Every Contract a Veterinary Practice Needs in the UK (2025)
Last updated: February 2025
Legal Requirements for a Veterinary Practice
UK veterinary practices are regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. Only registered veterinary surgeons may practise veterinary surgery. Practices may be accredited under the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 imposes a duty of care. Controlled drugs handling is governed by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 govern prescription and supply of veterinary medicines. UK GDPR applies to client data. Employment law applies to all staff including veterinary nurses who must be registered with the RCVS.
Essential Contracts
Documents the client-practice relationship, consent to treatment, fee estimates, and data processing — essential for informed consent and complaint defence
Governs the relationship with associate vets, covering clinical freedom, out-of-hours obligations, CPD requirements, and restrictive covenants
For veterinary nurses, receptionists, and practice staff — must address RCVS registration maintenance for nurses and out-of-hours working patterns
Per-procedure informed consent with estimated costs — RCVS Code of Professional Conduct requires meaningful consent and transparent pricing
Recommended Contracts
Contract with OOH providers if not providing 24-hour cover in-house — RCVS requires all practices to ensure emergency cover is available
Contract for buying or selling a veterinary practice, covering goodwill, non-compete covenants, client records, and RCVS Practice Standards transfer
Terms for locum veterinary surgeons covering insurance, RCVS registration verification, clinical protocols, and controlled drugs access
Common Legal Risks for a Veterinary Practice
- RCVS disciplinary proceedings for clinical negligence or unprofessional conduct
- Fee disputes with clients who were not given adequate cost estimates before treatment
- Controlled drugs handling violations leading to prosecution under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
- Restrictive covenant disputes when associate vets leave and set up competing practices nearby
- Vicarious liability for clinical decisions made by employed or associate veterinary surgeons
Industry-Specific Notes
The veterinary profession is undergoing significant corporatisation, with large groups acquiring independent practices. This makes practice sale agreements and associate agreements particularly important. The RCVS Practice Standards Scheme provides voluntary accreditation at three levels. The CMA has been investigating veterinary pricing and competition following consumer complaints. Out-of-hours provision is a significant regulatory and contractual issue — the RCVS requires all practices to ensure 24-hour emergency cover.
FAQ
What are a veterinary practice's obligations for out-of-hours emergency cover?
Under the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, all veterinary practices must take steps to provide 24-hour emergency cover for animals registered at the practice. This can be provided in-house, by arrangement with a local practice, or through a dedicated out-of-hours provider. The practice must ensure clients know how to access emergency care outside normal hours. If using a third-party OOH provider, a formal agreement should cover clinical handover, record sharing, fee handling, and complaint management.
Can a veterinary practice enforce a restrictive covenant against a departing vet?
Yes, but the covenant must be reasonable in scope and duration to be enforceable. Courts typically uphold non-compete clauses of 6-12 months within a reasonable geographical radius (1-5 miles depending on urban or rural setting). Non-solicitation clauses preventing the departing vet from contacting registered clients are generally easier to enforce than broad non-compete clauses. The covenant must be included in the employment or associate agreement from the outset — it cannot be imposed retrospectively without fresh consideration.
What are the controlled drugs handling requirements for veterinary practices?
Under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, veterinary practices must: store controlled drugs in a locked cabinet meeting Home Office specifications, maintain a controlled drugs register with entries in ink, record all acquisitions and administrations, conduct regular stock checks, and arrange safe disposal through authorised waste contractors. The practice should have a named controlled drugs lead. Failure to comply can result in prosecution, RCVS disciplinary action, and loss of the practice's controlled drugs licence.
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