Terms of Business

By registering with Valley Veterinary and using our services, you agree to the Terms of Business outlined below. These terms do not affect your statutory rights.

Valley Veterinary Limited · Company No: 802368 · The Forge, Innishannon, Co. Cork, T12 W72X · VCI Certificate of Suitability No: F7772

Valley Veterinary is an independent veterinary service committed to excellence. We provide professional ambulatory veterinary care to companion animals, horses and farm animals throughout the Bandon River Valley, West Cork and beyond. If you have any questions regarding these terms, please contact us before an examination has been conducted or treatment has commenced.

Our Commitment to You

At Valley Veterinary, we are committed to delivering professional, evidence-based veterinary care to the highest clinical standards. We strive to provide accessible veterinary services, clear communication and practical support for animal owners while prioritising animal health, welfare and wellbeing.

Payment Terms

All medicines ordered from Valley Veterinary must be paid for in full at the time that the order is placed or at the time of order collection. Medicines will not be dispensed or released until payment has been received.

Prompt payment helps us continue to invest in the people, equipment and services needed to provide modern, high-quality veterinary care throughout the communities we serve.

Fees

Professional service fees, veterinary medications provided, and consumables utilised are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate. Valley Veterinary can provide a written estimate of treatment costs on request. Although we aim for accuracy, estimates may vary due to unforeseen issues or complications discovered during diagnosis and treatment.

Preferred Payment Methods

Valley Veterinary strongly encourages payment by online bank transfer or direct debit. These methods help ensure prompt allocation of payments and efficient management of client accounts. Clients wishing to establish a direct debit arrangement are encouraged to contact the office.

Accepted payment methods:

  • Instant payment via on-farm payment terminal (preferred)
  • Online bank transfer (preferred)
  • Cash
  • Credit & Debit cards
  • Cheques (excluding post-dated cheques)

New & Existing Clients

All fees incurred during the first visit must be paid on the day of treatment. At the discretion of the Directors, account facilities may be provided for existing clients.

Where account facilities are granted:

  • Invoices are payable within 14 days of the invoice date
  • Any invoice query must be submitted in writing within 7 days of issue
  • Failure to raise a query does not remove the obligation to pay outstanding balances

Overdue Accounts

Valley Veterinary reserves the right to suspend non-emergency services, account facilities and the supply of medications on overdue accounts until outstanding balances have been settled.

Accounts that remain unpaid beyond the agreed payment period may incur:

  • Interest charged at 8% above the Central Bank of Ireland base rate
  • Debt collection costs
  • Legal and court fees where applicable

Pet & Equine Insurance

Valley Veterinary strongly recommends veterinary fee insurance for companion animals and horses. The existence of an insurance policy does not alter the account holder’s responsibility for prompt settlement of veterinary fees. Veterinary fees remain the responsibility of the account holder and payment is due directly to Valley Veterinary regardless of any insurance claim. Administration charges apply for insurance claim forms, veterinary reports and supporting documentation requested by insurers.

Prescriptions & Medication

Valley Veterinary is authorised to prescribe and supply veterinary prescription medicines through the National Veterinary Prescription System. Clients may also request a written prescription for supply elsewhere. We may only prescribe for animals under our care. Repeat prescriptions require periodic veterinary examinations as required by regulation. Prescription writing fees and review consultation charges apply.

Vaccinations & Preventative Health

Valley Veterinary emphasises the importance of maintaining protective immunity through compliance with and adherence to established vaccination protocols. This approach is integral to reducing disease incidence, mortality rates and production losses, and plays an important role in animal welfare.

Passports & Identification

All horses, ponies and donkeys must have a valid passport in accordance with current legislation, and passports should be available for inspection when required. Where pet passports are issued, Valley Veterinary maintains digital records in accordance with current regulatory requirements.

Emergency & Out-of-Hours Care

Valley Veterinary provides a 24/7 emergency veterinary service for registered clients on 087 4854 999. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Calls received outside of normal working hours will be directed to the emergency service. Please note that emergency consultations and visits incur an additional out-of-hours surcharge.

Clinical Records

Clinical records, radiographs, ultrasound images, videos and other diagnostic information remain the property of Valley Veterinary. Information may occasionally be used for educational, scientific or professional purposes. Any information used in this way will be anonymised.

Liability

Owners and keepers remain responsible for ensuring that their animals are appropriately restrained, supervised and insured. Valley Veterinary accepts no liability for accidental injury, death, property damage or loss except where liability arises through law.

Data Protection & GDPR

We are committed to protecting client confidentiality and personal information. Client data is stored securely, processed in accordance with GDPR requirements, and shared only where necessary for veterinary care, legal obligations or with client consent. Clients may request access to, correction of or deletion of their personal data by contacting the practice in writing.

Comments & Complaints

We welcome feedback and take complaints seriously. If you have concerns regarding any aspect of our service, please contact the practice directly by telephone, email or letter. We aim to provide a formal written response within 21 days. If concerns relate to professional conduct and cannot be resolved, clients may contact the Veterinary Council of Ireland, 53 Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 NY29.

Changes to These Terms

Any amendment to these Terms of Business must be agreed in writing by the Directors of Valley Veterinary. No employee or contractor is authorised to alter these Terms of Business on behalf of the company.

Questions about these terms?

If you have any questions regarding fees, payment terms, insurance claims or any aspect of our services, please get in touch before treatment is carried out.