thats fine, I have also found this on the RCVS web site which may be of help
Securing payment for veterinary services
10. A client is the person who requests veterinary attention for an animal, for example when a veterinary surgeon is called to the scene of a road traffic accident by the police or by the RSPCA, the organisation in question will be liable to pay for any emergency treatment and for the call out even if the animal owner is subsequently identified (because the owner had no opportunity to consent to treatment). This applies equally to any member of the general public taking in a stray or injured animal whose owner is unknown.
11. When dealing directly with the owner, or the owner's agent whose consent to treatment must be given, it is important to obtain that consent in writing on a properly drafted form which should include any estimated charge
Unpaid bills
15. A veterinary surgeon is entitled to charge a fee for the provision of services, and where the fee remains unpaid, to place the matter in the hands of a debt collection agency or to institute civil proceedings.
16. In the case of persistently slow payers and bad debtors it is acceptable to give them notice in writing (by recorded delivery A.R.) that veterinary services will no longer be provided
Holding an animal against unpaid fees
17. Although veterinary surgeons do have a right in law to hold an animal until outstanding fees are paid, the RCVS believes that it is not in the interests of the animal so to do, and can lead to the practice incurring additional costs which may not be recoverable. This right should therefore only be exercised in extreme cases and after discussion with the RCVS.
the website is
http://www.