Please note that some aspects of these terms may not be relevant to you and we suggest you ask for further clarification from us if required.

1. I will endeavour to provide veterinary services in accordance with reasonable standards denoted by the RCVS guidelines for practice standards and professional conduct of veterinary surgeons.

2. Whenever possible, when requested, a treatment plan will be agreed with you during an initial consultation and before any further treatment. I will also provide an estimate of the likely costs of the course of treatment. These may be either in writing or verbally. In an emergency, this may not be possible as treatment has to be instigated rapidly without first agreeing a treatment plan.

3. If a pet is registered with Etchingham Village Vet we will assume that any person other than the registered pet owner who may be present at the time of treatment is duly authorised by the registered owner to seek treatment for the pet, make decisions on the owner's self and incur cost for which the registered owner is liable.

4. Estimates given are only an approximation of the costs. If it looks like the original estimate will be exceeded, I will always discuss any increased fees.

5. Veterinary services shall be provided during the normal business hours (8am to 7pm Mon to Fri and 9am to 12 Sat). Advice and treatment is available outside of these hours at VetsNow, 11 Culverden Park Road Tunbridge Wells TN4 9RD Tel:01892278367. On occasions that I am not available I will arrange for veterinary services to be provided by other qualified veterinary surgeons and at other locations.

6. I reserve the right to decline to supply veterinary services at my discretion. You are free at all times, at your own cost, to seek a second opinion on any veterinary services provided.

7. Treatment of your pet may involve making specific investigations, for example blood samples & imaging studies. Case records including these results are the property of Etchingham village Vet and will be retained by us. Copies may be passed to another veterinary surgeon taking over the treatment of the case, on written request and upon settlement in full of all sums due to us. I never discuss or sell confidential records to any third party other than if you move surgeries or are referred to another veterinary surgeon.

8. Refunds or replacements of products will only be available if the product has been bought from Etchingham Village Vet and is defect or faulty despite being maintained in the manner described in the product literature.

9. All products must be used in accordance with the instructions supplied with them or in accordance with the instructions given on at the time of dispensing. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the use of any product please ask me for clarification.

10. All services and products provided are charged according to the current price list, which is available on request and is reviewed regularly. Fees for services include professional fees which vary depending on the time spent on a case and the level of expertise required for the case.

11. Payment is due in full at the time of treatment or supply of products. Payment is accepted by cash, credit/debit card or BACS transfer.All invoices must be settled in full upon receipt of the invoice. If you become unable to pay your invoice according to the standard terms, this must be discussed as soon as possible.

12. Pet insurance is a contract of insurance between you and your insurer. Please ensure that you refer to the terms and conditions of your policy. You must advise me prior to any treatment if you wish to submit a claim to your insurer in respect of my fees and complete an insurance claim declaration. I retain the right to decline to claim fees directly from your insurer and will ask you to pay the fees before the insurance claim declaration is completed to claim fees back to yourself.

13. Insurance claims completion will incur a £7 plus VAT fee in compensation for the time taken to provide the insurer with the required information. You remain liable in full for all invoices irrespective of whether your insurer has made payment to you.

14. Late payment of fees will incur a late fee charge of £10 per week. I am entitled to suspend the provision of any further veterinary services until outstanding invoices have been paid in full.

15. We may refer overdue accounts to a debt collection agency or start proceedings against you in the county court to reclaim the owed monies. We will add fees to cover the cost of engaging any third parties. Please note that the use of debt collection agencies and the county court could affect your future credit rating.

16. If you are unable to pay for veterinary services I am only obliged to fulfil the minimum legal responsibilities and professional obligations in respect of your pet.

17. I carry professional indemnity insurance. I supply veterinary services and products on the condition that any loss, claim, cost or expense arising out of said supply shall not exceed and shall be limited to a maximum of the insured sum.

18. When you request a repeat prescriptions for your pet it can only be supplied at the time of examination of your pet. I can prescribe for a maximum of 6 months supply.. There is a £12 plus VAT charge for such prescriptions to cover the time, responsibility and professional insurance costs involved.

19. Etchingham Village Vet trading as Etchingham Animal Services Ltd is not liable for any damages or losses that may arise from our visiting your property or that of a third party that you request use to utilise.

20. We are making provisions to provide emergency care & treatment in circumstances where that which can be given outside of a practice premises is insufficient. If you do not wish to use this service, it is advised that you are registered with a practice that has premises & out of hours arrangements for emergencies, as well as ourselves.

21.Etchingham Village Vet trading as Etchingham Animal Services Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales. Company number 07929533. Registered office 8 Hornblower Cottages, High Street, Etchingham, East Sussex, TN19 7AG.