there. We had to go for a vaccination and the appointment time was about 2 weeks I think and now we need to go again as the cat is very itchy and over grooming and scratching. Booking using their online system there are only 4 available appointments in the next 2 weeks (and those are right at the end of that). I'm sure with the old vets I could usually get an appointment in about a week. It's just a bit of a worry that unless they class it as an emergency we're going to have to wait quite a while to get help.

 

[Tiddlypom]

If you ring in rather than try to book online you might well get seen sooner.

I appreciate though that being the weekend reception might be closed.

 

[rara007]

Usually only a minority of slots can be booked online, usually you’ll get much better availability phoning. They space the online bookings out as to keep the blocks flowing smoothly.

 

[ester]

Same/next day. My usual doesn't do online options which is a bit of a pain. Albeit if a guinea pig needs to see the vet its usually a now rather than next week situation so suspect they allow for that.

 

[fiwen30]

I call for our appointments, I think there might be an online system but I’ve never used it. Urgent cases are always same day but maybe not a preferred vet. A preferred vet may be same day if they’re working, you phone first thing, and you’re flexible on the time, or else it’ll be within a day or two.

 

[AmyMay Again]

Same day or next.

 

[tda]

Gosh I've been regularly ringing about 10am for a same day 3pm appointment for our dog

 

[MissTyc]

I call and if it's important they fit me as quickly as possible, or else they book whaty they can and call me if they have a cancellation. I do book ahead for vaccinations, etc, so it's all in everyone's diary

 

[irishdraft]

My vets who are independent usually are able to give me a same day or next day appointment. If I just want to talk to the vet they will give me a same day time that he will contact me.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

My local practice are phone for anything urgent or book on line around 2 to 3 weeks ahead for routine vaccinations.

 

[ester]

Just called the vets4pets at 4.30, our local exotic specialist, offered 2 times on Monday and my preferred choice of time Tuesday

 

[daydreamer]

Thanks everyone, looks like I will ring on Monday and hopefully get something sooner

 

[smiggy]

Yes, in our diary we have some book online slots, some for telephone calls and some for booking in the day. That way we can manage the day and keep slots for things that need seeing quicker.
Sure they will see you soon if you call.
In the meantime is cat up to date with prescription flea control ( most of those do all kinds of mange mites as well ) .