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Understanding Search Filters and Listing Badges

Last updated March 23, 2026

Getting More From Your Search

LocalVet provides several filters and badges to help you quickly identify the right veterinary clinic for your needs. Here is what each one means.

Search Filters Explained

Filters appear on the left side of search results (or behind the Filter button on mobile). You can combine multiple filters to narrow your results.

  • Distance — set a maximum radius around your search location. Options range from 5 km to 50 km. If you are in a rural area, try expanding the radius to find more results.
  • Open Now — shows only clinics that are currently open based on their listed hours. Useful for same-day visits.
  • Emergency / After-Hours — limits results to clinics that offer emergency or out-of-hours services.
  • Services — choose specific services like vaccinations, dental cleaning, surgery, ultrasound, or behavioural consultations.
  • Species Treated — filter for clinics that treat dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, horses, pocket pets, or exotic animals.
  • Rating — show only clinics with an average rating above your chosen threshold (e.g. 4 stars and above).
  • Verified Only — show only listings where the business owner has verified their information.

Listing Badges

Badges appear on listing cards and profile pages. Here is what each badge indicates:

  • Verified — the business owner has claimed this listing and confirmed the information is accurate. Verified listings tend to have more complete and up-to-date details.
  • Featured — this clinic has a Pro plan and appears in highlighted positions in search results. Featured status is a paid promotion and does not affect ratings or reviews.
  • Emergency — this clinic offers emergency or critical care services, often outside regular business hours.
  • New — this listing was recently added to LocalVet. It may have fewer reviews but could be worth checking out.
  • Top Rated — this clinic has consistently high ratings from a significant number of reviews.

Tips for Using Filters Effectively

  1. Start broad and add filters one at a time to avoid over-narrowing your results.
  2. If you get zero results, try increasing the distance or removing a filter.
  3. Combine "Open Now" with "Emergency" to find urgent care that is available right now.
  4. Remember that not all clinics have filled in every detail — a clinic without a specific service listed may still offer it. Call to confirm.

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