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Why your practice payment system needs to go online
Online payments make transactions simple, quick and convenient.
It is second nature to expect an online payment option, so why should veterinary practices be any different? 

Transactions for veterinary services should, in theory, be simple. A client schedules an appointment for their pet at your practice, the consultation takes place and payment is taken afterwards before the client leaves. But add in unforeseen emergencies, euthanasia appointments, surgical complications, insurance claims and deposits for procedures, and you may find that prompt payment ends up taking a back seat.

Traditionally, payment transactions are completed at the front desk but these methods take up valuable time for the reception team. Further still, in-person payments have presented a health and safety risk during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a potential backlog of telephone transactions and BACS transfers and, consequently, an increase in your aged debt.

It is second nature now to expect an online payment option whenever we pay for goods and services, so why should veterinary practices be any different? With AT Veterinary Systems Spectrum platform, your practice can offer clients a quick and easy online payment method; thereby ensuring that accounts are settled quickly and effortlessly, 24 hours a day.

The technology used in Spectrum impressively links the practice management software to the payment portal, allowing completed payments to easily update the client balance.

It couldn’t be easier for both the front-desk team and your clients to make use of Spectrum online payments with two simple options:

1. A payment link can be emailed directly to the client from the client record via the ‘Send Payment Link’ button. Alternatively, the payment link URL can be embedded into an SMS and sent to the client’s mobile phone.

2. The client can make a payment directly through your practice website via a payment tab – effectively turning your website into a method of contactless payment. If the client is at your practice, this method can also serve as a mobile payment device if the page is loaded onto a tablet computer. This is particularly useful if clients are waiting outside the practice where traditional card terminals may not work.

Payment for your veterinary services should be a top priority, and if it’s easy to do it’s far more likely to get done. Whether your client is with you at your practice, waiting outside or even at home, online payments make transactions simple, quick and convenient.

Contact AT Veterinary Systems today to discuss how Spectrum Online can help your practice. Simply call 01359 243 400 or email enquiries@vetsystems.com for a friendly chat.

 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.