PDSA Pet Care Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're already a member of of PDSA Pet Care or you're looking to join the scheme, we've answered some common questions below to help you find what you're looking for.

Contents

Who can access PDSA Pet Care?

Who can access PDSA Pet Care?

Clients must:

  • Be an existing Pet Practice Client and / or
  • Live within the postcode catchment of a participating veterinary practice.

And receive support through any of the following:

  • Housing Benefit
  • Means-tested support with Council Tax or
  • Universal Credit with Housing Element
  • Rate Relief (Northern Ireland only).

PDSA Pet Care - perks of the scheme

One vet health consultation per year

This may be in the form of a veterinary consultation to discuss a condition, diagnose or treat your pet if it is ill, or a routine health check if your pet is not ill. This will be during your Vet’s normal working hours.

There will be no additional charge for this benefit, however, this does not include any products or treatment which your Vet may provide during, or prescribe as a result of, that consultation.

One vaccination or booster every year, including a pet wellbeing MOT or health check, to help you keep your pet happy and healthy

There will be no additional charge for this benefit, however, this does not include any products or treatment which your Vet may provide during that vaccination. Rabies vaccinations or those associated with the PET Travel Scheme, are not included.

20% discount off your Vet’s full price veterinary treatments

Excluding food, nutraceuticals, out of hours’ services, breeding related treatments and preventative healthcare. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or scheme offered by your Vet.

Access to a PDSA Helpline (0303 334 0678)

This gives you 24/7 pet care advice from qualified vet nurses, whenever you need it. If you are worried about your pet's health they can advise you on whether you should go to the vet or whether the issue may resolve itself at home. Call them before heading to a vet because 2 out of 3 times, a trip to the vet is no necessary straight away, saving you time and money. They can also give advice on a wide range of other pet-related topics such as nutrition and behaviour.

15% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance

Provided by PDSA Trading Limited (for cats and dogs only, and subject to exclusions).

A quarterly newsletter packed with useful pet health advice.

Thinking about joining the Pet Care scheme?

How much does PDSA Pet Care cost?

There is a monthly fee of £4.50 to join the PDSA Pet Care scheme by Direct Debit. Alternatively, you can pay the annual fee of £54 at the point of registration.

What species of pet can I register?

The Pet Care Scheme is for a cat or a dog only. Unfortunately we can’t accept any other pets

How many pets can I register?

As a client of the Pet Care scheme, you can only register one pet.

How do I register for PDSA Pet Care?

You can now apply online, just follow the onscreen instructions. If you already know you're eligible, you'll still need to complete the eligibility checker in order to register online. Please be aware you will be asked to create a MyPDSA account if you don't already have one.

Alternatively you can download a PDSA Pet Care scheme application form or contact our PDSA Pet Care team at petcare@pdsa.org.uk or on 0808 164 5040.

Application is quick and easy just send clear photos or a scanned image of your completed form and proof of benefits to petcare@pdsa.org.uk or to us by post: PDSA Pet Care Team, Whitechapel Way, Priorslee, Telford, Shropshire, TF2 9PQ.

How old do I have to be to join the PDSA Pet Care scheme?

You must be 18 years of age or over to participate in the scheme, however if you are under 18 years of age and want to be considered for the scheme please contact our team via email to petcare@pdsa.org.uk or call us on 0808 1645040 and we can discuss your application

Is the scheme limited by postcode areas?

Yes, we operate with postcode catchments for each participating practice. You can check your eligibility and if there is a Vet practice in your area that participates in the scheme by using our online Eligibility Checker.

Can I use someone else's bank account or card to pay?

If you are not using your own bank account or credit/debit card to pay, you must have the bank account/card holder's permission before submitting payment details.

How will I know if I have successfully joined the scheme?

Once you have been successfully registered and paid the annual fee or set up your Direct Debit, we will send you your PDSA Pet Care card and confirmation via email. The email will contain you and your pet’s details, registration status and PDSA Pet Care card which you can use as proof to show your vet practice when need to book or attend and appointment.

Don’t have an email address? Don’t worry! We can send your PDSA Pet Care card to you in the post. You will receive either a new email or card every 12 months at re-registration.

When will I receive my PDSA Pet Care email/card?

If you choose to receive your Pet Care membership information by email, it will be with you the very next day. Pet Care Cards can take 7 to 10 days to arrive by post.

Will I receive a copy of the Terms & Conditions of the scheme?

Yes you will receive them either by email or by post depending on how you’ve asked us communicate with you. Here's the full T&C’s if you’d like to read them before you join.

How long will I be registered for?

Your registration last for 12 months and will therefore pay £54 over the course of the year. We will contact you around 6 weeks before your membership to the scheme is due for renewal to explain how you can re-register.

Will I be a client of the practice or PDSA?

You will be a practice client but with an agreement with PDSA

Can a pet be registered for PDSA Pet Care and be registered at a Blue Cross Pet Care Clinic?

No, the pet can only be registered for one of the schemes.

Can I cancel my contract with PDSA?

You have a 14 day cooling off period starting on the day after we confirm that we accept your application. If you wish to cancel within this period please contact our team immediately via petcare@pdsa.org.uk or by phone on 0808 1645040 (9-5 Mon-Fri). For details about your right to cancel please see Pet Care Client Terms and Conditions.

Alternatively If you are already a member of the scheme please see 'how do I cancel my contract with PDSA' below or see Pet Care Client Terms and Conditions.

What do I do if I’m not already registered with the vet practice?

If you’re not currently registered with the vet practice we would suggest you give them a call to let them know you’ve joined the PDSA Pet Care scheme and that you would like to register your pet with them.

How do I book an appointment?

Just give the Vet practice a call to book in, most practices offer a booking service over the phone or alternatively some offer an online booking system details of which can be found on their website.

Remember to book an appointment for your pet you will need to be registered with the practice first.

Do I need to take anything with me to my vet appointment?

You will need to take proof of your Pet Care membership with you, so remember to take your Pet Care email/card. The practice will advise you if you need to take along anything else when you book your appointment.

Already a PDSA Pet Care Scheme Member?

What do I need to do if I change my bank details?

To make sure we have the correct payment details for you please give us a call on 0808 164 5040 where a member of our team will be happy to help you.

How do I re-register?

Prior to the end of a current year of registration, we will send you a renewal reminder explaining everything you need to know to renew your membership. We will then check your proof of benefits and process any registration paperwork. It’s really important we can contact you to discuss your renewal if we need to so please make sure that you have provided up to date contact details including all phone numbers and email address if you have one.

If you have any questions about your renewal please contact our team at petcare@pdsa.org.uk or by phone on 0808 1645040 (9-5 Mon-Fri)

If I lose my PDSA Pet Care email/card, how do I get a replacement?

Your Pet Care email/card contains you and your pet’s details, and confirms your registration status which you can use as proof to show your vet practice when need to book or attend and appointment.

So for peace of mind when booking or attending appointments, please call our helpline between 9-5 Mon-Fri on 0808 1645040 to request a new email/card or email the Pet Care team on petcare@pdsa.org.uk

Reissuing a new email is free of charge but a card may be subject to a £5 fee to cover the costs of replacing the card.

Can I still access PDSA Pet Care if I lose my card?

Yes, your Vet practice has access to an online checker but we would recommend you contact us so we can send you a new email or replacement card as soon as possible.

Can I swap the pet on PDSA Pet Care?

No, the PDSA Pet Care email/card is for the named cardholder and named pet only. PDSA Pet Care cannot be transferred to another pet once registration has started. If your circumstances have changed, please call us and we will be happy to advise you.

If I do not use my vaccination/booster or vet health consultation in a year, can I roll over these benefits into my next registration?

No, each of the scheme benefits must be used within the 12 month period of registration.

What happens if I move?

If you’re moving home please get in touch either by emailing petcare@pdsa.org.uk or give our team a call on or on 0808 164 5040 we can advise you if there is a vet practice in your new area that we can transfer your membership too.

What happens if my pet dies?

Please email the Pet Care team at petcare@pdsa.org.uk or call our helpline between 9-5 Mon-Fri on 0808 1645040 to notify us of the death of your pet. A member of our team can then discuss with you the closure of your membership.

We understand that coping with the loss of a pet can be difficult, if you would like advice on ways of coming to terms with the passing of your companion you can find some useful information on our website.

How do I cancel my contract with PDSA?

You have a 14 day cooling off period starting on the day after we confirm that we accept your application. Please see “can I cancel my contract with PDSA” section above

You can end your contract with us outside of the 14 day cooling off period. Your rights when you end the contract will depend on circumstances including how we are performing and when you decide to end the contract:

If you wish to end your contract after 14 days, you must download and complete a "client cancellation form". Once we receive a completed cancellation form we will end your contract and calculate any outstanding balance.

You may be entitled to a refund if you have paid the full 12 month membership in advance depending on how many months you have been a member in this current 12 month membership agreement, the number of Benefits and Vet Services you have received at the time at which the contract comes to an end. You must notify us if you require a refund.  You will have the option if there is an outstanding credit on your account if you require a refund if you would like to donate these monies to PDSA. If you don’t request a refund within 28 days of cancelling your membership with will assume you don’t require a refund and will donate any monies back to PDSA.

Please see your Pet Care Client Terms & Conditions for further information about your rights when ending the contract.

Who is responsible for complaints or disputes relating to PDSA Pet Care?

The practice is responsible for any complaints, disputes, debts or claims resulting from treatments or services provided to clients by the practice, which would include those incorporated into the Pet Care scheme. PDSA is responsible for any complaints, disputes or claims associated with administration of PDSA Pet Care.