Frequently Asked Questions
You got questions? Don't worry, we've answered some Frequently Asked Questions below so you don't need to ask us and wait for a reply!
General
Euthanasia
Travel Health Certificates
Pricing & Plans
General Questions
Below are some of the more common questions we are asked that you may find helpful.
How quickly are you able to visit?
We aim to visit you within 24–36 hours wherever possible, with same-day appointments available for urgent cases when needed. As many of our services aren't time-critical, we're also happy to arrange your visit at a date and time that's most convenient for you.
By bringing veterinary care to your doorstep, we offer a flexible, personalised service that works around you - without compromising on the quality of care your pet receives.
Does Buzz Mobile Vet cover my area?
Our mobile veterinary services are available across mainly East and West Sussex.
Some of the areas we cover are Hastings, Peacehaven, Eastbourne, Lewes, Brighton & Hove, Worthing, Crowborough, Uckfield, Hailsham, Heathfield, Bexhill, Crawley, Horsham, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and East Grinstead.
You are able to find out if we can reach you by calling or emailing us with your postcode, or looking at our Areas We Cover page.
How do I contact you/book an appointment?
You may contact us via phone call, WhatsApp or through our Contact Us page.
If you would like to book an appointment, you may do this by visiting our Book An Appointment page.
What signs indicate an emergency?
- Severe pain or distress
- Unresponsiveness or extreme lethargy
- Difficulty urinating or defecating.
- Sudden collapse or inability to stand.
- Seizures or uncontrolled shaking.
- Severe bleeding or wounds
- Trouble breathing or choking
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea (especially with blood)
- Swollen or painful abdomen
- Suspected poisoning
How should I prepare for my pet’s home appointment?
Every at-home visit is designed to provide your pet with calm, compassionate care in the comfort of their own surroundings. To help us make the most of your appointment, we recommend a few simple preparations before we arrive:
- Choose a quiet, well-lit space where your pet feels safe and relaxed. This could be their favourite spot on the living room rug, a comfortable armchair, the kitchen, or even the garden if appropriate.
- Have any current medications, previous medical records and relevant insurance details ready for your vet.
- If your pet is due to have any tests, please follow the preparation guidance provided during your telephone triage.
- Where possible, allow your pet a quick toilet break shortly before your appointment.
These simple steps help create a calm, stress-free experience, allowing your vet to focus on delivering the highest standard of care from the moment they arrive.
Can I buy medication from elsewhere?
Yes. If medication is prescribed, you may request a written prescription and obtain the medication from another veterinary practice or pharmacy. Medication prices may vary between suppliers and pharmacies online.
What happens if I need to cancel?
We understand that circumstances may arise that require cancelling; we ask that you please provide at least 48hrs notice for a cancellation.
Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or rearrange.
Late cancellation or non-attendance fees may apply. Full details are set out in our Terms of Service.
Euthanasia Questions
Below are some questions we receive related to euthanasia which you may find helpful.
How do I know when the time is right?
Deciding when to say goodbye is one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner will ever face. It's completely natural to question whether the time is right.
You may have noticed changes in your pet, such as:
- Eating less or losing interest in food altogether.
- Finding it difficult to stand, walk or move comfortably.
- Signs of ongoing pain or discomfort
- Changes in behaviour, such as withdrawing from family or no longer enjoying favourite activities.
- More difficult days than good ones.
Every pet's journey is unique, and there is rarely a single moment that provides complete certainty. If you're feeling unsure, you're not alone.
We are here to help you talk through your pet's quality of life, answer your questions, and offer honest, compassionate guidance. Sometimes, having a calm conversation with someone who understands can bring the clarity and reassurance you need to make the decision that's right for your pet and your family.
Will my pet feel any pain?
No. Your pet will first be given a gentle sedative to help them relax and drift into a peaceful sleep.
Once they are fully settled and unconscious, the final medication is carefully administered.
The process is calm, gentle and painless, with your pet remaining comfortable throughout.
Am I able to stay with my pet?
Yes. Most families choose to stay with their pet throughout the appointment, but the decision is entirely yours.
There's no right or wrong choice—what matters most is doing what feels right for you and your pet. I'll support you every step of the way, whatever you decide.
How quickly are you able to come?
We understand that your pet's needs can change quickly, especially at this stage. Whenever possible, we'll offer the earliest available appointment and will always do our best to see you as soon as we can.
If your situation is urgent, please let us know when you get in touch so we can prioritise your appointment wherever possible.
Travel Health Certificate Questions
Below are some of the most common questions we receive relating to Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) which you may find helpful.
Can I obtain a Pet Passport?
You may have seen recent news that the UK Government has agreed to begin negotiations with the EU regarding future pet travel arrangements. While we are very hopeful that this will eventually lead to the reintroduction of UK Pet Passports, this announcement simply marks the intention to start discussions. At this stage, there is no specific timeframe for when these talks will take place or what the final outcome will be.
What This Means for You Right Now
As Official Veterinarians, we are still awaiting formal guidance from the government regarding these potential changes. Current reports suggest that these negotiations will likely take many months, and there is always the possibility that an agreement may not be reached.
Because of this, the current travel rules remain firmly in place:
- UK Pet Passports are not valid for travel to the EU.
- EU Pet Passports are legally restricted to residents and citizens of the EU only.
- Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) remain the mandatory travel document for all UK pets travelling to the EU.
When will UK Pet Passports be available?
We are closely following the recent news that the UK Government has agreed to open negotiations with the EU regarding future pet travel arrangements. While we certainly share the hope that these talks might eventually lead to the reintroduction of a streamlined UK Pet Passport, this announcement represents the very beginning of the process, and there is currently no set timeframe for its completion.
What This Means for Your Current Travel Plans
As Official Veterinarians, we operate strictly under active UK Government legislation and have not yet received any new operational guidance. Government ministers have indicated that these negotiations will likely take many months and, as with any international talks, a final agreement is not guaranteed.
Therefore, until we receive official instruction to the contrary, the current regulations remain firmly in place: all UK pets travelling to the EU must continue to travel with a valid Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
Do I need to enter the EU via a specific port?
When planning your route, it is important to know that you must enter the EU through a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE). You can click here to view the full list of approved locations. However, there is no need to worry - almost all major entry routes, including the Eurotunnel, the Port of Dover, and major international airports, are fully approved TPEs!
The Language on Your Certificate
Your Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is a bilingual document. It will always be printed in English alongside the official language of the very first EU country you enter—even if that country is not your final destination.
For example, if you are planning a lovely holiday to Italy, but you are driving and your first port of entry into the EU is in France, your AHC must be completed in French rather than Italian.
Tapeworm treatment - will my pet require it?
If you are travelling with a dog, there are a few specific tapeworm treatment regulations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth journey. Please note that these rules apply exclusively to dogs - cats and ferrets are entirely exempt!
Returning to Great Britain
Before re-entering Great Britain, your dog must receive a tapeworm treatment administered by a veterinary surgeon. This must be done within a strict time window: no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before your arrival time in GB. Without this recorded treatment, your dog will unfortunately be denied entry back into the country.
- Visiting an EU Vet: Any licensed vet in the EU can administer this treatment and complete the relevant section of your travel documents. (For a French/English AHC, this section is typically found at the bottom of Page 4). When you visit the clinic abroad, just kindly ensure the vet is familiar with the paperwork and knows exactly where to stamp and sign.
- Exemptions: You do not need this return treatment if you are arriving directly from Finland, Ireland, Malta, or Norway.
Short Trips to the EU (Under 120 Hours)
If your entire trip abroad and back will take less than 120 hours, you can actually have this tapeworm treatment administered right here in Great Britain before you depart!
Travelling TO Specific Countries
While you do not need a tapeworm treatment to exit Great Britain or to enter popular destinations like France, Spain, or the Netherlands, there are a few exceptions. If you are travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Malta, or Norway, your dog will require a tapeworm treatment administered 24 to 120 hours before arriving in those countries.
If your travel plans require this pre-departure treatment, we would be more than happy to administer it for you.
How many pets can be included in a single AHC?
Great news if you have a multi-pet household - as you can conveniently include up to five pets on a single Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
To share a single certificate, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Same Owner, Same Journey: All pets listed on the AHC must belong to the same person and must be travelling together on the same trip.
- Mixed Species Welcome: Your pets do not need to be the same species! You are more than welcome to include a mix of dogs, cats, and ferrets on the exact same document.
Travelling with Friends or Family?
If you are planning a group holiday and travelling alongside other pet owners, please note that each individual owner will need to have a separate AHC issued for their own pet or pets.
If you have any questions about organising the paperwork for your furry family members, just let us know - we are always happy to help get everyone ready for the trip!
Pricing Questions
You may find helpful the below questions related to pricing and payments that we are asked frequently.
What payment methods do you accept?
We are able to take debit or credit card payments, on the day of your visit. We accept major card types such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept payment with cash.
Are prices inclusive of VAT?
Yes, prices shown on our website are inclusive of VAT, unless clearly stated otherwise.
Any additional medicine, laboratory, delivery, prescription or referral costs will be explained before treatment, when possible.
