Health has always been a top priority for people, making the medical field one of the most highly regulated and scrutinized sectors by the government. Not only humans but also animals require care and attention. Many people are willing to spend millions, even tens of millions of VND, to treat their dogs and cats. As such, opening a veterinary clinic is a promising business model with high potential profitability, attracting many aspiring entrepreneurs. However, the licensing procedures can be complex and challenging, which is why having legal support is essential. In this article, NPLaw will guide you through the fastest and most convenient process to establish a veterinary clinic.
I. What legal procedures are required to open a veterinary clinic?
To open a veterinary clinic, the following procedures are required:
- Business License;
- Certificate of Security and Order;
- Fire Prevention and Fighting Certificate;
- Other related licenses.
II. Conditions required to open a veterinary clinic
The conditions and requirements to establish a veterinary clinic are governed by current legal regulations, as follows:
Personnel requirements:
- A valid veterinary practice certificate;
- Practitioners involved in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, or consultation related to veterinary activities must possess at least a vocational diploma in veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, or aquaculture (for aquatic veterinary practice);
- Vaccination technicians must have certification from a training course issued by a competent provincial State agency;
- Individuals selling veterinary drugs must hold a vocational diploma or higher in veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, or aquaculture.
Facility requirements:
- The clinic must meet the facility standards appropriate for its specific veterinary practice area, as defined by law.
III. Procedures for obtaining a veterinary clinic operating license
The licensing process is complicated. NPLaw provides guidance as follows:
3.1. Required documents for applying for a veterinary clinic license
You need to prepare a complete dossier, including:
- Application form;
- Degrees and professional certificates corresponding to the intended practice;
- Medical certificate;
- Identification documents of the owner and practicing staff;
- Other relevant documents.
3.2. Licensing procedures
The steps to obtain the license are:
- Step 1: The enterprise submits one complete set of documents to the Department of Planning and Investment in the province or city where the clinic is located.
- Step 2: Within 3 days of receiving a valid application, the dossier will be submitted to higher authorities for review.
- Step 3: Within 3 days of approval, the Department of Planning and Investment will issue the Business License to the business establishment. If rejected, a written explanation will be provided.
IV. Questions about opening a veterinary clinic
During the document preparation process, various questions may arise. NPLaw addresses common inquiries below:
4.1. Which authority issues veterinary practice licenses?
Veterinary practice licenses are issued by the specialized veterinary agency at the provincial or municipal level under the Central Government, or the Department of Animal Health under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) of Vietnam.
Business Licenses are issued by the Provincial Department of Planning and Investment. If you register as a household business, the license is issued by the Department of Finance and Planning under the Provincial People’s Committee.
4.2. How long does it take to obtain the veterinary clinic license?
If your documents are complete and valid, you can receive the Business License (which serves as the clinic's operating license) within 3 days of submission.
4.3. What are the fees?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. According to Article 12 of the Veterinary Law 2015 on veterinary service fees, individuals and organizations engaged in veterinary activities must pay applicable fees as stipulated by law. Aside from operational costs for setting up the clinic, licensing fees will vary depending on the field. Please take note of this.
V. Professional licensing services for veterinary clinics
The process of obtaining a license for a veterinary clinic is complex and not everyone can handle it smoothly. It’s recommended to seek assistance from a legal advisory team to make the process easier and more efficient.
The above information provided by NPLaw addresses the most commonly asked questions regarding the establishment of a veterinary clinic. If you still encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer in-depth consultations via in-person meetings, phone, or email, and assist in preparing and compiling the necessary documents for license application. With a team of professional lawyers and the motto “Your Benefits – Our Priority,” NPLaw is committed to being your reliable legal partner on your path to success. Your trust today is the foundation for NPLaw’s continued growth tomorrow.
