Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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.

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.