Information for Pet Owners

Millennium Vets Referral Service

We provide a referral service for dermatology, oncology, soft tissue and orthopaedics, as well as BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) assessments and surgery. We also offer CT referrals for outpatients. This service is available to both registered and non-registered clients.

How referrals work

If your pet is not registered with us, your own veterinary surgeon will need to refer them. Your vet will provide us with your pet’s clinical history, along with any imaging or test results, and explain why your pet is being referred.

Once we have received your referral, we will contact you directly to explain the Millennium referral process and arrange your initial consultation. You will be informed of the consultation fee, which is payable at the time of your appointment. If further investigations or procedures are needed, your vet will provide an estimate of the costs. Please see our Terms and Conditions

Where possible, we aim to combine the initial consultation, investigations, and procedure in a single visit. Many of our patients are also discharged on the same day, helping to reduce travel and stress for both you and your pet.

Our facilities

As an independent first-opinion and referral centre, we have the facilities and experienced team to offer advanced care at first-opinion prices. Our on-site resources include:

• Laboratory services
• CT scanning, radiography, and ultrasound (including outpatient CT referrals)
• Endoscopy
• Surgical suite
• Hospitalisation with separate dog, cat, and isolation wards

Our dedicated team is experienced in treating a wide range of patients and conditions. Your pet’s comfort and welfare are our priority – we ensure warmth, gentle care, and effective pain management, with the goal of returning them home as quickly and safely as possible. You will also receive all the information you need to continue care at home.

Please note: Our vets are advanced practitioners, not specialists. If you would like a referral to a specialist, please discuss this with your own vet.

Fees and insurance

Estimates for procedures will be provided at the initial consultation and can also be requested by your vet in advance. Fixed fees are available for standard orthopaedic procedures, which usually include follow-up appointments.

If your pet is insured, we will work with you and your insurance provider to confirm cover. Direct claims can only be processed with authorisation from both your insurer and us, confirmed in writing before the procedure. If your policy covers the full cost, you will typically only need to pay the excess and any co-payments on the day. Waiting for insurance confirmation may delay booking by 2–3 weeks, but we will do our best to speed up urgent cases. 

If your pet is not insured or pre-authorisation is not obtained, full payment is required on the day of the procedure.

Follow-up care

Most procedures require follow-up appointments. The number and type of appointments will vary depending on your pet’s needs. Where procedures fall under our fixed-fee schemes, follow-up appointments are usually included.

Referral admin team

Our referral team, Lead by Deputy Head Nurse Kayleigh, coordinate all referral cases and are your first point of contact. They are experienced veterinary nurses and will ensure you are fully informed before your visit. Please let us know if you or your pet have any special requirements, for example, if your pet is anxious.

On the day of your appointment, you will see the vet carrying out the procedure. They will discuss your pet’s needs in detail and explain any investigations or treatments. If you decide not to proceed at that time, only the initial consultation fee is payable.

Once booked, you will receive an email confirming the date and time of your appointment, along with our terms and conditions. Please read these ahead of your visit.

Contact us

• Telephone: 01376 325511
• Email: headnurse@millenniummvets.co.uk

Please note: Referrals are only accepted through your veterinary surgeon. All treatment is carried out as a referred patient. Referred pets are not registered for primary care until 12 months after discharge. For all other veterinary care, please contact your own vet.