FEES

All fees, diets and drug charges are subject to VAT. Fee levels are determined by the time spent on a case and the drugs, materials, consumables and diets used. You will receive a detailed invoice for every consultation, surgical procedure or transaction with us.

METHODS OF PAYMENT

Accounts are due for settlement at the end of consultation, the discharge of your pet or upon collection of drugs/diets. We reserve the right to request payment for hospitalised animals when the account balance exceeds £500. You may settle the account using:

CASH,CHEQUE (with a current cheque guarantee card), CREDIT/DEBIT CARD (Switch/Maestro, Solo, Mastercard, Visa)

ESTIMATES OF TREATMENT COSTS

We will happily provide an estimate as to the cost of treatment. Please bear in mind that any estimate given is approximate – a pet’s illness may not follow a predictable course.

SETTLEMENT TERMS

Should an account not be settled by the end of the month in which the expenditure was incurred a reminder will be sent for immediate payment. Should it be necessary for further reminders to be sent an additional accounting fee in respect of administrative costs incurred may be added. After due notice to you the client, overdue accounts will be referred to our Debt Collection Agency and further charges will be levied in respect of collecting the debt, such as production of reports, correspondence, court fees, attendance at court, phone calls, home visits, etc. 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 added in respect of bank charges and administrative costs together with interest on the principal sum.

INABILITY TO PAY

If you are unable to pay we ask you to discuss the matter with the Practice Manager.

PET HEALTH INSURANCE

Stow Veterinary Surgeons strongly supports the principle of insuring your pet against illness or accidents. Please ask for details about insurance from any member of staff.
Please be aware that it is your responsibility to settle your account and then reclaim the fees from your Insurance Company. We may be able to make ‘direct claims’. In this case you are required to pay the excess in accordance with your insurance policy. Stow Veterinary Surgeons will recover the rest of the cost directly from the insurance provider.
Stow Veterinary Surgeons will charge a fee for completing insurance claim forms.

COMPLAINTS AND STANDARDS

Please direct your comments or comments in the first instance to the Practice Manager.

OWNERSHIP OF RECORDS

Case records including radiographs are the property of Stow Veterinary Surgeons. Copies with a summary of the history will be passed on request to another veterinary surgeon. Copies of radiographs, lab reports, etc can be provided. A fee may be charged.

OUT OF HOURS SERVICE

Nursing staff are not continuously on duty overnight. When periodic attention is required it will be provided dependent on the patient’s condition

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.