Frequently Asked Questions


Can I have a written prescription?

We do supply a written prescription on request which can then be used by you to purchase the medication from another veterinary surgeon or pharmacy, however a prescription may not be appropriate if your animal is an in-patient or immediate treatment is necessary. 

The general policy of this practice is to re-assess an animal requiring repeat prescriptions every 6 months. 

The charge for a written prescription for the first item is £20 and £11 for all subsequent items issued on the same day (charges are inclusive of VAT and accurate as of January 2022).

Do I need to make an appointment?

All consultations with vets and nurses are by appointment. Please contact the practice to arrange a convenient time.

How can I check on my pet in the hospital?

If your pet is admitted for an operation, we will usually contact you after the procedure. If your pet is in the hospital for several days with an ongoing illness, it is best to ring in after 10.30am for an update. 

I'm worried about paying my bill, what should I do?

If you are concerned about your account, please contact the practice manager at the Hythe hospital at the earliest opportunity.

Telemedicine/ Remote consultation help.

Video consultations 

  • Use a phone or tablet as this camera can be easily moved to show us your pet.
  • Make sure you know how to light the torch facility and how to flip the screen.
  • To get the most out of the consultation, make sure your device has plenty of charge, that you have decent internet connection and that your pet is somewhere close!
  • It can be useful to have a helper to hold your pet.
  • As we all know, pets do not perform when we want them to, so sometimes still photos, or snippets of video taken prior to your appointment can be useful. Email these to enquiries@seadownvets.co.uk ideally an hour or so before your appointment time and they will be attached to your pets record for the vet to view
  • Video consultations are £39. If the vet deems it necessary that your pet is physically examined at the practice this will be credited and the normal clinic fee applied instead. About 70% of things can be sorted without you having to come in to the practice, especially as we are currently able to prescribe for existing patients as a result of a remote consultation if deemed appropriate. 
  • If you are a member of our Lifetime care club your video consultation has a 50% discount. To find out more about the savings you can make or to join this great subscription plan click on Lifetime Care Club

Phone consultations

  • Please email still photos, or snippets of video taken of your pet's problem if possible at least an hour before your appointment time. Email these to enquiries@seadownvets.co.uk  and they will be attached to your pets record for the vet to view
  • Phone consultations are £39. If the vet deems it necessary that your pet is physically examined at the practice this will be credited and the normal clinic fee applied instead. About 70% of things can be sorted without you having to come in to the practice, especially as we are currently able to prescribe for existing patients as a result of a remote consultation if deemed appropriate. 
  • If you are a member of our Lifetime care club your phone consultation is free. To find out more about the savings you can make or to join this great subscription plan click on Lifetime Care Club

What are your office hours?

The main Hythe hospital is open 8.30am-6pm Monday-Friday and 8.30am-5pm on Saturdays. Branches at Totton and Lymington are open daily from 8.30am. Out of hours, an emergency vet and nurse are 'on-call'.

What do I do in an emergency?

Please contact the practice as soon as possible. Seadown provides an out of hours emergency service for equine and small animal clients.

What do I need to bring with me?

Please keep your dog on a lead, and bring cats and smaller pets in a secure carrier. Bring any relevant documentation such as vaccination certificates, passports and insurance paperwork if you think it may be needed.