Should I get a second opinion from another vet?

Yes, you can, and vets say it is a normal part of good care. A second opinion is worth considering when the news is serious, the plan is big or costly, your pet is not getting better, or something does not add up, and you can start by asking your regular vet for the records. If your pet is in an emergency, go now and think about a second opinion later.

ER sign: if your pet is struggling to breathe, collapsed, bleeding heavily, having a seizure or may have eaten something toxic, go to the nearest ER vet now.

What to check before you decide

You do not need to settle this in one night. A few steps make it calmer.

• Write down what you were told. The name of the condition, the plan, the quote, and what the vet said would happen if you wait.
• Ask for the records. More on how below. Whoever looks next will want test results, X-rays and notes.
• Note what you see at home. Appetite, energy, water, bathroom habits and when each started.
• Ask your vet how soon the decision has to be made. Some plans can wait a few days for a second look. Some cannot, and your vet will tell you which.

When a second opinion is worth it

Veterinary sources describe the same few situations.

• A serious finding with a poor outlook. PetMD says a second opinion is "a very good idea" in that case, and a specialist may offer other options.
• A big or complicated plan. Cancer and orthopedic problems are the examples PetMD gives, where another vet may suggest a more targeted plan or one that costs less.
• Your pet is not getting better. A PetMD article with veterinary specialists lists this, along with a drastic step you feel unsure about.
• Something does not add up. If you feel unsure about what you were told, it is fair to ask for another look.

There is no line in the sand for when you are allowed to ask. A Texas A&M veterinarian says as much, and adds that many vets value extra input on complicated cases.

When not to wait

A second opinion is for decisions that have a little time. In a medical emergency, PetMD says it is not the time to refuse care and look for another view. Get your pet stable first. Opinions on long-term care come after.

Go straight to an ER vet if your pet:

• is struggling to breathe or breathing with an open mouth
• collapses, has a seizure or cannot stand
• has a swollen, hard belly with retching and nothing coming up
• is bleeding heavily
• may have eaten something toxic, such as xylitol, chocolate, grapes or a medication

For a possible poisoning, call ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435 on the way. If you are unsure whether it is an emergency, call the ER vet.

How to ask your vet for your pet's records

Start with your regular vet. PetMD's advice is to tell them, since most vets understand and support it, and Texas A&M says asking is a normal part of care. A simple way to say it: "I'd like to get another set of eyes on this. Could you send me the records?"

• Ask in writing. The California Veterinary Medical Board says a written request is recommended.
• Know what you can expect. In California, the board says your vet is obligated to give you a summary of the patient record, within a "reasonable" amount of time, and there may be a cost for duplication. Rules differ by state, so check your own state's veterinary board.
• Ask for the useful parts. Ask for the full record if you can, plus lab results, X-ray or ultrasound reports and images, and the medication list.
• Ask the second clinic what they want. PetMD suggests asking before you book which records to bring.
• Bring tests along. Current bloodwork and X-rays mean nobody repeats what is already done.

Questions to ask

Take these to your regular vet, and to whoever gives the second opinion.

• What did you find, and what test or exam showed it?
• Is there more than one option? What does each one involve?
• What happens if we wait a few days, or a few weeks?
• What does the plan cost, step by step?
• What would change your mind? Which result would tell us the plan is working?
• Is a specialist worth seeing for this?

A PetMD interview gives a helpful opener: "How can we confirm that this is the right answer?" It keeps the talk about your pet. Specialists say "I think you're wrong" helps nobody.

Why this is hard the old way

A second opinion can feel like a lot of work. Records sit in a clinic's system and take effort to request. A new appointment can mean a long wait. Often the question is small, such as "does this plan make sense?", and a full second exam feels like too much. Under stress, it is easy to either say yes to everything or put it all off.

The old way gives you two moves, trust it all or start over somewhere new. A better middle step exists.

What a video visit does

Here is how it works at Everfur. You upload your pet's records once. An Everfur vet reads them before the call, so you are not starting from zero. On the video visit you talk it through, and you get clear next steps, including what to ask your regular vet. Your regular vet gets a summary of the visit. We work with your vet. Think of us as the visit between visits.

Book a vet visit

Video visits are scheduled, and most are scheduled within 48 hours. Right now they are available in California only. Other states are closed for now. In California, prescriptions are possible when a vet decides they are right for your pet.

What still needs a clinic

A video visit is another set of eyes. It does not replace a hands-on exam or a specialist. These still need an in-person visit:

• A hands-on exam. Feeling the belly, listening to the heart and lungs, checking joints and the mouth.
• Tests and imaging. Bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound and biopsies need a clinic.
• A specialist. A cardiologist, neurologist or oncologist has tools and training a general video visit does not. Texas A&M notes that primary vets often refer you and stay involved in ongoing care.
• Surgery and anything urgent. Those belong in a clinic, and some need an ER.

If a vet on the call thinks one of these is the right next step, your records are already ready for it.

A calmer next step

You can ask for a second look and still keep your regular vet. Get the records, write down your questions, and decide with the facts in front of you. Our posts on what a vet visit costs without insurance and when vomiting is a worry may help with the other questions on your list.

Book a vet visit

Unlimited free vet visits with membership. Plus $50 off your first prescription in California.

FAQ

Is it rude to get a second opinion from another vet?

No. A Texas A&M veterinary article says asking for a second opinion is a normal part of good care. Tell your regular vet you are doing it, and keep the conversation about your pet.

When should I get a second opinion for my dog or cat?

PetMD lists a serious finding with a poor outlook, a big or costly plan, a pet who is not improving, and a step you feel unsure about. If it is an emergency, go to an ER vet first.

How do I get my pet's records from my vet?

Ask your regular vet, ideally in writing. In California, the Veterinary Medical Board says your vet must give you a summary of the record in a reasonable time, and there may be a copying cost. Check your state's rules, and ask the second clinic which records they want.

Will my vet be upset?

Most vets understand. PetMD says there is no need to hide it, and vets who work together can often keep tests and costs down.

Can a video visit replace a specialist?

No. A video visit can read your records and help you plan what to ask. A hands-on exam, tests or a specialist still happen in person.

Sources

• PetMD, "Getting a Second Opinion: How to Do It Without Breaking the Bank (or Offending Your Vet)": https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/getting-second-opinion-from-vet
• PetMD, "When to Get a Second Opinion from a Veterinarian": https://www.petmd.com/news/view/when-get-second-opinion-veterinarian-34903
• Texas A&M University, "Purr-spectives matter: seeking a second opinion for your pet" (2025): https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2025/06/12/purr-spectives-matter-seeking-a-second-opinion-for-your-pet
• Veterinary Medical Board of California, Frequently Asked Questions (medical records): https://www.vmb.ca.gov/consumers/faqs.shtml
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control, 888-426-4435: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control