The February 11th deadline is looming. Every year we take a count of positive reviews (4 or 5 star) to crown the Best UK Vet. But this year, by any measure, is a little bit different.
Firstly, physical visits to the vets are restricted and have been for much of the year. Rather than going to the practice for a check-up, we’ve had to get used to video calls and car park triage.
But secondly, this year we’re opening up more categories than ever. We want to recognise those vets who have continued to provide professional, compassionate care for our pets despite the pandemic. So we’re introducing regional awards, giving those smaller practices a chance to get the recognition they deserve.
How does a Practice Become Best UK Vet?
At VetHelpDirect, we help vets and pet owners get honest reviews on service. Although the Best UK Vet awards only take into account those positive reviews, constructive criticism and honest feedback are equally important. All reviews are moderated and only those that are confirmed to have visited/had an appointment in the last 90 days can be used.
Any review, throughout the course of the year, which meets these criteria go towards a practice’s final count. To be eligible for any award, a vet must receive a minimum of 25 reviews over the 12 month period. So even if you can’t leave a review now, keep them in mind when you’re next able to visit.
Then comes the easy bit: adding them up and declaring a winner.
What about smaller vet practices?
Not every vet gets hundreds of visitors each week. But this doesn’t mean their level of service and dedication to clients is any less. This is why we have a number of additional categories, including best new start-up and best small practice. Giving recognition where it is deserved.
There are also awards for specialist categories, including equine, mobile and the previously mentioned regional vets.
Why should I review my vet?
Of course, there’s no obligation to leave a review. Most come following a positive experience, to support their vet and let other owners know they can be trusted. Some provide more difficult, but no less important feedback on issues. Either way, it’s your opportunity to let them know how they’re doing.
But honesty is important. We know how important your reviews are to our visitors. This is why every one is moderated, validated and open to a response from the practice. Without trust, there is no VetHelpDirect.
Oh, also, your review will go towards the annual Best UK Vets awards. But I think this may have been mentioned already.
How do reviews help vets and pets?
Whether we’re looking for a restaurant, a tradesperson or, well, pretty much anything else – trust is key. Reviews provide that level of reassurance.
Not every experience is a 4 or 5-star visit. Where there are resolvable issues – being made to wait without explanation, poor communication in a consult or problems with the care – this gives a vet practice an opportunity to improve.
But for those clients who visit and consistently have a positive experience, it’s an opportunity to say a small ‘thanks’. Reviews lead to new clients and can even help with other areas, such as recruitment – would you work somewhere that every customer criticised the level of care?
This is why we ask for honest reviews. Good, bad or mixed, if it will help improve services or show other pet owners that they can trust a vet – then that can only be a positive. And of course you might just help them to win Best UK Vet.
Search for your vet on VetHelpDirect, and if you’ve had a visit in the last 90 days, why not leave a review?
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