Frequently Asked Questions – Farm Animal Veterinary Service Closure
Q. Why is the Cambridge Farm Animal Veterinary Service closing?
The Farm Animal Veterinary Service will close on 4 September 2026.
This decision is part of a wider programme of work to secure a sustainable future for the Department of Veterinary Medicine and its educational provision.
This outcome follows a careful review of the service and this decision was not taken lightly. We recognise the impact this will have on our clients and are committed to supporting them through the transition to alternative veterinary provision.
Q. Is the Cambridge Equine Clinic closing?
The Cambridge Equine Clinic is unaffected and will continue to serve equine clients.
Q. When will the service close?
The Farm Animal Veterinary Service will close on 4 September 2026.
Q. Are you accepting new clients?
No. The Farm Animal Veterinary Service is no longer accepting new clients.
Q. Can I continue to use the service until 4 September?
We will continue to provide veterinary services during the transition period. However, our capacity will gradually reduce between now and 4 September and we may be unable to accommodate all requests.
We strongly encourage clients to register with an alternative farm veterinary practice as soon as possible rather than waiting until September.
Q. Why should I find another veterinary practice now?
Early planning will allow time for us to arrange transfer records and for you to become familiar with your new vets. As we approach closure, the number of appointments and visits we are able to provide will reduce.
Registering with a new veterinary practice now will help ensure continuity of care for your animals and avoid delays in accessing veterinary services when you need them.
Q. Which veterinary practices can I register with?
We have compiled a list of local farm veterinary practices that may be able to provide services.
Please note that clients should contact practices directly to discuss registration and service availability.
Apex Small Holder and Farm Vets, Cambridgeshire-area, apex.sh.farmvets@gmail.com, 07751 049570
Isle Large Animal Veterinary Centre Ely, Cambridgeshire 01353 658241
Westpoint Farm Vets Chelmsford, Essex 01306 628489
Other farm animal practices may be available, and you may wish to visit the RCVS Find a Practice webpage for assistance in finding a suitable alternative vet.
Q. What happens to my animals' clinical records?
We can provide copies of clinical records or transfer records directly to your chosen veterinary practice upon request.
Q. Is there a charge for transferring records?
No there will be no charge for this service
Q. How do I request a transfer of records?
Please contact the Farm Animal Veterinary Service on cambridgefarm@vet.cam.ac.uk. We can arrange for the records to be transferred to either the owner or the chosen practice.
Q. What if I have an emergency before 4 September?
Please contact the Farm Animal Veterinary Service in the usual way. We will advise whether we are able to attend or direct you to alternative arrangements if necessary.
Q. What happens if I need an emergency veterinary visit after 4 September?
From 4 September onwards, routine and emergency veterinary care will need to be provided by your new chosen veterinary practice.
Q. Will prescriptions still be available?
Prescriptions will be available up until 4 September. Please plan ahead to ensure supply availability by contacting the Farm Animal Veterinary Service with your prescription request in the usual way and as early as possible.
Q. What happens to medicines supplied by the service?
Medicines can still be purchased until 4 September. We will be reducing our stock levels of medications leading up to the closure, so please allow extra time and request medications early. Please contact the Farm Animal Veterinary Service in the usual way and our pharmacy team will be able to supply a lead-time and price.
Q. Will student teaching continue on farms during this period?
Students are currently on their summer break and alternative arrangements will be in place going forward. We are grateful to all clients who have supported farm veterinary education over the years.
Q. What will happen to the farm animal teaching programme?
Cambridge Veterinary Students will continue to have access to specialist farm animal teaching throughout their course. Alternative arrangements to provide our students with farm animal clinical rotations are being made for the upcoming academic year and beyond.
Q. Who can I contact if I have questions?
We will continue to post updates on our Facebook page and website. Alternatively, you can contact us at cambridgefarm@vet.cam.ac.uk.
