Policies & Terms of Service

Northern Veterinary Service is committed to providing the highest quality peripatetic surgical services. Please review our policies and terms below.

1. Service Agreement

1.1 Scope of Services

Northern Veterinary Service provides peripatetic veterinary surgical services to veterinary practices across Northern England at present this is limited to the North East of England. Our services include orthopaedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, diagnostic imaging, and professional consultations.

1.2 Professional Relationship

All surgical procedures are performed at the referring veterinary practice's facilities. If the facilities are unsuitable for a procedure a referral process to another practice is optionable. The referring veterinarian remains responsible for the overall care of the patient.

1.3 Referral Requirements

Clients must be referred by a registered veterinary practice. We do not accept direct bookings from pet owners. All procedures require informed consent from the pet owner, obtained by the referring practice.

2. Booking & Cancellation Policy

2.1 Booking Procedures

Surgical procedures must be booked in advance through our online booking form or by telephone. We require a minimum of 48 hours' notice for routine procedures. Urgent cases will be accommodated where possible.

2.2 Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made more than 5 days before the appointment: No charge
• Cancellations made 5 days - 48 hours before the appointment: 25% of procedure fee
• Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the appointment: 50% procedure fee
• Emergency cancellations due to patient health: Fees waived at our discretion

2.3 Rescheduling

We understand that circumstances change. Appointments can be rescheduled without penalty if done at least 48 hours in advance.

3. Payment Terms

3.1 Billing

Invoices are issued to the referring veterinary practice, not to individual pet owners. Payment terms are 30 days from the date of invoice unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in writing.

3.2 Member Practices

Practices with a member account receive preferential payment terms and access to free consultative services. Member accounts require completion of a membership agreement.

3.3 Additional Costs

Our fees cover professional surgical services including orthopaedic implants where required. Materials, anaesthesia, and post-operative care costs are the responsibility of the referring practice.

4. Professional Standards

4.1 Qualifications

All Northern Veterinary Service surgeons are registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and maintain current professional indemnity insurance.

4.2 Clinical Standards

We adhere to RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and maintain the highest standards of veterinary care. We follow current best practices and evidence-based medicine in all procedures.