Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before registering with White Rose Equine Vets Ltd (“the Practice”). By signing this document, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
1. Registration
By registering as a client, you confirm that:
- You are aged 18 years or over.
- You are the owner of the horse(s) presented for treatment or have the owner’s authority to request veterinary services.
- You agree to provide accurate contact and billing information and to notify us promptly of any changes.
2. Veterinary Services
White Rose Equine Vets Ltd is an ambulatory equine veterinary practice providing veterinary services at your premises or other agreed locations.
Our veterinary surgeons will always aim to provide the highest standard of care in accordance with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Code of Professional Conduct.
Clinical decisions regarding diagnosis, treatment and medication remain at the discretion of the attending veterinary surgeon.
3. Appointments
Appointments should be made during normal opening hours whenever possible.
If you are unable to keep an appointment, please provide as much notice as possible. We reserve the right to charge for missed appointments or appointments cancelled at short notice.
Emergency visits may result in alterations to the appointment schedule.
4. Emergency Cover
Emergency veterinary care is available outside normal opening hours.
Out-of-hours visits and consultations will incur additional fees.
5. Fees and Payment
Fees are payable in accordance with the Practice’s current price list.
Payment is due:
- At the time of treatment unless otherwise agreed in writing; or
- Within the payment terms stated on your invoice.
Accepted payment methods include those advised by the Practice.
The Practice reserves the right to request payment in advance for certain procedures, medications or new clients.
6. Overdue Accounts
Accounts not paid by the due date may:
- Incur interest at the statutory rate applicable under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts legislation or other lawful rate where appropriate.
- Be referred to a debt recovery agency.
- Result in suspension of non-emergency veterinary services until payment is received.
Clients remain liable for any reasonable recovery costs incurred.
7. Insurance
If your horse is insured:
- Payment remains your responsibility.
- Insurance claims are submitted as a service where possible but do not alter your obligation to pay outstanding invoices should the claim be declined.
- Any excess, exclusions, insurance administration fees or declined claims remain your responsibility.
8. Medicines
Prescription medicines are supplied in accordance with current veterinary medicines legislation.
Prescriptions may be requested for medicines available elsewhere, subject to the Practice’s current prescription fee and legal requirements.
Medication supplied must only be used for the animal for which it was prescribed.
Animals must have been examined within the preceding six months in order for a prescription to be supplied.
9. Horse Handling and Safety
Owners or responsible handlers must:
- Ensure horses are appropriately caught, restrained and available at the agreed appointment time.
- Provide competent assistance where possible.
- Inform the veterinary surgeon of any behavioural issues, previous injuries or known risks.
The Practice reserves the right to refuse treatment if the veterinary surgeon believes it is unsafe to proceed.
10. Visits and Biosecurity
Clients should advise the Practice of any suspected infectious disease before the visit.
Suitable parking and safe access should be provided where possible.
Reasonable biosecurity measures may be implemented during visits.
11. Consent for Treatment
By requesting veterinary attendance, you authorise the attending veterinary surgeon to:
- Examine your horse.
- Carry out diagnostic procedures.
- Administer appropriate treatment.
- Prescribe medications considered necessary.
Where practical, estimates for significant procedures or costs will be discussed beforehand.
12. Euthanasia
Where euthanasia is recommended on welfare grounds, the attending veterinary surgeon will discuss the options with the owner or authorised representative whenever circumstances allow.
13. Limitation of Liability
Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or any liability which cannot legally be excluded.
Subject to applicable law, the Practice shall not be liable for indirect or consequential loss arising from veterinary treatment or services.
14. Data Protection
White Rose Equine Vets Ltd processes personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Your information is used to:
- Provide veterinary care.
- Process payments.
- Contact you regarding appointments.
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
Information may be shared with laboratories, referral practices, insurers and regulatory bodies where necessary for your horse’s care or where legally required.
15. Complaints
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, please contact the Directors in the first instance. We aim to resolve complaints promptly and fairly.
16. Changes to these Terms and Conditions
White Rose Equine Vets Ltd reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Any changes will apply to future services provided by the Practice. The most up-to-date version will be available on request and on our website.
17. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute arising from these Terms and Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.