Vets in the Netherlands

What do you see a vet for?

• Annual health check-up.
• Vaccinations, worming and flea and tick protection.
• Dental checks and treatment.
• Microchipping.
• Neutering and spaying.
• Check-ups for problems such as itching, vomiting, limping or eating less.

How often should you go?

Healthy adult dogs and cats usually have a check-up once a year. Puppies and kittens visit more often for their first vaccinations, and from around seven years old many vets recommend a check-up every six months.

How to book a vet on Petovia

• Search your area and choose "Vet".
• See which treatments the practice offers and for which animals.
• Pick a time and confirm your appointment online.

Emergency?

Online booking is for routine appointments. If your pet is seriously ill or injured, call a vet or your nearest emergency vet straight away.

Vaccinations for dogs and cats

Puppies and kittens get a series of core vaccinations in their first months, followed by boosters on the schedule your vet recommends. For dogs these include parvovirus, distemper and leptospirosis. For cats, feline enteritis and cat flu. If your dog is going into boarding or daycare, most places also ask for a kennel cough vaccination.

Bring the vaccination record or pet passport to every appointment, so the vet can see what has already been done.

Microchip and registration

Dogs must be microchipped and registered by law, both in the Netherlands and in the UK. This is usually done by the breeder before the puppy goes home. If you move or change your phone number, update your details with the database where your pet is registered. Vets recommend a chip for cats too: a lost cat with a chip gets home much sooner.

When to call straight away

Call your vet immediately if your pet has trouble breathing, a swollen hard belly, bleeding that won't stop, repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, may have eaten something poisonous, or can no longer stand. Outside opening hours your own practice will refer you to an out-of-hours vet. Booking online through Petovia is for regular appointments, not emergencies.