Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — you can request a written prescription for your pet’s medication from Oathall Veterinary Group.

However, written prescriptions are not suitable for urgent or in-patient treatments, and cost savings for short courses are often minimal. There is a charge for issuing prescriptions, and some medications may not be readily available at local pharmacies, which can delay treatment.

Our veterinary surgeons prescribe in line with UK legislation, prioritising licensed medications for pets. Repeat prescriptions require:

• at least 48 hours’ notice
• full payment before collection or posting
• a recent clinical examination (usually within the last 6 months)

For more details, please see our prescriptions page.

Owning a dog in the UK typically costs around £1,500–£2,500 per year, while a cat usually costs £800–£1,500 per year.

Costs vary depending on your pet’s size, breed, health, and lifestyle. There will be initial costs, and then ongoing expenses. It’s important to budget for unexpected veterinary expenses such as Out-of-Hours emergencies.

Typical costs include:

• initial costs (adoption, vaccinations, equipment)
• food and routine veterinary care
• pet insurance
• grooming, training, and boarding
• unexpected costs such as emergency treatment or medication

Emergency treatment can cost several thousand pounds, but this can be mitigated by taking out pet insurance and earlier vet visits when the issue initially starts.

(sources:  www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-advice/cost-owning-dog and https://www.moneynet.co.uk/dog-owners-spend-almost-twice-as-much-as-cat-owners-each-year/)

For more information on owning a pet click here.

Most pets should have a veterinary check-up at least once a year.

However, this depends on your pet’s age and health:

• Puppies and kittens – more frequent visits for vaccinations and development checks
• Adult pets – usually annual check-ups
• Senior pets – often every 6 months
• Pets on medication – may need more regular monitoring

If you notice any changes in your pet’s behaviour, appetite, or health, you should contact your vet promptly.

At Oathall Vets in Haywards Heath and Piltdown, we tailor check-up frequency to your pet’s individual needs.

You can register your pet with Oathall Veterinary Group in two ways:

• Complete our online registration form
• Call our team on 01444 440 224

Our team will guide you through the process and arrange your first appointment.

Yes — we provide 24-hour on-site inpatient care at our Haywards Heath practice.

Our own veterinary surgeons and nurses are on the premises 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing continuous monitoring and care.

This means your pet is never left unattended, even overnight or during weekends and bank holidays.

In most cases, you will need to pay for treatment at the time and claim the cost back from your insurer.

We may offer a one-off direct claim (where the insurer pays us directly) if:

• treatment costs exceed £500
• the arrangement is agreed in advance

To arrange this, contact us before treatment begins. A higher processing fee applies due to the additional administration involved.

To prepare your pet for travel or a move:

• arrange a veterinary health check and required documentation
• update microchip and ID details
• introduce carriers or crates gradually
• practice short journeys
• maintain normal routines where possible
• pack familiar items (toys, bedding, food)

If moving home, introduce your pet gradually to their new environment to reduce stress.

Find more information on pet travel here.

Common signs of illness in pets include:

• changes in eating or drinking
• vomiting or diarrhoea
• lethargy or reduced activity
• breathing difficulties
• weight loss or gain
• behavioural changes
• signs of pain
• changes in coat, skin, eyes, or discharge

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinary surgeon for advice.

If you are in Haywards Heath ,Piltdown or Mid Sussex and are concerned, our team can assess your pet promptly.

Good dental care is essential for your pet’s overall health.

We recommend:

• regular veterinary dental check-ups
• professional dental cleaning when needed
• brushing your pet’s teeth with pet-safe toothpaste
• using dental chews or toys
• feeding a diet that supports dental health

If you notice bad breath, difficulty eating, or visible tartar, contact your vet for advice.

For more information on pet dental care click here.

Vaccinations help protect pets from serious infectious diseases.

Typical vaccines include:

Dogs

• distemper
• parvovirus
• hepatitis
• leptospirosis
• kennel cough (optional)
• rabies (for travel)

Cats

• feline herpesvirus
• calicivirus
• panleukopenia
• feline leukaemia (depending on risk)

Rabbits

• myxomatosis
• rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHDV1 & RHDV2)

Ferrets

• distemper
• rabies

Your vet will recommend a vaccination plan based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.

For more information on pet vaccinations click here.

Effective parasite prevention includes:

• regular vet-prescribed flea treatments
• tick prevention products
• routine grooming and checking your pet’s coat
• lungworm prevention medication (prescription only)
• reducing exposure to slugs and snails

Always use vet-recommended products, as some over-the-counter treatments may be ineffective or unsafe.

If your pet has an emergency, contact Oathall Vets immediately. Emergencies include severe injuries, difficulty breathing, seizures, poisoning, sudden collapse, or heatstroke. Our team will advise you on the best course of action and provide urgent care if required.

Yes — our Haywards Heath branch offers in-house 24-hour emergency care. Veterinary surgeons and nurses are on-site at all times to monitor and treat emergency cases, ensuring your pet receives prompt attention.

Some emergencies need immediate veterinary care. These include:

• • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe bleeding
  • Seizures
  • Poisoning
  • Heatstroke
  • Sudden collapse

Always contact a veterinary surgeon immediately if these occur.

Preparation helps your pet stay safe. Keep a pet first-aid kit, know local emergency numbers, have your pet’s medical records ready, and plan how to transport your pet quickly to the vet.

Our team can provide initial advice over the phone, but some situations require in-person care. Always seek urgent veterinary attention for serious emergencies rather than relying solely on phone guidance.

Yes — we can arrange visits for hospitalised pets where it benefits their recovery.

However, in some cases we may advise against visiting if it could cause stress or delay recovery.

All visits are arranged in advance with our nursing team. Please call 01444 440224. to organise a suitable time.

We welcome all feedback and aim to provide the best possible care for pets and their owners.

If you would like to share your experience, please email: complaints@oathallvets.co.uk.