How to find the best veterinarian for your pet
Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limitsConsider your vet's...
Your veterinarian is an important part of your pet’s life, from routine care to emergencies, so it’s essential to choose the right one for you.
Here are some things to consider when looking for the best vet for your pet, especially if you have pet insurance.
Location
Firstly, look up the local veterinarians in your area. How close by are they? Can you get to them easily, especially during an emergency? These are important questions to ask before committing to a regular provider. Sometimes, there are no substitutes for sheer convenience.
However, the best provider might not necessarily be the closest one to you, particularly if you need an emergency vet clinic. You may need to have more than one place to go if your pet gets sick or injured.
Qualifications
In Australia, veterinarians need specific licenses and qualifications to practice. This can include:
- A bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in veterinary science.
- Registration with their local state board or health department.
- Additional state licenses, such as for operating x-ray equipment (radiology).
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) keeps a list of the relevant authorities a vet will need to register with. You can look for registered AVA practitioners in your area through Vet Voice’s search directory.
Some states allow national registration, so vets in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania can still practice in those states even if they are registered elsewhere in Australia.
A vet will also need an authorised microchip implanter number if practising in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.
Any qualifications should be listed clearly on your vet’s website. You can check if the licences they have are legitimate with a quick Google search. If you have any concerns or complaints about a vet, you can voice them to your state veterinary board.
Specialisations
What else can your veterinarian do? Some will be more like GPs (useful for routine care like shots or health checks), while others specialise in areas like emergency surgery or physical therapy. Consider your vet's specialisations and whether they could be right for you.
Vets can specialise in different animals, too. Some deal more with household pets, like cats and dogs, while others cater for farm animals like cows or horses.
Keep in mind that specialist vets, such as surgeons or alternative therapy practitioners, may need additional licenses.
Facilities and treatments
Different vets will have different equipment and facilities on hand. Some will only have basic care available for vaccinations or minor illnesses/injuries, while others will include emergency clinical services, physical therapy equipment, or overnight accommodation.
Your pet may not need the full suite of healthcare facilities the entire time, but it’s still important to know where the nearest comprehensive vet is if your pet comes down with a more serious illness or injury, or has a preexisting condition requiring ongoing treatment.
Cost and insurance
Different veterinarians will charge different fees, so it’s important to get an idea of how much a normal or emergency visit could cost.
If you have pet insurance, you will also need to check whether your provider and vet are compatible. Some vets will only accept certain insurance policies, while others may be open but your provider doesn’t cover them. Make sure everyone’s on the same page about your coverage – before disaster strikes.
Personal fit
Often overlooked, it’s also important to rely on your gut instinct about a veterinarian. Qualifications, experience, and fancy equipment can be fantastic, but it’s also important to gauge how easy they are to work with.
The best veterinarian will stay with your pet through thick and thin, from when they’re a cute puppy or kitten to the end of life. It’s never fun to think of the worst-case scenario, but checking in with yourself now could save you a lot of heartache later.
Do you trust them to tell you hard news? Can you see yourself having important conversations with them?
Remember, ‘best’ is relative
Finally, while it’d be great to have The One True Veterinarian, there’s no such thing as perfect. The best veterinarian for you will depend on your needs and circumstances.
Maybe value matters more than distance, or convenience trumps having all the bells and whistles. Weigh up what matters most to you, and if your first choice doesn’t work out, there’s always your second.
Compare pet insurance policies below.
Compare pet insurance policies - last updated 4 May 2024
-
Accident and illness
100% Australian owned, Pet Circle Pet Insurance comes with no sneaky sub-limits and your choice of 3 annual limits up to $30K. Enjoy 3 benefit percentage options; 70% 80% or 90%, subject to annual excess. Choose what level of annual excess you need, from $0 to $150. Team of pet experts to help you on hand. Cancel at any time.
annual benefit limit
30000benefit percentage
90choice of excess
$0, $75, $150choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- -
CompareCompareAccident and illness
100% Australian owned, Pet Circle Pet Insurance comes with no sneaky sub-limits and your choice of 3 annual limits up to $30K. Enjoy 3 benefit percentage options; 70% 80% or 90%, subject to annual excess. Choose what level of annual excess you need, from $0 to $150. Team of pet experts to help you on hand. Cancel at any time.
- annual benefit limit
- 30000
- benefit percentage
- 90
- choice of excess
- $0, $75, $150
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- -
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- n/a
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes
- dental cover
- Yes
- emergency boarding
- Yes
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- Yes - Only New Zealand trip of not more than 60 days.
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 8
- minimum age in weeks
- 6
- waiting period
- 1 day for illness. 6 months for orthopaedic conditions
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- -
- claims service
- Online by vet or customer service portal.
- other benefits
- Optional excess is charged once per annual policy period. Complimentary access to the Pet Circle Pet Health Hotline.
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Pet Circle Accident and illness
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Exceptional Value Accident & Illness Pet Insurance - 2023
- Exceptional Quality Pet Insurance - 2023
Pet Insurance
Enjoy flexible options that make it simple to tailor your pet insurance. Get a quote in just 2 minutes. Aussie customer care team. There are no sub limits and emergency help is available 24/7. Add optional extras such as dental illness and specialised therapies. Get 10% off your first-year premium using the exclusive promo code "MOZO10" - T&Cs apply.
annual benefit limit
$7,500, $12,5000, or $25,000benefit percentage
70%, 80% or 90%choice of excess
$0, $100, $200 Annual Excesschoice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- -
CompareComparePet Insurance
Enjoy flexible options that make it simple to tailor your pet insurance. Get a quote in just 2 minutes. Aussie customer care team. There are no sub limits and emergency help is available 24/7. Add optional extras such as dental illness and specialised therapies. Get 10% off your first-year premium using the exclusive promo code "MOZO10" - T&Cs apply.
- annual benefit limit
- $7,500, $12,5000, or $25,000
- benefit percentage
- 70%, 80% or 90%
- choice of excess
- $0, $100, $200 Annual Excess
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- -
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- N/A
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes
- dental cover
- Optional
- emergency boarding
- Yes, up to 30 days
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- Yes, only while in New Zealand on a trip of not more than 60 days
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 8
- minimum age in weeks
- 6
- waiting period
- 1 day for illness, 14 days of illness, and 6 months for specified conditions
- special offers
- Get 10% off your first-year premium using the promo code "MOZO10"
- pre approval process
- -
- claims service
- Online by you or your vet
- other benefits
- Optional excess is charged once per annual policy period. Complimentary access to the Knose Pet Health Hotline.
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Knose Pet Insurance
-
Major Medical
Get two months free when you sign up with Pet Insurance Australia. Choose between three levels of cover for your pet. Policies cover a range of specified accidental injuries and illnesses. Get refunded for up to 80% of eligible vet bills. 21 day cooling off period.
annual benefit limit
$30,000benefit percentage
80%choice of excess
$0, $100, $200, $500choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- 2 months free when you pay by monthly or fortnightly. Offer end on the 30th June 2024
CompareCompareMajor Medical
Get two months free when you sign up with Pet Insurance Australia. Choose between three levels of cover for your pet. Policies cover a range of specified accidental injuries and illnesses. Get refunded for up to 80% of eligible vet bills. 21 day cooling off period.
- annual benefit limit
- $30,000
- benefit percentage
- 80%
- choice of excess
- $0, $100, $200, $500
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- 2 months free when you pay by monthly or fortnightly. Offer end on the 30th June 2024
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- no
- routine care
- Yes
- routine care limit
- Up to $150
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes, up to $4,000
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes, up to $3,000
- dental cover
- No
- emergency boarding
- Yes, $1,200
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- Yes
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 9
- minimum age in weeks
- -
- waiting period
- 0 days for specified accidental injuries (other than a cruciate ligament condition), 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions, 30 days for illness conditions
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- -
- claims service
- GapOnly techNology available on eligible claims (available at participating vets), electronic claims by vet (processed within 5 business days) or 24/7 online customer service portal
- other benefits
- Complimentary access to online vet consultations with VetChat, up to 4 per month.
- other restrictions
- After pets 8th birthday, annual benefit percentage reduces to 65% on the next policy renewal.
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Pet Insurance Australia Major Medical
-
Pet Insurance
Get cover for a generous 80% of your eligible vet bill when you take your furry family members to yourchoice of registered vet or veterinary practice in Australia. Enjoy a 15% discount on your first year’s premium for new policies quoted online. T&Cs apply.
annual benefit limit
$12,000benefit percentage
80%choice of excess
$100choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- Receive 15% off the first year’s premium for new policies quoted online
CompareComparePet Insurance
Get cover for a generous 80% of your eligible vet bill when you take your furry family members to yourchoice of registered vet or veterinary practice in Australia. Enjoy a 15% discount on your first year’s premium for new policies quoted online. T&Cs apply.
- annual benefit limit
- $12,000
- benefit percentage
- 80%
- choice of excess
- $100
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- Receive 15% off the first year’s premium for new policies quoted online
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- no
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- N/A
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes, up to $2,600
- hip joint surgery
- Yes, up to $4,000
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes, up to $1,500
- dental cover
- No
- emergency boarding
- No
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- No
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 9
- minimum age in weeks
- 8
- waiting period
- 2 days for accidental injuries, 30 days for illness and tick paralysis, 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- -
- claims service
- Submit claim by email or by post
- other benefits
- -
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Budget Direct Pet Insurance
-
Pet Plan
Get dental, physio and behaviour cover included as standard with Fetch 30k cover with no sub-limits. Your plan includes free 24/7 vet support and an all Aussie vet nurse team to manage claims. Claims are paid directly to your vet.
annual benefit limit
$30,000benefit percentage
80%, 90% or 100%choice of excess
$0 - $100choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- -
CompareComparePet Plan
Get dental, physio and behaviour cover included as standard with Fetch 30k cover with no sub-limits. Your plan includes free 24/7 vet support and an all Aussie vet nurse team to manage claims. Claims are paid directly to your vet.
- annual benefit limit
- $30,000
- benefit percentage
- 80%, 90% or 100%
- choice of excess
- $0 - $100
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- -
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- n/a
- dog
- yes
- cat
- no
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes
- dental cover
- Yes
- emergency boarding
- Up to 14 days
- theft or straying
- No - optional support with a social media campaign targeting up to 5,000 people in your postcode
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- No
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 9
- minimum age in weeks
- 8
- waiting period
- 2 days for injury, 30 days illness, Cruciate rupture, Patellar Luxation, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) and Cherry Eye, has a 90-day waiting period.. Option to submit a video to have waiting period waived.
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- Ask your vet to submit a pre-approval and get the outcome in-app.
- claims service
- Claim in-app or your vet submits online.
- other benefits
- Free 24/7 vet support in-app. Physio, Behavior cover included. See PDS for more.
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Fetch Pet Plan
Your selected pet insurance
Your selected pet insurance
Your selected pet insurance
Your selected pet insurance
Your selected pet insurance