Vet transport in Exeter
Professional vet transport services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-135
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Pet needs the vet but you can't drive them? I'll transport your dog or cat safely there and back, wait while they're seen, and get them home comfortable.
When Getting Your Pet to the Vet is a Problem
There are loads of reasons you might struggle with vet transport: you don't drive, you're recovering from surgery and can't lift the pet, you're elderly and the dog's too strong to manage alone, your car's in the garage, or it's an emergency and you're too stressed to drive safely.
Your pet still needs to be seen. That's where I come in - safe transport in a suitable vehicle, careful handling of nervous animals, and someone who won't stress out your already-anxious dog or cat.
💡 Pro tip: For routine appointments (annual checkups, vaccinations), book me in advance. For emergencies, call as soon as possible and I'll try to accommodate same-day.
Why Not Just Use a Taxi?
Fair question. Here's the difference:
| ✅ Proper Pet Transport | ❌ Regular Taxi |
|---|---|
| Experience handling stressed animals | Driver unfamiliar with pets |
| Appropriate carriers/restraints | Pet loose in car (unsafe) |
| Happy to wait and return trip | Drop and go only |
| Pet hair/mess expected | Driver not impressed by muddy paws |
| Calm with nervous animals | Stressful for pet and driver |
What You Get
🔧 Full Transport Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Collection | I arrive, help get pet into carrier/vehicle safely |
| Transport | Safe journey to vet with appropriate restraint |
| Waiting | Stay on site while pet's being seen |
| Return | Bring pet home, help settle them back |
📦 Pricing Guide
| Journey Type | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Local vet (within 3 miles) | 1-1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Further vet (3-5 miles) | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-110 |
| Specialist (longer journey) | 2+ hrs | £110+ |
Based on £60 minimum + £50/hr. Longer waits at vet increase time.
Common Scenarios
✅ Elderly owners - can't lift dog into car anymore
✅ No car/can't drive - need reliable transport
✅ Emergency visits - too stressed to drive safely
✅ Nervous pets - need experienced handling
✅ Post-surgery owners - doctor said no heavy lifting
Why Choose Us for Vet transport in Exeter?
Safe pet transport in suitable vehicle
Careful handling of nervous animals
Wait at vet and bring them home
Perfect for elderly owners or emergencies
What to Expect
Step 1: Collection
I arrive at the agreed time. We'll get your pet into the carrier (for cats) or secured safely in the vehicle (for dogs). Calm, patient handling.
Step 2: Vet Visit
Safe drive to the vet with appropriate restraints. I'll help them into the practice if needed, or wait in the car park if they're going in with you.
Step 3: Return Journey
Once they're done, safe journey home. I'll help settle them back and report on how the journey went. Any medication collected from the vet comes with them.
🔧 DIY Tips
If you're trying to manage vet transport yourself with a difficult pet, here's what helps:
🔧 Before the journey
- Don't feed them for 2 hours before travel (reduces car sickness)
- Bring familiar blanket or toy for comfort
- Have carrier set up ready so you're not wrestling with it last minute
- For dogs: toilet them before the journey
- For cats: spray carrier with Feliway 15 mins before
📐 Safe pet transport
- Cats MUST be in a secure carrier - never loose in a car
- Dogs should be in a crate or on a proper car harness
- Never let pets travel on your lap while driving
- Keep windows secure - stressed pets try to escape
- Take breaks on longer journeys
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Putting cat carrier on front seat where it can slide forward in braking
- Dog loose on back seat (dangerous in an accident)
- Forgetting water for longer journeys
- Not bringing payment details for the vet
- Rushing the pet when they're already stressed
💡 Pro trick: Practice short car journeys before the vet visit - to the park and back, or just round the block. Helps nervous pets realize car journeys don't always mean the vet.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Regular appointments? If your pet needs ongoing treatment (weekly injections, regular checkups), we can set up a regular slot. Easier for you and less stressful for the pet with a familiar routine.
Emergency cover? If your pet's injured or suddenly ill and you need urgent transport, call me. I'll prioritize genuine emergencies and get them to the vet as quickly as safely possible.
Old Exeter houses with steep stairs? Many older properties have awkward access. I'm used to carrying cat carriers and helping older dogs navigate tricky steps - won't stress them by rushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pets can you transport?
Dogs and cats mainly - I've got proper carriers and secure transport. If you've got something more exotic (rabbit, ferret, parrot), give me a call and we'll work it out. Large dogs might need special arrangements depending on their temperament.
Do you stay with them at the vet?
I wait in the car park while they're being seen, then bring them home. If you want me to go in with them (for elderly pets who need carrying, or nervous animals), I can do that - we'd need to arrange it beforehand though.
What if my pet is aggressive or very nervous?
I've handled plenty of stressed animals - dogs who hate car journeys, cats who fight going in the carrier. I'm patient and calm with them. But if your pet's known to bite or is particularly difficult, best to warn me so I can prepare properly.
Can you pick up medication while we're there?
Yes - if the vet prescribes something, I'll collect it and bring it back with your pet. Just make sure payment's sorted beforehand (they can take it over the phone usually).
What if it's an emergency and they need to stay at the vet?
I'll call you immediately to let you know what the vet says. If they're keeping the pet in, I'll make sure they're settled and report back to you with the full situation before heading off.
Vet transport Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your vet transport job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Vet transport in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your vet transport job in Exeter today.