Licence for Veterinary Centre
The Licence for Veterinary Centre is required by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) in Singapore for businesses operating veterinary clinics. This licence is valid for 1 year, with processing typically completed in 21 days.
- Validity
- 1 Year
- Processing time
- 21 days
- Issuing authority
- ANIMAL & VETERINARY SERVICE (AVS)
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Who needs the Licence for Veterinary Centre
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
- Required to operateDivision 75 — VETERINARY ACTIVITIES
Includes: 75000 Veterinary activities
What's involved in getting the Licence for Veterinary Centre
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
The Licence for Veterinary Centre permits the operation of a veterinary clinic in Singapore, enabling the provision of veterinary services to pet owners and animal caretakers.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, several prerequisites must be met. A layout plan of the clinic must be prepared, along with a scanned copy of the approved floor plan. Additionally, a Letter of Approval to use the premises from the relevant authorities (URA, HDB, or JTC) is required. If the premises are not under HDB, approvals from the Fire Safety and Shelter Department must also be obtained. For clinics exceeding 150 square meters, a letter of approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is necessary. Furthermore, an ACRA Bizfile and a Letter of Authorization from the Veterinary Manager must be submitted.
How the agency reviews and decides
The agency conducts a thorough review of the submitted documentation, including a pre-licensing inspection of the premises to ensure compliance with veterinary practice standards. The completeness and accuracy of the documentation play a crucial role in the approval process.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications often face delays due to incomplete documentation or mismatched approvals. For instance, if the premises' approved use does not align with the veterinary clinic's operational requirements, this can lead to rejection. Additionally, failure to secure necessary approvals from fire safety or transport authorities can stall the application process. Engaging professionals familiar with the requirements can help mitigate these risks.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Layout plan
- Scanned copy of clinic approved floor plan
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Letter of Approval to use the Premises (URA, HDB or JTC)
- Scanned copy of letter of approvals
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Fire Safety and Shelter Dept (if not HDB premise)
- Scanned copy of letter of approvals
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- LTA (if more than 150 square meters)
- Scanned copy of letter of approvals
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- ACRA Bizfile
- Scanned copy of the ACRA Bizfile
- Letter of Authorization from the Veterinary Manager
- Scanned copy of letter of authorization
Licence for Veterinary Centre FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating a veterinary clinic?
Yes, the Licence for Veterinary Centre is mandatory for operating a veterinary clinic in Singapore. Without this licence, the clinic cannot legally provide veterinary services.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your veterinary clinic can offer a range of services, including medical treatment, surgeries, and consultations for pets and other animals, thereby allowing you to serve the community effectively.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating a veterinary clinic without the necessary licence can result in legal penalties, including fines and potential closure of the business. It is crucial to obtain the licence to ensure compliance with local regulations.
How does this fit relative to incorporating my company?
Obtaining the Licence for Veterinary Centre is a separate process from incorporating your company. It is advisable to incorporate your business first, as the licence application will require documentation such as the ACRA Bizfile.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is incomplete or incorrect documentation. Ensuring that all required approvals and plans are accurately submitted can help avoid delays and increase the chances of approval.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, a foreign-owned company can hold the Licence for Veterinary Centre in Singapore, provided it meets all the necessary requirements and has the appropriate local representation, such as a Veterinary Manager.
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