How to check a vet's registration and reputation

Your pet isn't eating properly and a mate has recommended their vet. Before you book an appointment, you want to know whether this practice is legitimate and actually has a strong record. Checking a vet's registration and reputation is straightforward — it just requires you to know where to look and what questions to ask.

Verify registration with the professional body

Start by checking that the vet is registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC). This is the regulatory body that licences veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Visit the SAVC website and search the vet's name or the practice name. A registered vet will appear in the register with their current status. If the vet doesn't show up, or if their status shows anything other than active registration, that's a red flag — do not proceed.

Asking the practice directly is also fair game. A legitimate vet will be happy to provide their registration number and give you the SAVC details to verify independently. If they're vague or defensive about this, move on. Professional registration isn't something a good vet hides.

Talk to recent clients and check online feedback

Online reviews on Google, Facebook and local business directories give you a snapshot of what other pet owners have experienced. Look for patterns rather than single complaints: do people mention long waits, good communication, fair pricing or genuine care? A practice with consistently warm feedback about how the vet treats nervous pets or handles emergencies is worth noting.

But don't stop at the internet. Ask the practice directly for a couple of contact details — existing clients who've given permission to be contacted as references. Call them and ask specific questions: Was the vet clear about what was wrong with their pet? Did they explain costs upfront? How did the vet handle follow-ups? A vet secure in their reputation will readily provide references; if the practice hesitates or says they can't, that's a signal.

Word-of-mouth from people in your neighbourhood or local pet groups is also gold. Someone who's been taking their cat to a practice for five years will give you honest detail that no review can match.

Look for signs of professional standing and good practice standards

When you visit or call the practice, note whether the environment looks clean and the staff are organised. A professional vet will have clear signage showing SAVC registration, will keep records digitally and can pull up your pet's history quickly if you switch practices. They should be willing to discuss their emergency protocols and after-hours care options — especially important if your pet has a chronic condition.

Ask whether the vet has any specialist qualifications. These aren't required for general consultations, but a vet with additional training in surgery, dentistry or internal medicine may be better equipped to handle complex cases. The SAVC register usually notes qualifications, so you can cross-check.

Also check whether the practice is insured and whether they belong to a professional association or group practice network. This isn't a legal requirement, but it often signals commitment to professional standards and continuing education.

Once you've ticked these boxes — registration confirmed, references positive, practice feels competent and transparent — you're in a good position to book. Trust your gut too: if the vet or their staff seem dismissive of your questions or your concerns about your pet, that matters. You're hiring someone to care for a creature that can't tell you if something's wrong.

When you're ready to find a vet who meets these standards, search Strove for verified veterinary practices in your area. You can read detailed reviews, check their services and get in touch directly to ask about registration and experience before you commit.