Terms and Conditions of Business

By accepting our services or purchase of goods, you the client contractually agree to the Terms of Business as detailed below.

Fees
All fees and drug charges are subject to VAT at the current rate. Fee levels are determined by the time spent on a case and according to the drugs, resources, materials and consumables used. We believe that our prices are honest and competitive and we run a transparent pricing policy and always charge fairly and consistently. We are always happy to provide written estimates for any procedure should you require one.

Estimates
We will happily provide you with a written estimate of the probable costs of a course of treatment. Please bear in mind that any estimate given can only be approximate – often an illness will not follow a conventional course. We will always try to keep you informed of costs as they arise.

Payment Terms
All treatments must be paid for at the time of consultation. Overdue accounts, after due notice to you, will be referred to our Debt Collecting Agency or the County Courts if satisfactory repayment arrangements have not been made with ourselves and all costs incurred will be passed on to you. Any cheque which you issue which is returned unpaid, any credit/debit card payment not honoured and any cash tendered that is found to be counterfeit will result in your account being restored to the original amount together with any fees incurred in the process. Failure to pay will result in the withdrawal of our veterinary services.

Methods of Payment
Our preferred method of payment is by Debit card: Visa, Maestro, Solo or Switch. We also accept payment by Credit card or Cash. We do not accept cheques as a means of payment.

Inability to Pay
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being unable to pay your account, please discuss this matter with the Practice Principal prior to making and booking for a visit.

Missed/Cancelled appointments
One working day’s notice of cancellation of a visit is required. We reserve the right to charge 50% of the normal fee for the work booked where less than one working day’s notice is given.

Out of Hours
There is an out of hours fee subject to all calls for veterinary visits made through our emergency service and all services and treatments provided out of hours must be paid for at the time of consultation.

Animal Insurance
We strongly recommend that your equine be insured with a reputable insurance company. However, any insurance agreement is between you and the insurance company and not with the Practice. Insurance claims carry the same payment terms as above. This means that you will have to settle your account with us before your insurance company has settled your claim. There is an administration fee for dealing with insurance claim forms.

Disputes
Any dispute with fees/service presented must be put in writing to the Practice Manager within 3 days of receiving the invoice. Where any dispute is not proven and as a result the payment is late, then overdue accounts procedure will become effective. Therefore clients are always advised to settle their account on time, and if there is a dispute this payment being made without prejudice.

Data Protection
We promise to use client details only for the purpose of our business. We will not intentionally pass any details to third parties, unless specifically detailed below, without your permission. We may, from time to time send you veterinary information that would be relevant to you. We aim to maintain your details correct on our database. You, the client, will provide us with correct and updated personal information to allow us to provide our services to you. These include name, contact details, animal details, details of owners or those looking after the animals and details of any other vet the animal has been registered with.

Ownership of Records
Case records, x-rays, blood and laboratory results, ultrasound scans and similar documents are the property of, and will be retained by Celtic Equine Veterinary Practice. Even though a charge may be made for carrying out and interpreting the results, ownership of the resulting record (eg: an x-ray or ultrasound scan) remains the property of the practice. Upon request, copies of records with a summary of the history of your horse will be passed on to another veterinary surgeon taking over the treatment and care of your horse. We do not provide copies of any of the above records to clients.

Previous Medical History
By registering as a client Celtic Equine Vets has permission to contact your previous vet(s) for any relevant medical history.

Variation in Terms and Conditions of Business
No addition or variation of these conditions will bind the Practice unless specifically agreed in writing by the Practice Principal of Celtic Equine Veterinary Practice Ltd. Additionally no agent or person employed by or under contract with the Practice had the authority to alter or vary these terms and conditions in any way.