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Methodology

How Vet Verified builds its directory data.

Vet Verified combines public register checks, practice website information, structured directory data and human review. The sources answer different questions and have different limits.

Last updated 20 May 2026

The short version.

Vet Verified helps pet owners compare practices. It does not replace a conversation with a veterinary professional.

Vet Verified builds practice listings from public register information, practice websites, and structured directory data such as location, opening hours, species coverage, services, facilities, accreditations and group ownership.

A listing can help you shortlist a practice, but it is not medical advice and it is not a guarantee that a service is available today. Always call the practice before travelling, especially for urgent care, out-of-hours care, uncommon species, pricing questions or appointment availability.

How we build a practice listing.

  1. 01

    We identify the practice.

    We use the practice's name, address, postcode, website, contact details and known group ownership to identify it. We review duplicate or ambiguous records before creating separate public listings.

  2. 02

    We check against public registers.

    We check practice listings against the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons public register and relevant accreditation sources. The Vet Verified mark is not sold as an advert or ranking upgrade.

  3. 03

    We structure the useful comparison data.

    We organise each listing into details pet owners can compare, including its location, opening hours, species treated, services, facilities, accreditations, contact details and profile ownership.

How Vet Verified compares data sources.

Each source answers a different question. Vet Verified brings them together so pet owners can compare practices more easily.

Source Best for Main limitation How Vet Verified uses it
RCVS public register Confirming whether a veterinary practice is registered. It does not help pet owners compare practices. We use it to confirm whether a practice is eligible for verification.
Practice website Current brand, contact and service information. Information can be hard to compare across practices. We use it to cross-check the details on a practice's profile.
Vet Verified profile Comparing practices by location, species, services and opening hours. Pet owners should still confirm availability with the practice. Pet owners use it to compare practices.
Google Maps and reviews Finding nearby practices and reading public feedback. Search rankings and reviews are not veterinary credentials. We keep this information separate from verification and directory checks.

What our labels mean.

These terms appear across practice, location, service, species, group and directory pages.

Verified.
A Verified practice has met our criteria: we have checked its public registration and credentials, and someone at the practice manages the profile. Practices cannot buy verification as paid placement.
Opening hours.
The listing includes the practice's opening hours. They can change, so call before travelling.
Species treated.
The listing indicates which animal types the practice treats. It does not guarantee that a particular vet will be available when you contact the practice.
Services.
The listing indicates that the practice offers the service. Contact the practice to confirm whether it is suitable, what it costs and how to book.
Group ownership.
The listing shows that the practice is part of a known veterinary group. Group ownership does not indicate the quality of its clinical care.

Updates and corrections.

Practice details change, so we review and update listings when new information becomes available.

Our team updates listings using public sources, routine directory checks and corrections from users.

If a listing is wrong, send us a correction through the contact page. Include the practice's name and address, the detail that needs changing and the source we should check. Our team reviews each request before making a material change.

Need to check a practice?

Use the directory to compare current listings, then contact the practice directly before booking or travelling.

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