Veterinarian: conditions of access and exercise in France
Verified 07 August 2026 - Entreprendre Service Public / (Prime Minister), French general directorate for enterprise (DGE), Ministry of Agriculture
- Technical profession and regulated living environment
- Self-employed or employed
- APE Code : 7500Z / NACE European Code : 75.00Z
- Social contributions : to be paid to the Urssaf
- Social security scheme: Social security for the self-employed (SSI) or General Social Security Scheme, depending on the mode of practice
- Social protection: CPAM (disease), CARPV: titleContent (retirement)
Definition
The veterinarian is an animal health professional practicing usually animal medicine and surgery. His skills can also lead him to work in the laboratory, in the public service or in the military.
In this capacity, its tasks are to:
- Protect and care for animals, ensure their well-being
- Prevent, diagnose and treat animal diseases including behavioral diseases, injuries, pain and malformations
- Carry out surgical interventions when they are necessary,
- Helping to prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases from animals to humans
- Advise the holder on various topics: behavior, nutrition, genetics, etc.
- Securing the prescription of medicines and their administration
- Contribute to the preservation of biodiversity by applying a rational use of medicines.
- Contribute to the advancement of research
- Contribute to public health, in particular by ensuring food safety at their manufacturing and distribution sites
- Guarantee food and drinking water safety to armed troops in OPEX (external operations).
Access
The profession of veterinary is regulated. You have to fill out conditions on nationality, training/qualification and registration (or declaration) with the Council of the College of Veterinarians.
If these conditions are not filled, the practice of the profession of veterinarian is illegal. This is a criminal offense punishable by 2 years imprisonment and €30,000 of fine.
In addition to veterinarians, certain persons may be authorized to perform certain acts of animal medicine or surgery:
- Farriers for trimming and foot diseases of equines
- Cattle trimmers for usual foot trimming operations
- Students of French veterinary schools and the National School of Veterinary Services in the context of teaching
- Directors of laboratories approved for the performance of examinations contributing to the establishment of a veterinary diagnosis
- Technicians working on avian and porcine species under the authority and responsibility of a veterinarian
- Employee technicians involved in zootechnical activities (breeding and reproduction of domestic animals)
- Equine dental technicians with convention
- Beekeeping sanitary technicians under the authority and responsibility of a veterinarian
- Animal osteopaths on a list maintained by the order of veterinarians.
In addition to veterinarians, some people may be allowed to perform certain acts of animal medicine or surgery. The list of occupations concerned is available on Legifrance.
People wishing to learn about animal osteopathy can consult an article available on the ministry of agriculture website.
The profession of veterinarian is reserved for persons:
- Of French nationality
- Nationals of another Member State of l'' (UE)
- Nationals of another State party to the Agreement on the l' (EEE)
- Of Swiss nationality
- Refugees or stateless persons recognized by the French office for the protection of refugees and stateless people (Ofpra).
Warning
Persons without the nationality or status indicated are prohibited from practicing the profession of veterinarian in France.
The conditions of training and qualification depend on the State in which the diploma was obtained:
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In France
There are 5 veterinary schools in France that award the Doctor Veterinary Diploma. 4 of these schools are public:
- National Veterinary School of Alfort
- National Veterinary School of Toulouse
- National Veterinary, Agri-Food and Food School Nantes Atlantique - ONIRIS VetAgroBio Nantes
- National Veterinary School of Lyon - VetAgro Sup.
One of these schools is private: the UniLaSalle Veterinary School in Rouen.
These 5 schools issue the State Diploma of Doctor-Veterinarian after 6 years of theoretical and clinical training. This diploma allows you to practice in France and in any l', on a permanent or temporary basis (freedom to provide services).
When the State Diploma of Doctor-Veterinarian was obtained after December 18, 1980, the diploma is automatically recognized by the State.
Please note
Veterinarians of French nationality who have been the subject of an order by the Minister responsible for agriculture authorizing them to practice animal medicine and surgery before 22 June 1989 are authorized to continue their activities, to the benefit of acquired rights.
Nationals of EU Member States(UE) or other States party to the Agreement on(EEE), including French nationals, holders of the State diploma of veterinary doctor may obtain at their request to the minister responsible for agriculture one of the following attestations:
- If the diploma was issued between 1er September 1952 and 18 December 1980, a certificate certifying that the persons concerned have acquired satisfactory clinical and practical experience and satisfactory knowledge during their studies:
- Science on which veterinary activities are based
- The structure and functions of healthy animals, their rearing, reproduction, general hygiene and feeding, including the technology used in the manufacture and preservation of food meeting their needs
- In the field of animal behavior and protection
- Causes, nature, course, effects, diagnoses and treatment of animal diseases, whether considered individually or in groups; among these, a particular knowledge of diseases transmissible to humans
- Preventive medicine
- Hygiene and technology when obtaining, manufacturing and putting into circulation food of animal origin or food intended for human consumption
- With regard to the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the matters listed above.
- If the diploma was obtained before the 1er December 1952, a certificate certifying, in the light of the evidence submitted by the persons concerned, that they have actually and lawfully devoted themselves to the exercise of veterinary activities for at least 3 years during the 5 years preceding the issue of that certificate.
The French having obtained a French diploma of veterinary doctor other than the State diploma before 18 December 1980, the persons concerned may apply for a certificate certifying, on the basis of the evidence submitted by the persons concerned, that they have actually and lawfully devoted themselves to the exercise of veterinary activities for at least three years during the five years preceding the issue of that certificate.
The diploma of veterinary boarding is a national diploma. The use of the title "former intern of..." is reserved to the holders of the diploma.
The French National Veterinary Schools boarding school competition is open to holders of a diploma, title or veterinary certificate from a foreign veterinary faculty deemed equivalent by an admission panel.
In a UE/EEE
The conditions of training and qualification differ depending on whether the person wishes to practice in France permanently or temporarily.
Permanent exercise
Degrees automatically recognized
Diplomas, certificates and qualifications automatically recognized for the practice of the veterinary profession in France are the following:
Country | Title of the diploma | The body that issues the diploma | Certificate that accompanies the diploma, if any | Reference date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Germany |
| Prüfungsausschusses für die Tierärztliche Prüfung einer Universität oder Hochschule | 21/12/80 (Diploma 1.) or 01/01/2006 (Diploma 2.) | |
Austria |
| Universität | 01/01/94 | |
Belgium | Diploma van dierenarts Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree |
| 21/12/80 | |
Bulgaria |
|
| 01/01/07 | |
Cyprus | Πιστοποιητικό Εγγραφής Κτηνιάτρου | Κτηνιατρικό Συµβούλιο | 01/05/04 | |
Croatia | Diploma « doktor veterinarske medicine / doktorica veterinarske medicine » | Veterinarski fakultet Sveucilišta u Zagrebu | 01/07/13 | |
Denmark | Bevis for kandidatuddannelsen i veterinærmedicin (cand.med.vet.) | Københavns University | 21/12/80 | |
Spain |
|
| 01/01/86 | |
Estonia |
|
| 01/05/04 | |
Finland | Eläinlääketieteen lisensiaatin tutkinto v veterinärmedicine licentiatexamen | Yliopisto | 01/01/94 | |
France | State Diploma of Veterinary Doctor | Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Agriculture | 21/12/80 | |
Greece | Πτυχίο Κτηνιατρικής |
| 01/01/81 | |
Hungary | Okleveles állatorvos doktor oklevél (dr. vet) | Felsőoktatási intézmény | 01/05/04 | |
Ireland |
| 21/12/80 | ||
Italy | Diploma di laurea in medicina veterinary | Università | Diploma di abilitazione all'esercizio della medicina veterinaria | 01/01/85 |
Latvia | Veterinārārsta diploms | Latvijas Lauksaimniecības Universitāte | 01/05/04 | |
Lithuania |
|
| 01/05/04 | |
Luxembourg | State Diploma in Veterinary Medicine | State Examination Jury | 21/12/80 | |
Malta | Lićenzja ta'Kirurgu Veterinarju | Kunsill tal-Kirurġi Veterinarji | 01/05/04 | |
Netherlands | Getuigschrift van met goed gevolg afgelegd diergeneeskundig/veeartsenijkundig review | 21/12/80 | ||
Poland | Dyplom lekarza weterynarii | |||
Portugal |
| Universidade | 01/01/86 | |
Czech Republic |
| Veterinární fakulta universzity v České republice | 01/05/04 | |
Romania |
|
| 01/01/07 | |
Slovakia | Vysokoškolský diplom o udelení akademického titulu ‘doktor veterinárskej medicíny’ (‘MVDr.’) | Univerzita | 01/05/04 | |
Slovenia | Diploma, s katero se podeljuje strokovni naslov ‘doktor veterinarske medicine / doktorica veterinarske medicine’ | Univerza | Spričevalo o opravljenem državnem izpitu s področja veterinarstva | 01/05/04 |
Sweden | Veterinärexamen | Sveriges Landbruksuniversity | 01/01/94 | |
Switzerland | Eidgenössisch diplomierter Tierarzt Titolare di diploma federale di veterinario Federal Veterinary Diploma Holder | Federal Department of the Interior | - |
Listed diploma obtained before reference date
A diploma mentioned in the table which was issued before 18 December 1980 or before the reference date may be used as a veterinarian, provided that it is accompanied by:
- or a certificate issued by the competent authority of the State concerned attesting that the diploma, certificate or qualification complies with European regulations
- Either a certificate issued by the competent authority of the State concerned certifying that the person concerned has been effectively and lawfully engaged in veterinary activities for at least 3 consecutive years during the 5 years preceding the issue of that certificate.
Veterinary training certificates issued by theEstonia whose training began in that State before 1er may 2004 may allow to practice as a veterinarian. To do so, they must be accompanied by a certificate stating that those persons have actually and lawfully carried out the activities in question in Estonia for at least 5 consecutive years during the 7 years preceding the date of issue of the certificate.
Veterinary diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications issued by theItaly training commenced before 1 january 1985 must be accompanied by:
- Either a certificate issued by the competent Italian authority certifying that the person concerned has effectively and lawfully devoted himself to veterinary activities for at least 3 consecutive years during the 5 years preceding the issue of that certificate.
- Either a certificate unless the competent Italian authority certifies that these diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications attest to training similar to that for which the names appear in the table and that it complies with European regulations.
Diploma not listed
Degrees not listed in the table are not automatically recognized. They may still allow the profession of veterinarian to be practiced if:
- Either a UE or EEE state has recognized them
- Either the veterinarian passes a knowledge check
Case 1: Recognition by a UE/EEE
A diploma which is not mentioned in the table issued by a Member State of(UE) or a State Party to the Agreement on(EEE) which may allow him to practice as a veterinarian, provided that he is accompanied by a certificate issued by the competent authority of the State concerned. This certificate must attest that this diploma is assimilated to those whose names appear in the table and that the training it validates complies with European regulations.
Nationals of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg may also pursue a diploma in veterinary medicine awarded in a Member State of the Union if that diploma gives them access to the pursuit of veterinary activities in the Grand Duchy.
Case 2: Knowledge control
Persons fulfilling the nationality condition holding a diploma, certificate or title of veterinary surgeon not listed, who have satisfied the overall verification of their knowledge may be authorized to practice the profession of veterinary surgeon in France.
For this, they are subject to a knowledge control including written eligibility tests and oral and practical admission tests in the fields of clinical sciences, food hygiene, food quality and technology, animal production and health legislation.
Successful completion of the knowledge test shall be made public by order of the Minister for Agriculture. This decree constitutes authorization to practice the profession of veterinarian in France, subject to registration with the Order of the persons concerned.
Silence on an application for authorization to practice animal medicine and surgery is deemed to be a rejection decision.
Please note
To challenge the non-recognition of the veterinarian's diploma, an appeal can be filed on the European platform Solvit.
Temporary exercise (freedom to provide services)
Nationals of EU Member States(UE) or Parties to the Agreement on(EEE) (including French), may perform in France on a temporary and occasional basis of professional acts. This also applies to businesses who legally carry out their veterinary activities in one of these countries, other than France.
The execution of these acts requires a prior declaration renewed annually. If the urgency does not allow to make this declaration before the act, it must be made later within a maximum period of 15 days.
The persons concerned must respect the rules of professional conduct in force in France and are subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Order of Veterinarians.
In a third State
Diplomas obtained in third countries are not automatically recognized. They may still allow the profession of veterinarian to be practiced if:
- Either a UE or EEE state has recognized them and the veterinarian has practiced at least 3 years in the country
- Either the veterinarian passes a knowledge check
Case 1: Recognition by a UE/EEE and 3 years of experience
A diploma, certificate or evidence of formal qualifications not issued by a Member State of(UE) or a State Party to the Agreement on(EEE) may allow to practice as a veterinarian, provided that he has been recognized by one of those States and that his holder has acquired at least three years' professional experience in that State and has been certified by that State.
Case 2: Knowledge control
Persons fulfilling the nationality condition who hold a diploma, certificate or title as a veterinarian in a third country and who have passed the overall verification of their knowledge may be authorized to practice the profession of veterinary in France. For this, they are subject to a knowledge control including written eligibility tests and oral and practical admission tests in the fields of clinical sciences, food hygiene, food quality and technology, animal production and health legislation.
Successful completion of the knowledge test shall be made public by order of the Minister for Agriculture. This decree constitutes authorization to practice the profession of veterinarian in France, subject to registration with the Order of the persons concerned.
Silence on an application for authorization to practice animal medicine and surgery is deemed to be a rejection decision.
Knowledge of the French language is necessary for any veterinarian wishing to practice in France.
It is generally verified during the interview with the elected member of the College of Veterinarians, at the time of registration with the College of Veterinarians.
No document is systematically requested. In case of obvious difficulties with the French language, it may be requested to provide a certificate of level at least B2.
Any veterinarian wishing to practice his profession on French territory must be registered with the Order of Veterinarians before starting work.
The conditions of registration with the Order differ depending on whether the veterinarian wishes to practice permanently or temporarily.
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Permanent exercise
Diploma registration
Persons wishing to become a veterinarian and meeting the requirements of nationality and diploma must register their diploma with the Order of Veterinarians.
The application for registration is accompanied by the following documents :
- A valid passport or national identity card must be presented
- Either production or sending of a legible photocopy of a valid passport or national identity card
- And copy of the State diploma of veterinary doctor or of a diploma, certificate or title of veterinarian
- And for people whose diploma does not automatically allow them to practice as a veterinarian, the ministerial decree authorizing them to practice in France.
This check-in is free. It can be carried out on site with the Regional Council of the Order or by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.
Who shall I contact
Registration on the Order's roll
All practicing veterinarians and veterinary doctors (excluding military) must be registered with the College of Veterinarians, from the beginning of their professional activity. By requesting their inclusion on the roll or that of the business with which they are associated, veterinarians undertake under oath to practice their profession with conscience and probity.
All the documents to be completed are detailed in the following online service:
Register with the Order of Veterinarians (natural person)
The request is made by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, to the president of the regional council where he proposes to fix his personal address or his administrative professional address. For businesses, registration on the Order's register takes into account the location of their registered office.
Who shall I contact
Veterinarians and veterinary doctors who do not practice animal medicine and surgery may also apply to be registered with the Order.
The application for registration is registered when all the documents have been received by the regional council. A receipt is sent by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the applicant by the regional council of the Order. The Regional Council of the Order shall act within a maximum period of 2 months from the request. This period shall be extended where it is essential to carry out an investigation outside the national territory.
The 2 months delay to decide on the application begins on the date of registration of the application by the Regional Council of the Order.
The silence of the Regional Council of the Order of Veterinarians on an application for inclusion in the register of the Order, made by a natural person or a business, shall be deemed to be a rejection decision.
In case ofacceptance of the registration dossier, a certificate of registration in the roll of the Order of Veterinarians will then be issued by the regional council of the Order of Veterinarians.
Once entered in the order's table, the legal persons must provide the unique identification number (obtained once the business has been registered) within one month to the Regional Council of the Order.
Registration is denied :
- If, on the basis of an expert report, an infirmity, a pathological condition or an occupational insufficiency incompatible with the exercise of the profession is found. Such expert appraisal shall be ordered by the Regional Council, in the event of serious doubt as to the competence or suitability of the applicant, by a decision which is not subject to appeal.
- If the applicant does not fulfill the necessary conditions of morality and independence. In particular, the regional council of the Order may refuse to list candidates who have entered into commitments incompatible with the rules of the profession or likely to deprive the practitioner of the necessary professional independence. This shall apply in particular if:
- The activity of supplying animal feed, products, equipment and services related to the practice of the veterinary profession is more than an activity ancillary to the practice of animal medicine and surgery.
- The applicant shall carry out any brokering in animal trade or any insurance mediation.
No decision to refuse registration may be taken unless the person concerned has been invited at least 15 days before the meeting of the Council to present his oral or written explanations.
The decision to refuse registration may be appealed to the National Council of the Order within 2 months. This appeal shall not suspend the refusal decision.
Temporary exercise (freedom to provide services)
The declaration is addressed to the National Council of the Order of Veterinarians. It contains the following indications:
- Surname, first name, place and date of birth, nationality and business address of the person concerned
- Certificate issued for less than 3 months by the competent authority of the State where the veterinarian is established certifying that he is legally engaged in the activities of a veterinarian and has not been sentenced to a prohibition from practicing, even temporarily
- Any document attesting to the professional qualifications of the person concerned, including a copy of the diploma authorizing him to practice
- Certificate of insurance in professional civil liability (RCP) covering its activity on French territory
- Declaration of the place of performance of the 1re provision of services.
The Order's declaration form and contact address are available on a dedicated page of the National Council website.
Veterinarians: declaring freedom to provide services (LPS)
At the request of the National Council of the Order of Veterinarians, the declarant shall provide a translation of the documents drawn up by a translator sworn or authorized to intervene before the judicial or administrative authorities of another Member State of the Union(UE), a State Party to the Agreement on(EEE) or the Swiss Confederation.
The National Council of the Order acknowledges receipt of the annual declaration of occasional and temporary practice on French territory within one month.
The temporary and occasional nature of the provision of services shall be assessed on a case-by-case basis, in particular on the basis of its duration, frequency, periodicity and continuity.
FYI
You must ensure that your professional liability insurance covers you for veterinary acts that you perform on french territory under the freedom to provide services.
Exercise
The veterinarian may exercise:
- Either in individual (liberal)
- Either in common, in a business of common practice of the veterinary profession
- Either as an employee or as a liberal collaborator
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Exercise in individual (liberal)
The veterinarian may carry out his activity alone in the liberal form. He must for that create an individual business. The veterinarian is then an individual operator.
Please note
The veterinarian cannot benefit from the scheme micro-social.
Joint practice (in a business of common practice of the veterinary profession)
Shapes of businesses
Persons legally practicing the profession of veterinarian may exercise in common animal medicine and surgery in the context of:
- From Professional Civil businesses (PCS) of veterinarians: allows natural persons to exercise a regulated liberal profession jointly
- From businesses for Private Practice (SEL) of veterinarians: allows professionals to carry out their activity as capital businesses
- From any businesses of national law or businesses established in accordance with the law of a Member State of the(UE) or another State Party to the Agreement on(EEE) and having their registered office, central administration or principal place of business there, provided that they do not confer on their members the status of merchant.
This exercise in common may be undertaken only after the business has been entered on the roll of the Order.
These businesses must meet the following cumulative conditions:
- More than half of the share capital and voting rights must be held, directly or through the businesses registered with the Order, by persons legally practicing as veterinary surgeons within the business
- The business does not confer merchant status
- The direct or indirect holding of shares or units in the share capital is prohibited:
- Natural or legal persons who, not practicing the profession of veterinary surgeon, provide services, products or materials used in the course of the veterinary profession.
- Natural or legal persons engaged, on a professional basis or in accordance with their business purpose, in the rearing, production or sale, free of charge or for consideration, of animals or the processing of animal products.
- Managers, the Chairman of the Simplified Share business (SAS), the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the members of the Management Board must be persons legally practicing veterinary medicine. These persons must therefore be registered individually on the roll of the Order.
- The identity of the partners is known and the admission of any new partner is subject to prior approval by collective decision taken by a majority of the partners. For businesses governed by foreigners law, such admission shall take place under the conditions laid down in their statutes or in the law applicable to them.
The businesses must communicate annually to the regional council of the Order to which they depend the list of their partners and the allocation of voting rights and capital, as well as any modification of these elements.
Who shall I contact
The National Council of the Order compares the different modes of practice:
Warning
When a business no longer complies with these conditions, the regional council of the Order gives notice to comply with them within a period that it determines of a maximum of 6 months. In the absence of regularization within the time limit set, the Regional Council may, after informing the business of the proposed measure and inviting it to present its observations, pronounce the delisting the business of the College of Veterinarians table.
Agreement or contract
Any agreement or contract between a veterinarian and a business for the purpose of practicing as a veterinarian shall be the subject of a written undertaking, dated and signed by the parties.
Agreements or contracts shall contain a clause guaranteeing veterinarians respect for the code of ethics and their independence in all acts falling within their profession.
Agreements or contracts are communicated without delay to the regional council of the Order which verifies their conformity. The agreement or contract is deemed to be in conformity if, within 2 months of its receipt, the regional council of the Order has not made any observations.
Who shall I contact
Registration on the Order's roll
One registration request form the table of the College of Veterinarians must be completed. The file varies according to the type of business. The folder templates to fill in are available on the website of the National Veterinary College.
The application for registration of a business of veterinarians shall be made collectively by the partners, by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt request. If they are practicing, they provide their certificate of registration with the Order.
The registration request form is accompanied by the following documents :
- A copy of the articles of association signed by all the partners of the business or by an authorized representative indicating the full civil status of each partner, accompanied by proof of their professional administrative domicile and the rules and regulations if it has been established
- The amount of the share capital, the number, the nominal amount and the distribution of the shares or shares representative of this capital, as well as the criteria for the distribution of profits
- A document proving the total or partial release, as the case may be, of the contributions contributing to the formation of the share capital
- A certificate from the partners indicating the address of the professional residence(s) in which the veterinary activity will be carried out on behalf of the business
- Payment of the College's registration fees, if any. This payment remains vested in the Order, regardless of the action taken on the request.
All documents submitted in support of the application for registration must be accompanied, if not in French, by a translation certified by a sworn translator or authorized to intervene with the judicial or administrative authorities of another Member State of the, a State party to the Agreement on the or the Swiss Confederation.
Please note
Once registered with the Order, legal persons must provide the unique identification number within one month.
Any modification of the statutes or of these elements shall be notified without delay to the regional council of the Order. It is accompanied by a copy of the social documents mentioning it certified as conforming to the version deposited at the registry of the commercial court.
The application for registration is registered when all the documents have been received by the regional council. A receipt is sent by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the applicant by the regional council of the Order. The 2 months delay to decide on the application begins on the date of registration of the application by the Regional Council of the Order.
Who shall I contact
The silence of the Regional Council of the Order of Veterinarians on an application for inclusion in the register of the Order, made by a natural person or a business, shall be deemed to be a rejection decision.
The decision to refuse registration may be appealed to the National Council of the Order within 2 months. This appeal shall not suspend the refusal decision.
In case of acceptance of the registration file, a certificate of registration in the roll of the Order of Veterinarians will then be issued by the regional council of the Order of Veterinarians.
Labor or Liberal Collaboration
The veterinarian may exercise as:
- Liberal collaborator: a self-employed veterinarian who, under a contract of liberal collaboration, practices with another veterinarian who provides him with the premises and equipment necessary for the exercise of the profession. The Order make available more information on liberal collaboration, as well as a guide to drafting the liberal collaborator contract.
- Employee. The Order make available more information on employment.
A comparison of these modes of exercise is available on the College of Veterinarians website:
Veterinarian: Comparison of employee and employee status
National Order of Veterinarians
Pour en savoir plus
Please note
Veterinarians employed outside the tasks entrusted to them by their employment contract are considered to be working in a liberal capacity.
Any agreement or contract between veterinarians or between a veterinarian and a business for the exercise of the profession shall be the subject of a written undertaking, dated and signed by the parties.
Agreements or contracts shall contain a clause guaranteeing veterinarians respect for the code of ethics and their independence in all acts falling within their profession.
Agreements or contracts are communicated without delay to the regional council of the Order which verifies their conformity. The agreement or contract is deemed to be in conformity if, within 2 months of its receipt, the regional council of the Order has not made any observations.
Who shall I contact
Please note
One non-compete clause may exist in the employment contract of the employed veterinarian.
Types of homes
Any veterinarian listed on the order's roll declares a administrative professional residence (DPA) which is the address chosen for registration on the regional council of the Order and one or more professional residences (DPE) which are the places where the veterinarian practices animal medicine and surgery. Ultimately, the EPD declared and chosen by the veterinarian as his main place of practice will determine the competence of the regional council to which he will be attached.
Administrative Professional Residence (DPA)
The administrative professional residence (DPA) of a veterinarian is the place chosen for the inscription on the roll of the Order.
People physical or moral practicing the profession must have a single DPA on French territory.
Unless otherwise specified by the veterinarian, the DPA is the address of correspondence for the regional council of the Order.
Professional residence (DPE)
The professional practice home (DPE) is the place of establishment of professional premises, accessible at any time by the veterinarian or veterinarians practicing there, where the profession of veterinarian is practiced. Any veterinarian registered with the Order and practicing a at least one EPD. Any EPD must be declared to the regional council of the Order, prior to its opening. A veterinarian or a group of veterinarians with the common purpose of professional practice may have more than one ECD.
Who shall I contact
The organization and layout of the premises of the DPE shall be guarantee the independence of the veterinarian and allow for the observance of professional secrecy. As the case may be, neither the lease nor the condominium by-law contains any clause affecting the independence of the veterinarian. The name of the DPE's internet address shall not:
- Mislead customers
- To be disloyal to colleagues.
A veterinarian is prohibited from having a PEP permanently managed by a colleague or from having a client service provided, except in the event of compulsory absence, illness or death. Rental of customers is prohibited.
The establishment located at the professional practice home (DPE), where the animals are brought for treatment, is referred to as veterinary care facility.
Veterinary care facilities have the following designations:
- ‘Veterinary practice’
- ‘Veterinary clinic’
- ‘Center of Veterinary Specialists’
- ‘Veterinary hospital center’.
These designations can only be used if the establishment meets the conditions applicable to premises, equipment and personnel depending on the species or species of animals. These criteria are specified in a order available on Legifrance.
The regional council of the Order may authorize the practice of medicine and surgery in premises other than those mentioned in this article where specific means are combined.
Who shall I contact
An establishment operated by an animal welfare association is a veterinary care establishment which must meet the minimum requirements for the veterinary practice.
The name of veterinary care establishments must not mislead clients or be unfair to colleagues.
Where a practicing veterinarian leaves the professional premises occupied by him, another veterinarian shall not be entitled, within a period of less than one year, to establish his professional domicile in that premises or in a premises situated in the same building and at the same address without the approval of the former occupant or his successors in title. In case of difficulty, the Regional Council of the Order is seized.
Declare activity
The trader must register the company. This procedure must be carried out online on the website of the companies' formalities office:
The trader must apply for registration within one month before the declared start date of the activity and, at the latest, 15 days after the start date of the activity. This formality has the effect of giving the company legal status.
This declaration informs all the organizations concerned by the launch of the activity (Insee, social organizations, Urssaf, public finance center, etc.).
As soon as the application for registration is accepted, the Insee shall award:
- A number Siren : it is a unique identification number of the 9-digit company
- A number Siret : this is thegeographical identifier of each of the establishments from the company, it is therefore possible to have several. This number consists of the Siren and a NIC (Internal Ranking Number).
When registering the company, the Insee also assigns the professional its code APE: titleContent.
When the professional's spouse decides to work in the company, he/she must provide a sworn certificate stating his/her status in the company:
When the spouse (married, partner of Civil partnerships: titleContent or common-law partner) of the head of company professional activity regular in the company, he must opt for one of the following statuses: collaborating spouse, salaried spouse, associate spouse. The choice of a status makes it possible to guarantee her rights, in particular to retirement.
When registering the company, the Head of company declares the status chosen by the spouse on the website of the company formalities desk by providing the following document:
For more information on the status of the spouse, please refer to the fact sheet on the spouse of the head of company.
FYI
If no status has been declared, the spouse is deemed to have opted for the status of salaried spouse.
Declaration of non-conviction
When registering his activity, the trader must provide a declaration on honor of non-conviction.
By this declaration, he certifies that he has not been subject to any criminal, civil or administrative sanction prohibiting him from setting up and managing a company.
One template declaration of non-conviction and filiation is available:
Spouse, employee, partner: status, rights, formalities
Declarations at the time of registration
Deadline for trader/business registration
Contributions called by theUrssaf: titleContent depend on the structure of the business and the legal status of the manager.
To know all the rules concerning the social system of the manager, it is possible to consult the sheet relating to the Social protection of the business manager.
The professional who carries out his activity in his own name (individual business) or as majority manager of a business (such as an EURL or SARL), is affiliated to the Social security for the self-employed (SSI), the compulsory scheme for self-employed persons.
The professional must pay social contributions to the Urssaf from the beginning of his activity.
However, in practice, no contributions or social contributions are required during the first 90 days which follow the launch of its activity.
Since the income is not yet known at the start of the activity, the contributions are first calculated on a flat-rate basis for the first 2 years (at the same rates as those applicable during the course of business). They are then adjusted and regularized according to the real revenues of the fiscal year.
Contributions must be paid online in one of the following ways:
- Either every month : payment is made on the 5th or 20th of each month, by direct debit.
- Either every quarter : payment is made by direct debit, telepayment or credit card on 5 February, 5 May, 5 August and 5 November.
When he carries out his activity within the framework of a business and holds management functions that give him the status of employee equivalent (president or paid CEO of SAS for example), the professional reports to the general social security system.
His social security contributions are identical to those of an executive employee, and he enjoys equivalent social protection, with the exception of unemployment insurance (optional unemployment insurance is however possible).
Professionals covered by the social security scheme for self-employed persons
Basis for calculating contributions at the start of activity (paragraph 2)
90 days for first due date
Payment schedule for social security contributions (III)
Monthly payments
Quarterly payments
Employee equivalent managers covered by the general scheme (11° and 12°)
All veterinarians have the obligation to take out professional liability insurance (RCP) before starting to practice.
This applies to all veterinarians, whether they are practicing temporarily or permanently, and regardless of their practice structure.
The RCP guarantees the damage caused to third parties in the course of the activity: choice of ill-treatment, poor follow-up of the animal taken care of, etc. It offers support in the search for an amicable solution, coverage of legal and procedural costs, as well as compensation for the damage.
Businesses must also comply with this obligation.
The veterinarian must adhere to the Autonomous Veterinary Pension and Provident Fund (CARPV). This membership is mandatory for all self-employed veterinarians, whether they practice alone, in association or under the status of liberal collaborator as well as for the managers of SEL (Business of liberal practice).
The veterinarian contributes to the following schemes:
- Liberal basic plan : works in insurance points and quarters
- Supplementary scheme —Managed by class, points, and allocation. It is only mandatory for veterinarians who are exclusively, principally or indirectly engaged in a self-employed veterinary activity
- Disability-Death Plan, the minimum class of which is mandatory.
Persons concerned
Veterinarians must comply with the veterinary code of ethics. This also applies to:
- Businesses of veterinarians
- Pupils of French veterinary schools
- Veterinary teachers of national veterinary schools practicing in clinics belonging to veterinary schools
- Veterinary teachers in an approved establishment (private under contract with the State).
FYI
The Order of Veterinarians provides a code of ethics commented:
Penalties
The regional and national disciplinary chambers may apply disciplinary sanctions where a veterinarian commits breaches, including breaches of ethical rules. The disciplinary sanctions applicable are as follows:
- Warning
- Reprimand
- Temporary suspension of the right to practice the profession for a maximum period of 10 years in all or part of the national territory, with or without partial or total suspension. This sanction results in the ineligibility of the person concerned to a council of the Order for the entire duration of the suspension.
- Removal (final) from the Order's register.
Any administrative decision of a regional council of the Order issued pursuant to the provisions of the code of veterinary ethics may be the subject of a administrative appeal before the Board of Governors. Only the decision of the higher council of the Order on this appeal can be the subject of an appeal for abuse of power before the Council of State.
General duties of the veterinarian
I. The practice of veterinary art is personal. Each veterinarian is responsible for his decisions and actions.
II. The veterinarian may not alienate his professional independence in any form.
III. The veterinarian must fulfill all the duties imposed on him by the laws and regulations. He performs the acts related to his art according to the rules of good professional practice. It shall ensure that the duties of the staff under its authority are precisely defined, that it is trained in the rules of good practice and that it complies with them.
IV. The veterinarian shall respect the contractual commitments he makes in the exercise of his profession.
V.-The veterinarian must respect professional secrecy under the conditions established by law.
VI. Under no circumstances shall a veterinarian practice his profession under conditions which may jeopardize the quality of his acts.
VII. The veterinarian shall take into account the consequences of his professional activity on public health, in particular with regard to antibiotic resistance.
VIII. The veterinarian respects the animals.
IX. The veterinarian shall take into account the environmental consequences of his professional activity.
X. The veterinarian shall refrain, even outside the practice of the profession, from any act likely to undermine the dignity of the profession.
XI. Everything cheering between veterinarians, between veterinarians and pharmacists or any other person is prohibited.
XII. The veterinarian shall acquire the scientific information necessary for his professional exercise, take it into account in the performance of his mission, maintain and improve his knowledge.
XIII. The veterinarian shall carry out scrupulously, as soon as possible and in accordance with the instructions received, the public service tasks entrusted to him by the administrative authority. When required by the administration to carry out its mission with the clients of a colleague, it refuses to any intervention foreign to it.
It is forbidden for any veterinarian to carry out preventive or treatment acts when these interventions have been expressly requested by the administration to another veterinarian and he is aware of them.
The veterinarian shall give the members of the inspection bodies all facilities for the performance of their duties.
XIV. The veterinarian may engage in another professional activity compatible with the regulations, on the one hand, and with professional independence and dignity, on the other. This activity must not put its interests in conflict with its ethical duties, in particular by providing it with means of unfair competition vis-à-vis its colleagues.
XV. The veterinarian shall be prohibited from covering by his title any person not authorized to carry out a veterinary professional exercise, and in particular from allowing anyone working under his authority or responsibility to carry out his activity outside the conditions laid down by law.
XVI. A veterinarian who assumes or has assumed professional responsibility or who performs or has performed an administrative or political function shall be prohibited from availing himself of it directly or indirectly for personal purposes for the exercise of the profession.
XVII. The veterinary surgeon is prohibited from dispensing medicinal products for use in humans, even on the prescription of a doctor.
XVIII. The veterinarian may not practice his profession as a trade or favor his own interests over those of his clients or the animals he treats.
XIX. The veterinarian shall inform the Regional Council of the College of Veterinarians of any change in his professional situation, in the light of the information which he must declare, and shall provide him with all the information which he requests for the purpose of carrying out his duties.
Distinctions, qualifications and titles
In the course of his professional activity, the veterinarian may mention honorary distinctions recognized by the French Republic and titles and diplomas listed by the National Council of the Order of Veterinarians. It is forbidden to usurp securities or to adorn itself with spurious securities.
Veterinarians to whom the title of specialist veterinarian is granted and who have not been subject to a withdrawal measure may, in the exercise of their profession, rely solely on the title of specialist veterinarian.
Communication and information
Any communication addressed to third parties or fellow veterinarians is free, provided that it complies with the provisions governing the practice of the profession.
The veterinarian's communication must not undermine respect for the public or the dignity of the profession.
Any communication shall preserve the professional secrecy to which veterinarians are obliged. It must be fair, honest and scientifically supported. It must not mislead the public, abuse its trust or exploit its credulity, lack of experience or knowledge.
When the veterinarian reports professional or technical skills, he must be able to justify them. It may not use comparative methods or use the testimony of third parties.
Price information must be clear, honest and dated. It must be linked to a specific offer of services and include all the services included in the offer. Any offer of services that may result in additional costs for the customer must give rise to precise information.
Veterinarians shall ensure that the information they are required to provide on their services is made available or communicated in a clear, unambiguous and timely manner before they are carried out.
It is forbidden for the veterinarian to use the logo of the Order of Veterinarians, except with written authorization from the president of the superior council of the Order.
The veterinarian shall make available to persons using his services the following information:
- Information on its identification, businesses of practice and veterinary professional networks to which it belongs, and their contact details
- Contact details of the regional council of the Order to which he or she belongs
- Elements enabling the applicant to access the code of ethics
- Information relating to the assumption of professional civil liability and the contact details of its insurer.
Publications
In publications, the veterinarian may use documents or results of examinations and observations provided by other authors, only if they mention the part taken by these other authors in their establishment or by indicating the appropriate bibliographical reference.
All communications must be signed by the author.
The veterinarian who makes a submission containing indications in favor of a company or trade mark, whatever the process used, must mention, if any, the links which link him to that company or trade mark.
Pseudonym
It is forbidden for the veterinarian to use a pseudonym for the practice of animal medicine and surgery. For other activities carried out by the veterinarian in connection with the veterinary profession, the use of a pseudonym is the subject of a prior declaration to the regional council of the Order.
Who shall I contact
Certificates and other documents
The veterinarian shall take the utmost care in drawing up the certificates or other documents required of him and shall state only facts the accuracy of which he has verified himself.
Any certificate or similar document is authenticated by the signature and the personal stamp of the veterinarian which delivers it or by its secure electronic signature. The stamp shall bear the following particulars:
- Name and surname of the veterinarian
- Address of the professional address of practice
- National registration number for the Order.
Certificates and other documents must comply with the legal and regulatory provisions in force.
The making available to a third party of certificates or other signed documents without editorial content constitutes serious professional misconduct.
The veterinarian must report to the president of the regional council of the Order or to the competent authority, when he is responsible for a public service mission, the difficulties encountered in drawing up his professional certification acts.
Who shall I contact
Relations with other veterinarians, other health professionals and third parties
Confraternity
Veterinarians must maintain a confraternal relationship with each other and with members of other health professions.
When a veterinarian intervenes after a colleague, he must refrain from any denigration.
Veterinarians owe each other assistance, advice and service.
If a professional disagreement arises between colleagues, they must first seek conciliation. If the conciliation fails, they seek an ordinal mediation from the president of the regional council of the Order.
Who shall I contact
Veterinarian Replacement
The veterinarian who replaces a colleague ensures the customer service of this colleague.
At the end of the replacement, all information relevant to the continuity of care shall be transmitted to the replaced veterinarian.
Veterinary diagnosis, prescription and dispensing of medicines
Rules for establishing veterinary diagnosis
The veterinary diagnosis is intended to determine the state of health of an animal or group of animals or to assess a health risk.
The veterinarian shall make a veterinary diagnosis following the consultation, including the clinical examination of the animal(s). However, it may also make a diagnosis when it carries out health surveillance and regularly provides care to animals or when it monitors the implementation of a health breeding program.
In all cases, the veterinarian is prohibited from making a veterinary diagnosis without first having collected the necessary commemorative documents and without having carried out the necessary examinations.
Principles for prescribing medicines
Any prescription of medicines is carried out after a veterinary diagnosis has been established.
Within the limits set by law, the veterinarian is free of his prescriptions. It is forbidden to alienate this freedom from anyone.
Its prescription is appropriate to the case in question. It is guided by respect for public health and consideration of animal health and protection. It shall be established taking into account its consequences, in particular economic consequences, for the owner of the animal or animals.
Pharmacy
The veterinarian must not, by any process or means whatsoever, induce his clients to misuse medicines.
It must be actively involved in veterinary pharmacovigilance.
It ensures prudent and rational use of antimicrobial and antiparasitic agents to limit the risk of resistance.
Ancillary activities
The supply of feed for particular nutritional purposes and, in general, of products, materials and services related to the practice of animal medicine and surgery, is authorized provided that it constitutes an ancillary activity the practice of animal medicine and surgery.
Veterinarians practicing animal medicine and surgery are prohibited from brokering in animal trade and insurance mediation.
Professional secrecy
Any veterinarian, including a veterinary assistant, shall respect professional secrecy.
Veterinary professional secrecy covers everything that has come to the veterinarian's knowledge in the exercise of his profession, that is to say what has been entrusted to him but also what he has seen, heard or understood.
Duties to customers
Customers
The veterinarian’s clientele consists of all the persons who usually entrust him with the performance of acts falling within the scope of that exercise. It does not have a territoriality or exclusivity character.
Diversion or attempted diversion of customers is prohibited. The veterinarian must refrain from any act of unfair competition against his colleagues.
It is forbidden for the veterinarian to avail himself of the performance of interventions or missions on behalf of the State to try to expand his clientele or to derive a personal advantage from it.
The veterinarian who assists or replaces a colleague ensures the customer service of that colleague.
Fundamental duties
I. The veterinarian must respect the right of any owner or keeper of animals to freely choose his veterinarian.
II. It shall formulate its advice and recommendations, taking into account their consequences, with all the necessary clarity and give all the useful explanations on the diagnosis, on the prophylaxis or the instituted therapy and on the established prescription, in order to collect the informed consent of its clients.
III. He shall maintain an attitude of dignity and care towards the owners or keepers of the animals to whom he is caring, taking into account in particular the emotional relations which may exist between the owner and the animal.
IV. It shall ensure the continuity of care for the animals entrusted to it. Continuity of care can also be ensured through an agreement between veterinarians and registered with the regional council of the Order.
The veterinarian informs the public of the possibilities offered to him to ensure this medical follow-up by a colleague.
V. The veterinarian shall endeavor, within the limits of his possibilities, to alleviate the suffering of the animal and to obtain the agreement of the applicant on appropriate care when he is in the presence or is informed of a sick or injured animal, which is at risk, of a species for which he possesses:
- Competence
- The technicality
- The right equipment
- Professional indemnity insurance covering the market value of the animal
In the absence of such an agreement or when he cannot respond to such a request, he shall inform the applicant of the alternative possibilities of taking charge of the animal by another veterinarian, or of a decision to be taken in the interest of the animal, in particular to avoid unjustified suffering.
Apart from these cases, the veterinarian may refuse to provide care for any other legitimate reason.
VI. His professional civil liability must be covered by an insurance contract adapted to the activity carried out.
Remuneration
The remuneration the veterinarian may not depend on criteria which would have the effect of undermining his independence or the quality of his veterinary medicine procedures.
The veterinarian's fees are determined with tact and measure taking into account the nature of the care given and the particular circumstances. Their presentation must be explicit as regards the identity of the person or persons involved and the nature of the services provided by each person. The recipient of the service must know in advance the act of medicine or surgery, as well as the main characteristics of the service, if they are not already apparent from the context.
Any practice which tends to reduce the amount of remuneration for the purpose of competition is prohibited to the veterinarian if it compromises the quality of care. It shall provide the price of the service, where the price is determined beforehand or, failing that, a method of calculating that price or a quote for a given type of service.
The veterinarian must respond to any request for information about his fees or the cost of a treatment.
The billing of an act according to the result is prohibited.
Other provisions
It is prohibited to perform acts of animal medicine or surgery, free of charge or for a fee, from which a natural or legal person not legally authorized to practice the veterinary profession and outside the care contract can derive a moral or material benefit.
This does not apply to the practice of animal medicine or surgery by an employed veterinarian:
- Either an animal welfare association recognized as being of public benefit
- Or a foundation for the protection of animals
- Either of a recognized producer group
- Either from an approved agricultural trade association
- Either an approved health protection group
- Either a teacher in a private, non-profit institution under contract with the State, as part of his teaching and research mission within that institution
Communication and information
Yearbooks and periodicals
Where the contact details of a veterinarian or business of practice are listed in a directory or in a periodical publication, irrespective of the format, they shall include:
- Name and surname of the veterinarian or the name of the veterinary care establishment or the words "home veterinarian"
- For veterinarians who do not practice at home, the address of the veterinary care establishment
- Telephone details
Websites
Any website intended to present the professional activity of a veterinarian must be declared to the regional council of the Order of the place of establishment of the administrative professional domicile.
Who shall I contact
The website cannot replace the relationship between the practitioner and his client. It preserves the confidentiality of personal information submitted by visitors to the site.
The webmaster is identified, and an email address or contact form is easily accessible on the site.
When the site contains information of a medical nature, it is dated and the source of the information published is cited. In this case, the identity of the editor(s) is specified.
Any claim about the benefits or harms of treatments is justified.
Communication media
The veterinary care facility is reported by one or more plates. This marking shall include the following elements:
- Name and surnames of the veterinarian
- Days and hours of consultation
- Telephone details
- How the continuity and permanence of care is taken care of and, where there is one, the address and telephone details of the structure providing this service.
Veterinary care establishments, other than those run by animal welfare associations or foundations, shall be identified, as a minimum, by a signage characteristic represented by a white and blue light sign, not flashing, in the form of a cross, the total dimension of which is 65 centimeters long, 15 centimeters high and 15 centimeters thick.
Showcase
Any showcase of drugs, products and equipment directly or indirectly related to the exercise of the profession, visible from the public highway, is forbidden.
Communication to non-veterinary third parties
The Communication cannot encourage the use of a prescription veterinary medicinal product.
The sending of tariff or promotional information relating to veterinary medicinal products together, even under cover of an associated technical communication, is prohibited.
Veterinarians who provide 24-hour care can add the words « Veterinarian 24 hours a day » to their logo.
Consultant veterinarian and on-call service
Veterinary consultant
The veterinary consultant is a veterinarian who intervenes occasionally at the request of the practitioner who usually cares for the animal.
This punctual intervention is brought to the knowledge of the client, who consents to it.
The veterinary consultant may carry out his activity either at his own DPE or at that of the colleague or colleagues who have called on his services.
The name "veterinary consultant" does not constitute a professional title.
Every veterinarian is entitled to practice all acts of medicine and surgery of animals. However, a veterinarian must not undertake or pursue care or formulate prescriptions in areas beyond his knowledge, experience and means.
If necessary, the veterinarian who usually cares for an animal can refer the client to another veterinarian practitioner, general practitioner or specialist. The choice of this veterinary consultant is ultimately up to the client. In any case, the attending veterinarian shall make available to the consulting veterinarian the commemorative documents concerning the animal.
The veterinary consultant must report as soon as possible and in writing to the attending veterinarian who sent him this client.
Daycare
Veterinarians must participate in the continuum of care. Continuity of care can be ensured under an agreement between veterinarians and deposited with the regional council of the Order.
Who shall I contact
In this context, veterinarians must make the public aware of the conditions under which they ensure the continuity of care for animals. In all cases, the veterinarian must:
- Respond to any request addressed to him either directly in his field of competence, or by addressing the client to a colleague
- Endeavor to collect all information concerning possible previous interventions by other colleagues
- Limit its intervention to acts justified by the emergency and encourage the owner or keeper of the animal to ensure the follow-up of emergency care by his usual attending veterinarian
- Report as soon as possible and in writing to the veterinarian as indicated by the owner or keeper of the animal.
When creating a daycare service that brings together several professional entities, a rules and regulations is established. It describes the different interventions with sick animals. It must be brought to the attention of the regional council of the Order.
Participation in businesses
Veterinarians may hold financial holdings in the businesses of any kind, provided that, in the case of holdings in businesses connected with the practice of veterinary medicine, they are brought to the attention of the Ordre des vétérinaires.
Control is exercised by the Order. It aims to ensure that equity investments do not jeopardize the exercise the veterinary profession, in particular as regards:
- Health surveillance of livestock farms
- The independence of veterinarians
- Compliance with the rules inherent in the veterinary profession.
Compulsory absence or death
In the event of the compulsory absence or illness of a veterinarian, the service of his clients may be provided by his associates, by a substitute or, in the event of impossibility, by his neighboring colleagues. They withdraw as soon as the unavailable veterinarian resumes his activity and inform him of the nature and continuation of their interventions.
In the event of the death or disappearance of a veterinarian, his associates and neighboring colleagues shall place themselves at the disposal of his heirs or legatees for the time necessary to ensure the continuity of customer service. They must enable the latter to take all appropriate measures to safeguard their interests.
After the death of a veterinarian or in the event of an impediment noted by the regional council of the Order, the customer service may be provided, under the control of the latter, by one or more veterinarians regularly registered on the roll of the Order for a period of maximum one year from the death or impediment.
Who shall I contact
The regional council of the Order ensures respect for the rights of the spouse and the heirs or legatees.
After the one-year period, the ECD is deemed closed. However, if a child of the deceased or incapacitated veterinarian is, at the time of death or incapacitation, a pupil of a veterinary educational establishment and manifests in writing, within 6 months, the intention to take back the clientele of his direct ascendant, the regional council of the Order may grant him the necessary time.
Additional time may also be granted to the children of veterinarians, who hold the diploma of basic veterinary studies, and who are held by a professional contractual obligation not exceeding two years.
Communication with the Order
Change of domicile
Prior to any change in PAD or ECD without a change in the ordinal region, the veterinarian must make the change declaration to the regional council of the Order to which it reports.
Who shall I contact
In the event that this change is accompanied by a change of ordinal region, the veterinarian must first ask the president of the regional council of the Order to which he belongs to transfer his registration to the roll of the regional council of the Order in whose jurisdiction his new domicile will be located.
At the time of the request, it shall send the information enabling the regional council of the Order to which it belongs to assess the closure of contracts in progress. The latter is responsible for transferring the finalized file to the regional council of the Order of the new professional domicile of the person concerned.
A veterinarian who changes his DPA or DPE shall communicate to the regional council of the Order in whose jurisdiction he proposes to exercise all information concerning his professional activity and in particular the contracts of association or work which he has contracted or intends to contract on the occasion of this change.
Registration transfers are made immediately by the regional councils.
Please note
Veterinarians who are established in France and who wish to carry out their activity in a Member State of the(UE) or Party to the Agreement on(EEE) may apply to the Regional Council of the Order for a certificate certifying that they are legally carrying on their activities in France and that they hold the diploma, certificate or title required to practice the activity of veterinarian.
Cessation of activity
The veterinarian who ceases his professional activity must inform the regional council of the Order as soon as possible, indicating, if there is one, the name of his successor and, where it exists, the conditions of the non-compete clause.
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If they decide to hire, the entrepreneur takes a step in the life of their company because they become an employer. This status commits it to a legal framework, with formalities to be complied with and obligations to be assumed.
Here are the main steps and actions to anticipate.
- Declaration of employment
Before taking up any post, the employer must declare the employee. This declaration is made by means of the pre-employment declaration (DPAE) and must take place no earlier than 8 days before the hiring and no later than the day of taking up the position.
It allows toinforming social organizations the arrival of an employee andopen its rights social protection.
- Establishment of an employment contract and communication of the essential information of the employment relationship
In order to formalize the employment relationship, the employer must provide the employee with a employment contract.
This contract may be for an indefinite term (CDI) or a fixed term (CDD).
The employer must provide the employee with one or more written documents containing the main information relating to the employment relationship. The the deadline for communication varies according to the nature of the information.
To learn more about the nature of the information and the deadlines for communication, see this pageon the digital labor code website.
- Entry of the employee in the single staff register
Each newly hired employee must be registered on the single register of staff.
This register is mandatory from the first employee hired.
This document details thehistory of inputs and outputs employees in the company.
- Affiliation of the employee to the supplementary pension fund
Employers are obliged to enroll their employees in the supplementary pension schemes of theAgirc-Arrco: titleContent.
This affiliation is made by the single and dematerialized transmission of the registered company declaration (DSN) to all the bodies which manage the social protection of employees.
- Ensuring safety and health at work
Within 3 months of taking up his position, any newly recruited employee must benefit from a information and prevention visit organized by the employer and carried out by one of the occupational medicine.
Please note
In some cases, this visit must be carried out before the employee is assigned to his or her workstation. We are talking aboutmedical examination for suitability for employment.
If the employee has already benefited from an information and prevention visit within five years or, within three years prior to their hiring, for employees who benefit from an adapted individual monitoring of their health status (night workers, young people under 18 years of age, etc.), the organization of a new visit is not necessary if the employee is required to hold an identical job with equivalent exposure risks.
The employer must also guarantee a safe working environment and prevent occupational risks.
For this, it must in particular inform and train the employee in safety, and update the single occupational risk assessment document (DUERP).
- Compliance with applicable collective agreement
The employer must apply the collective agreement which includes the principal activity carried out by the company. The title of the collective agreement must appear on the pay slip.
Please note
The Labor Code lays down the general rules applicable to employment relations between employers and employees. Conventions and agreements, negotiated by the social partners, complement this legal framework.
A veterinarian must apply the National Collective Agreement for Veterinary Practices and Clinics (IDCC 1875) or National Collective Agreement for Veterinary Practitioners in Employment (IDCC 2564)
A simulator allows find your collective agreement with the company's name or Siret number :
Finding your collective agreement
Mandatory statements on pay slips
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Practice of veterinary medicine (nationality requirements, diplomas, etc.)
Business of financial contributions from the veterinary profession
Operation of the Order (National Council, Regional Councils, Disciplinary Chambers, etc.)
Acts of animal medicine and surgery performed by non-veterinary professionals
Private non-profit institutions
Access to the veterinary profession (nationality, diplomas, etc.)
Veterinary Specializations
Joint practice of veterinary profession (businesses)
Role and organization of the College of Veterinarians
Veterinary Code of Ethics
Registration, omission and deletion from the register of veterinarians
Functioning of the Regional Disciplinary Chamber
Functioning of the National Chamber of Discipline
Carrying out certain acts of animal medicine and surgery by persons who are not veterinarians
Provisions concerning veterinary studies
Special provisions for private non-profit institutions
Conditions for naming different types of veterinary care establishments
List of diplomas, certificates or titles of veterinarians issued in Europe recognized automatically by the French State
Details of veterinary studies
Knowledge check for veterinarians whose diploma is not automatically recognized
Details concerning the national diploma of boarding of veterinary schools
List of veterinary specialties to be a « veterinary specialist »
Accreditation of the UniLaSalle Polytechnic Institute
Document template
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National Order of Veterinarians
National Order of Veterinarians