How to obtain a license for veterinary activities?

Veterinary practice belongs to the types of economic activity that are directly related to the safety of life and health of people and animals. That is why the legislator established the obligation to obtain a special license for carrying out such activity. The presence of a license is not a formality, but a legal prerequisite for the legal operation of a veterinary clinic, office or private veterinary doctor.

The main act that defines the general principles of licensing is the Law of Ukraine “On Licensing Types of Economic Activities”. Special requirements for veterinary practice are enshrined in the Licensing Conditions for Conducting Economic Activities in Veterinary Practice, approved by the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

The licensing authority in this area is the State Service for Food, Drug and Consumer Protection, which makes decisions on the issuance, suspension, renewal, re-issuance and termination of the license.

Who is required to obtain a license?

A license is required for all business entities that conduct veterinary practice, regardless of their organizational and legal form. This applies to both legal entities (veterinary clinics, hospitals, centers) and individual entrepreneurs who provide veterinary services.

Veterinary practice includes diagnostics, treatment, prevention of animal diseases, surgical interventions, obstetric care, vaccination, as well as other manipulations that require special knowledge and permission.

Conditions for obtaining a license

To obtain a license, a business entity must meet personnel, material, technical and organizational requirements. In particular, it is mandatory for the staff or the entrepreneur to have the appropriate veterinary education, confirmed by a diploma, as well as regular advanced training by such a specialist.

The premises in which the activity is carried out must comply with sanitary and veterinary-sanitary standards, be equipped with the necessary equipment and tools. The veterinary clinic must operate in a separate non-residential building. At the same time, an outpatient clinic or veterinary medicine point can be located on the first floor of the building, in a specially isolated room with a separate entrance.

The application for a license shall indicate all places of activity, which are of fundamental importance for further control.

License renewal

If the licensing authority detects non-compliance with personnel requirements, lack of proper equipment, violation of sanitary standards or provision of inaccurate information when obtaining a license, it issues a decision to suspend the license with a mandatory indication of the deadline for eliminating the violations.

After eliminating the identified violations, the licensee has the right to apply to the licensing authority with an application for license renewal. Documents confirming compliance with the requirements are attached to the application.

License renewal is carried out exclusively on the basis of a decision of the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Until its adoption, veterinary activities remain prohibited, even if the violations are actually eliminated.

License re-registration

A license is reissued in the event of a change in the name of the business entity, place of business, information on the material and technical base or responsible persons.

The law establishes a limited period for notifying the licensing authority of such changes - one month. Failure to comply with this obligation may be grounds for suspending the license.

Termination of the license

Termination of the license means the complete loss of the right to conduct veterinary practice. It can occur both at the request of the licensee himself - by canceling the license, and by decision of the licensing authority in the event of systematic or gross violations.

The license is also terminated in the event of liquidation of a legal entity or termination of business activities by an individual entrepreneur. Re-obtaining a license is possible only by going through the full licensing procedure.

Why should you seek legal support?

Practice shows that most problems with a veterinary license arise not because of the lack of the right to obtain it, but because of procedural errors, untimely notification to the licensing authority or formal violations of the license conditions. Even a minor inaccuracy in the documents can be a reason for suspending the license and effectively blocking the work of the clinic or office.

Legal support allows you to go through the licensing procedure, re-issuance, renewal or termination of the license without risks and downtime. Specialists take on the preparation of documents, communication with the licensing authority and support for inspections, which makes it possible to focus on the main thing - practical work with animals and clients.

A veterinary practice license is not a one-time document, but a permanent obligation to comply with the established requirements. The greatest risks for business arise not at the stage of obtaining a license, but during its re-issuance, inspections and response to the instructions of the licensing authority.

If you need a license to conduct business activities in veterinary practice or have questions about its suspension, restoration, or re-registration, contact the law firm Prikhodko and Partners for professional legal assistance. Timely legal support is always cheaper than the consequences of mistakes.