New veterinary practices, changes of ownership in a practice, veterinary practice that are moving or having construction done need to be inspected by the Board prior to providing veterinary services. These Board inspections are scheduled at the owner request. Fax request to (919) 854-5606. Such request should be done 4 weeks in advance of opening and/or providing veterinary services. Veterinary Practices not inspected prior to providing services to the public will be in violation of the Veterinary Practice Act, such acts are grounds for disciplinary action by the Board. Only North Carolina licensed veterinarians may own and operate veterinary practice facilities in this State.

 

New Veterinary Practices

All new veterinary practices are required to have prior approval for use of a name and inspection before providing services to the public. This inspection should be scheduled with the Board office 4 weeks in advance of opening and before providing services to the public.

The North Carolina Veterinary Practice Act, G.S. 90-181.1. states that the name shall contain a descriptive term that best describes the level of service you will be providing. It should be noted that it is a requirement of the North Carolina Veterinary Practice Act that you use the name approved for practice, do not abbreviate, and/or use parts of the approved name. This includes signs, letterhead, labels, and etc.

A checklist to help with initial inspection is provided when the practice name has been approved by the Board. If checklist is not substantially completed three to four days prior to the scheduled date of inspection contact the Board office to reschedule the inspection. The inspection fee is $75.00.

New practice facilities may schedule with the Board office a pre-opening inspection review, this no penalty inspection is a review with an Inspector and does not require that all items of checklist be completed. Another inspection within 6 months will follow the review. Fee $75.00. This type of inspection requires 6 weeks advance written notice to the Board office.

Click here for more information regarding inspections, name approval process, including required descriptive terms for Veterinary Practices

Change of Ownership

If purchasing a veterinary practice facility a letter signed by all parties needs to mailed or faxed to the Board office stating when the change of ownership will take place and/or a closing date. This information should be submitted as quickly as possible. Pending the receipt of the signed letter, the required inspection is scheduled at the request of the new owner and within 4 weeks prior to any legal changes. The Board office can assist with scheduling this inspection, and other practice information.

An Inspection checklist can be provided to help with Board's inspection.

The new practice owner may choose to change the existing practice facility name at the time of purchase, the practice name approval process will need to be followed. A letter signed by all parties is still required. The North Carolina Veterinary Practice Act, G.S. 90-181.1. states that the name shall contain a descriptive term that best describes the level of service that will be provided. All signs, letterhead, labels, etc, should reflect the Board approved new name.. The approved new name will take effect when the change of ownership takes place.

A change of ownership inspection review may be requested. This no penalty inspection is a review with an Inspector and requires that all items of checklist be completed. Please note that another inspection within 1 year will follow this review. Fee $75.00. This type of inspection requires 6 weeks advance written notice to the Board office.

Moving a Veterinary Practice

The Board office needs written notification of any pending move of a veterinary practice. Information needs to include the new address, telephone number, etc. It is the responsibility of the practice owner to request this inspection and be scheduled with the Board office 4 weeks in advance of the move and before providing services to the public.

 

 

Closing a Veterinary Practice

 

The Board office needs prior written notification of any veterinary practice that will be closed. This notification needs to include information concerning how clients can obtain copies of their medical records, and how other veterinary practices can obtain medical information for emergency cases. This information should also be provided to clients by letter and by posted notice prior to closing. Please contact the Board office for more information.

 

 

It should be noted that the veterinary practice name approval process and the professional corporation process are two separate issues and should be treated as such.

 

 

 

Other Agencies to Contact

NC Department of Revenue, Sales tax www.dor.state.nc.us/

NC Department of Revenue, Privilege License www.dor.state.nc.us

NC Department of Labor/OSHA http://www.nclabor.com/osha/osh.htm

DEA www.usdoj.gov/dea/

NC Department of Radiation Protection www.drp.enr.state.nc.us

NC Division of Waste Management http://www.wastenotnc.org/HWHOME/WEBRules/NCHWRule.html

Environmental Epidemiology, Rabies Information www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/vet.html

 

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