Vet Help Direct is a new interactive website designed and run by qualified vets. Step-by-step questions help you to decide if you need to take your pet to the vets, and if so how urgently.



The service is reminiscent of the self-help section offered for humans via the NHS Direct website. Vet Help Direct provides timely and expert advice for dogs, cats, and rabbits. Horses will also be added in the near future.

By following a series of simple, step-by-step questions about your pet's symptoms, Vet Help Direct will offer you clear, professional guidance regarding how quickly you need to contact your vet.

You will be given one of the following 4 courses of action:

1) self care: home treatment may be appropriate
2) medium priority: visit your vet in the next 24 hours
3) high priority: visit your vet in the next 12 hours
4) urgent: seek veterinary treatment immediately

If your dog isn't insured yet, find out what vets recommend you look into when choosing a policy. There is a directory of pet insurers so that you can then find the best policy for you and your dog. If you aren't already registered with a vet in your area there is a directory of local vet practices.

To find out more, visit www.vethelpdirect.com