Veterinary clinic design requires specialized knowledge that adheres to local, state and national regulations. Creating an attractive work environment that combines comfort, innovation, and design isn’t intuitive, especially when considering design layouts for a veterinary practice. Architects and designers must consider a healthy functioning space for doctors and staff while complying with the rules and regulations around maintaining a hygienic and safe environment for patient animals as well as the humans who serve them.
It’s crucial to understand more about the different types of veterinary practices. Veterinary practices are required to consult with their state Veterinary Practice Act to know the veterinary facility requirements; for example, a facility’s name should represent the type of practice.
The American Medical Veterinary Association (AVMA) has classified the different types of veterinary facilities to provide guidelines for consistency in the future designation of facilities by veterinary professionals.
If you plan to design and build a veterinary clinic or renovate an existing clinic, here are a few essential factors to keep in mind when creating your dream veterinary clinic. Here is some information you will need to get started.
Interact With Your Practice Team to Create a Plan
You may already have a design footprint in your mind about your practice’s look and feel. Discussing it with your team can give you a better perspective about the space – especially if you are renovating an existing clinic. Do you need an added space for more equipment, better workspaces for the staff, a ventilated common area, etc.?
At the same time, having a plan that includes business plan considerations is a wise move. What you are doing now, how you conduct business and how you market your business will change drastically.
If you have property for a build, find out more about the area to gauge if your practice can thrive. All local counties have an economic development organization that can supply you with the latest statistics pertaining to that area’s economic viability and growth.
Health, Safety, and Hygiene Considerations
Other than treatment, the pet owners take their pets to a veterinarian because the environment is hygienic and safe. It’s vital to keep this in mind while considering any design idea for your veterinary clinic.
Choose a design team who knows the nuances of building or renovating a vet clinic. There are a few things any veterinary space may include:
- Easy to use and clean materials for floor, walls, and fixtures
- Provision for disposing of waste hygienically
- A well-constructed holding area to prevent animals from getting injured or escape
- Thought-out floor plan that has space for separate offices, examination rooms, waiting area, reception desk, pantry, kitchen area, etc.
- Separate entrances for public and business areas of the clinic
- Lockup facilities to safely keep medical equipment
- Dedicated space for cold storage / refrigeration
Latest Design Trends
Interior design has evolved to the extent that what looked like a progressive layout may not actually be a workable solution. Remember, we are navigating through a pandemic. Many design teams are increasingly prioritizing sustainable design and safer spaces. We consider options like more indoor plants, locally sourced material and furniture, open spaces using glass that allows for natural light, easy to clean floors and cabinetry, and energy efficient considerations.
Some of the trends gaining popularity for veterinary clinics are acoustic panels between walls for noise cancellation, customized and comfortable seating arrangements, adding more glass in interiors, different colors and textures that add a pleasing aesthetic for the clients, and more. There are many choices to make, for instance, LED lighting has a life span of up to 2 to 3 times the life span of fluorescent lighting. These are the considerations a tenured design-build firm will present.
A comfortable waiting area that accommodates pets and people makes for an enhanced total experience. Your design professional will guide and direct you to all of the best options for your specific practice needs.
Keep the Spaces Flexible
The design consideration for a veterinary practice should also leave room for future changes and expansion plans. Most veterinary clinics plan to grow and treat more patients. With a stable income and consistent revenue stream, adding new services and offerings like grooming, daycare, and dental cleanings makes sense for the bottom line. Pet owners want more for their pets and having a mirrored solution means profit.
The Road Ahead
Veterinary practices are moving away from makeshift arrangements. For a new space, finding an experienced design team can be a daunting task.
Haltner Design + Build is an experienced team under one roof. We provide you with a registered architect, a registered designer, and a construction project manager all under the same roof and working for one company – not three separate entities. You’ll deal with one profit and overhead center in lieu of three. Your budget goes further when the layers of who touches your project are minimized.
Haltner Design + Build is here to help you navigate the process. Our team of experts will create a 3D model to help you visualize the possibilities with interior walk throughs and a virtual building flyover of your project.
We have also created a comprehensive guide for veterinarians considering a facility build. Whether it’s your first build, a renovation of an existing vet facility, or an addition, this guide will give you a step-by-step plan on what you need to know to get started. Click on the link here.
For more information, connect with us at 713-523-6100 or email us at info@haltner.com. We look forward to visiting with you via a virtual visit or in-person appointment.
