Licence To Treat Animals and Birds
The Licence to Treat Animals and Birds is required by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) in Singapore for individuals wishing to provide veterinary services. The licence is valid for 2 years and processing typically takes 21 days.
- Validity
- Licence fee: $80.00 for 2 years or part thereof
- Processing time
- 21 days
- Issuing authority
- ANIMAL & VETERINARY SERVICE (AVS)
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Who needs the Licence To Treat Animals and Birds
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 To Treat Animals and Birds
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 to Treat Animals and Birds enables qualified individuals to provide veterinary services in Singapore, including the treatment of animals and birds. This is essential for veterinarians looking to practice legally within the country.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, several prerequisites must be fulfilled. Applicants must possess a veterinary degree certificate, along with any additional veterinary qualification certificates and memberships. A letter of good standing from the veterinary licensing authority in the applicant's last country of practice is also required, although fresh graduates are exempt from this requirement. Furthermore, a comprehensive curriculum vitae detailing personal particulars and employment history must be submitted.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) reviews the application by assessing the submitted documentation, including the veterinary degree and supporting qualifications. The agency may also verify the letter of good standing with the relevant authorities. The review process typically takes around 21 days, during which the agency ensures that all qualifications meet the necessary standards for veterinary practice in Singapore.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Licence to Treat Animals and Birds may stall for several reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing qualification certificates or CVs, and discrepancies in the letter of good standing. Additionally, if the applicant's qualifications do not align with the requirements set by the AVS, this can lead to delays or rejections. Ensuring that all documents are complete and accurately reflect the applicant's qualifications is crucial to avoid these pitfalls.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Passport
- Scanned copy of applicant's Passport
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Veterinary Degree Certificate
- Scanned copy of applicant's veterinary degree certificate (certified true copy)
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Other Veterinary Qualification Certificates & memberships
- Scanned copy of applicant's veterinary qualification certificates (certified true copy)
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Letter of Good Standing from Vet Licensing Authority
- Scanned copy of letter of good standing from Veterinary Authority in the applicant's last country/region of residence/ practice. Fresh graduates are exempted.
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
- Curriculum Vitae
- Scanned copy of curriculum vitae (including photo ID, personal particulars and history of past employment
- File Format: DOC,DOCX,JPEG,JPG,PDF,PNG,XLS,XLSX
- Maximum upload per application: 2MB
Licence To Treat Animals and Birds FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, the Licence to Treat Animals and Birds is mandatory for anyone wishing to provide veterinary services in Singapore. Operating without this licence could lead to legal repercussions and penalties.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, individuals can legally provide veterinary care, including treatment and consultation for animals and birds. This licence allows practitioners to operate within the regulatory framework set by the Animal & Veterinary Service.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without the Licence to Treat Animals and Birds can result in significant legal consequences, including fines and potential criminal charges. It is essential to obtain this licence to ensure compliance with Singapore's veterinary regulations.
How does this fit relative to incorporating my company?
Obtaining the Licence to Treat Animals and Birds is a separate process from incorporating a company. While incorporation establishes the business entity, the licence is specifically required for individuals providing veterinary services. It is advisable to secure the licence before commencing operations.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is incomplete documentation. Missing qualifications, CVs, or letters of good standing can lead to delays or denials. Ensuring that all required documents are submitted in full and meet the AVS standards is crucial.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, a foreign-owned company can hold the Licence to Treat Animals and Birds, provided that the individual applying for the licence meets all the necessary qualifications and requirements set by the Animal & Veterinary Service.
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