Out-of-hours consultation
Typical UK price: £60–£150
What is out-of-hours consultation?
An out-of-hours consultation takes place outside normal surgery hours — typically evenings, weekends, and bank holidays — and is usually handled by a dedicated emergency or OOH service. These appointments are essential for urgent but non-life-threatening concerns that cannot wait until the next working day. Prices are significantly higher than standard consultations to reflect specialist staffing costs.
Why do prices vary between vets?
- Time of attendance — weekend and bank-holiday rates are typically higher than weekday evening rates
- Distance to the nearest OOH provider — areas with fewer OOH services may have less price competition
- Whether the practice runs its own OOH service or contracts to a third-party — contracted OOH centres have their own pricing structures
- Additional triage or assessment fees — some providers charge a separate triage fee before the full consultation fee
Frequently asked questions
When should I use an out-of-hours vet instead of waiting until morning?
Contact an out-of-hours service if your pet is in obvious pain, has difficulty breathing, has collapsed, has suffered a trauma, is bleeding heavily, has ingested a toxin, or you are genuinely concerned about their welfare. For mild symptoms, it is usually safe to call your regular vet first thing in the morning.
Who provides out-of-hours vet care in the UK?
Many practices contract their OOH cover to dedicated emergency hospitals such as Vets Now or Davies Veterinary Specialists. Your practice's answerphone should always give you the name and number of their OOH provider. VetPricelist lists OOH consultation prices where practices have published them.
Does pet insurance cover out-of-hours consultations?
Most comprehensive pet insurance policies cover emergency and OOH consultations subject to your policy excess and any applicable limits. Check your policy documents and call your insurer before attending if time allows — they can sometimes advise on authorised providers.
CMA Veterinary Market Investigation Order
From September 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requires all UK vet practices to publish prices for this procedure on their website. VetPricelist aggregates these published prices so you can compare them in one place.