What does an out of hours vet cost in the UK?

An out of hours vet visit usually starts at around £200 before any treatment, and the price varies a lot depending on which clinic your vet uses.

An out of hours vet consultation in the UK typically starts at about £200, before any tests or treatment. We checked the published prices of 118 vets across the South West, Hampshire and London, and starting prices ran from £90 to £321. With bonfire night next week, it is worth knowing what you would pay before you need to.

Why it costs more at night

Vets in practice must take steps to provide 24 hour emergency first aid and pain relief. That is a rule from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, which regulates vets. It does not mean your own vet stays open all night. The rules let a practice arrange for another clinic or a dedicated emergency service to take its calls after hours.

The same guidance says owners may be asked to pay extra for emergency care, and that vets may charge more if you are not registered with them. It also says first aid and pain relief should not be held up while payment is sorted out.

It depends who your vet uses

Prices also differ by who owns the vet. The typical starting price by group:

• Medivet: £130 (6 vets)
• Independent vets: £183 (74 vets)
• Linnaeus: £207 (12 vets)
• VetPartners: £209 (21 vets)

The consultation is only the start. Tests, medicines and an overnight stay are charged on top.

What to do now, not at midnight

• Find out who covers your vet out of hours. Your practice must tell you, usually on its website or on your first visit.
• Save that clinic's number and address in your phone.
• Ask what the out of hours consultation costs, so it is not a shock on the night.
• If you are worried about the bill, ask for a written estimate before treatment goes beyond first aid.

You can see the out of hours price of vets near you, and which clinic they use, on our out of hours cost page, or put in your postcode on The Vet Bill.