How to Get a Second Veterinary Opinion

What is a second opinion?

A second opinion gives you another vet’s assessment of a question about your pet’s care. You might want help understanding the diagnosis, weighing options, or deciding what to ask before a major procedure. It can be with another vet at the same practice or at a different practice.

A referral usually involves your vet arranging further investigation or treatment with a clinician who has relevant expertise or facilities. Ask whether you need a second-opinion consultation or a referral, and what each would involve. The RCVS treatment and care guidance explains owners’ choices.

How to arrange the appointment

1. State the question. For example: “I would like another opinion on the options discussed for this ongoing problem.”
2. Check suitability. Ask whether the clinician sees your pet’s species and can address that question.
3. Ask about records. Give the new practice your current practice’s details and permission to request relevant history, results and images.
4. Check costs. Confirm the consultation fee and whether reviewing records or repeating investigations could cost extra.
5. Agree follow-up. Ask who will contact you with results and which practice you should call if the situation changes.

What to bring

Prepare a one-page timeline, the questions you want answered, and a current list of medicines and supplements. Note what has changed and what has stayed the same. Bring discharge instructions or written estimates you want discussed. Tell the practice if records have not arrived; do not assume an online registration form transfers them automatically.

Useful questions include: What does the available information show? What remains uncertain? Which options are reasonable to discuss? What would another test change? How urgent is the next decision? What follow-up would each option need?

Do I have to leave my current practice?

Clarify whether the new appointment is for an opinion only or whether you intend to transfer ongoing care. Tell both practices your plan so that instructions, repeat prescriptions and pending results are not left between teams. You do not need to frame the request as a complaint.

Will insurance pay?

Ask your insurer about your specific policy before a non-urgent appointment: whether it covers the proposed consultation, whether authorisation or referral is required, and how the excess and any contribution apply. A practice accepting insured pets does not by itself confirm that your claim will be paid.

If your pet needs urgent attention, contact a vet immediately. Do not delay urgent care while arranging another opinion or waiting for paperwork.

Related guides

• Switching practices during ongoing care
• Questions to compare practices