TRANSLATED FROM THE POLISH LANGUAGE:

ACT 
of 18 December 2003 
on Veterinary Establishments 

Chapter 1
General Provisions

Article 1.1. A veterinary establishment is an institution of animal health care and welfare established for the purpose of rendering veterinary medicine services, hereinafter referred to as „veterinary services”, notwithstanding paragraph 3 of Article 4, having capital assets, in particular, premises, appliances and equipment adjusted to the scope of services rendered.

2. The veterinary establishment may be established and operated also for the purpose of educational and research activities carried out in connection with the rendering of veterinary services.

3. To veterinary establishments the provisions of the Act of 19 November 1999 – Economic Activity Act (The Official Journal of Laws of the Polish Republic No. 101, item 1178, as amended¹⁾ shall not apply.

Article 2.1. A veterinary service is an activity aimed at prevention, rescue or improvement of animal health and productivity, consisting, in particular, in:

1)animal health check,
2)diagnosis, prevention and control of animal diseases,
3)treatment of animals,
4)providing advice and consultation,
5)grooming,
6)issuing opinions and expertise,
7)performance of activities related with determination of reproductive capability of animals and any disturbances thereof as well as biotechnique of reproduction,
8)retail sale of veterinary medicine products, veterinary medicine feedingstuffs and medical products for animals, on terms specified by separate regulations,
9)performance of laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures, hereinafter referred to as “laboratory services”.

2. Notwithstanding Article 3, veterinary services may be rendered by a veterinary surgeon licensed to practise as a veterinary surgeon within the operations of a veterinary establishment.

Article 3.1. Notwithstanding paragraph 2 below, in a veterinary establishment a person holding a title of a veterinary technician may perform the following activities falling within the scope of veterinary services rendered by the establishment:

1)take samples for laboratory tests,
2)assist with autopsy of dead animals,
3)provide first aid in such cases as:
a)gastric indisposition dangerous to animal’s life,
b)choking,
c)injury or fracture,
d)delivery, unless it requires section or surgical procedure,
4)perform clinical investigation within the scope necessary to provide first aid,
5)administer drugs prescribed by a veterinary surgeon or available without a prescription,
6)assist with surgical procedures,
7)take care of animals receiving medical treatment as ambulatory and hospitalised patients.

2. The activities referred to in subparagraphs 2, 6 and 7 of the previous paragraph shall be performed under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon.

Article 4.1. The following shall be veterinary establishments within the meaning of the Act:

1)a veterinary surgery,
2)a veterinary dispensary,
3)a veterinary hospital,
4)a veterinary clinic,
5)a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.


2. A veterinary diagnostic laboratory shall render laboratory services, in particular diagnostic procedures, for other veterinary establishments and other entities.

3. The veterinary diagnostic laboratory may not render veterinary services specified in paragraph 1 of Article 2, subparagraphs 1 to 8.

Chapter 2
Founding and Organisation of Veterinary Establishments

Article 5.1. A veterinary establishment may be founded and operated by natural persons, legal persons or organisational units not having legal personality.

2. Notwithstanding Article 13, a manager of the veterinary establishment, hereinafter referred to as the “establishment manager” must hold a licence to practise as a veterinary surgeon in the territory of the Polish Republic.

3. The veterinary establishment founded and operated by a natural person, legal person or an organisational unit not having legal personality dealing in animal production may render veterinary services solely to the animals kept by said person or unit, however, it may not issue animal health certificates for the purpose of trading in animals.

Article 6.1. The veterinary establishment shall have a permanent seat satisfying the requirements referred to in Articles 7 to 11 with equipment corresponding to the scope of veterinary services rendered therein or, in case of a veterinary diagnostic laboratory, to the scope of laboratory services.

2. The entity operating a veterinary establishment is obliged to observe environmental law and keep records of its waste material and store said waste in accordance with rules specified in separate regulations.

3. Veterinary establishments must be identified. Detailed rules of identification of veterinary establishments shall be specified, by regulation, by the National Board of Veterinary Surgeons, taking account of the classification referred to in paragraph 1 of Article 4.

Article 7.1. A veterinary surgery shall have, in particular:

1)admission room and waiting room,
2)appliances and equipment adjusted to the scope of veterinary services rendered,
3)equipment and facilities for the storage of medicaments and medical products,
4)sanitary and social rooms.

2. The minister competent for agriculture, after consulting the National Board of Veterinary Surgeons and other national associations of persons practising veterinary medicine, shall specify, by regulation, detailed requirements referred to in the previous paragraph, with a view of ensuring proper performance of veterinary services by a veterinary surgery and epizootic and epidemiological safety.

Article 8.1. A veterinary dispensary shall have, in particular:

1)admission room and waiting room,
2)treatment room,
3)appliances and equipment adjusted to the scope of veterinary services rendered,
4)equipment and facilities for the storage of medicaments and medical products,
5)sanitary and social rooms.

2. The minister competent for agriculture, after consulting the National Board of Veterinary Surgeons and other national associations of persons practising veterinary medicine, shall specify, by regulation, detailed requirements referred to in the previous paragraph, with a view of ensuring proper performance of veterinary services by a veterinary dispensary and epizootic and epidemiological safety.

Article 9.1. A veterinary hospital shall have, in particular:
1)a room for treatment, observation and isolation of animals adjusted to the species treated therein,
2)admission room and a waiting room,
3)appliances and equipment adjusted to the scope of veterinary services rendered,
4)treatment room and operating theatre,
5)equipment and facilities for the storage of medicaments and medical products,
6)storage room for disinfectants and disinfecting equipment,
7)sanitary and social rooms.

2. The veterinary hospital shall ensure 24 hrs observation and treatment of animals.

3. The minister competent for agriculture, after consulting the National Board of Veterinary Surgeons and other national associations of persons practising veterinary medicine, shall specify, by regulation, detailed requirements referred to in the paragraph 1 above, with a view of ensuring proper performance of veterinary services by a veterinary hospital and epizootic and epidemiological safety.

Article 10.1. A veterinary clinic shall have, in particular:

1)a room for treatment, observation and isolation of animals adjusted to the species treated therein,
2)waiting rooms,
3)surgeries,
4)operating theatre,
5)storage room for medicaments and medical products,
6)storage room for disinfectants and disinfecting equipment,
7)appliances and equipment adjusted to the scope of specialist veterinary services rendered,
8)diagnostic apparatus and equipment,
9)sanitary, social and charring rooms.


2. The veterinary clinic shall ensure 24 hrs observation and treatment of animals.

3. Veterinary services in the veterinary clinic shall be rendered by at least three veterinary surgeons, including one veterinary surgeon holding a specialist degree within the scope of veterinary services rendered by the clinic.

4. The veterinary clinic shall co-operate within the scope of veterinary services rendered with other veterinary establishments, and in particular shall admit patients referred by said establishments for treatment.

5. The minister competent for agriculture, after consulting the National Board of Veterinary Surgeons and other national associations of persons practising veterinary medicine, shall specify, by regulation, detailed requirements referred to in the paragraph 1 above, with a view of ensuring proper performance of veterinary services by a veterinary clinic and epizootic and epidemiological safety.

Article 11.1. A veterinary diagnostic laboratory shall have, in particular:

1)room for admission of samples for diagnostic tests,
2)laboratory room,
3)appliances and equipment adjusted to the scope of tests performed,
4)equipment and facilities for the storage of products and materials used,
5)sanitary and social rooms.

2. The minister competent for agriculture, after consulting the National Board of Veterinary Surgeons and other national associations of persons practising veterinary medicine, shall specify, by regulation, detailed requirements referred to in the paragraph 1 above, with a view of ensuring proper performance of laboratory services by a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Article 12.1. Notwithstanding paragraph 2 below, veterinary establishments may organise:

1)practical training for students of secondary schools,
2)practical training for students of veterinary medicine faculties within the scope provided in the curriculum,
3)postgraduate training for veterinary surgeons,
4)specialisation training for veterinary surgeons.

2. A veterinary clinic shall be obliged to organise training referred to in the previous paragraph.

3. The training referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 above shall be organised against charge. The rate of said charge shall be specified, by regulation, by the National Board of Veterinary Surgeons, taking account of the type of training referred to in paragraph 1.

Article 13.1. The manager of a veterinary surgery shall be a veterinary surgeon holding a license to practise as a veterinary surgeon.

2. The manager of a veterinary dispensary shall be a veterinary surgeon holding a license to practise as a veterinary surgeon and having at least a year work experience as a veterinary surgeon.

3. The manager of a veterinary hospital shall be a veterinary surgeon holding a license to practise as a veterinary surgeon and having at least 2 year work experience as a veterinary surgeon.

4. The manager of a veterinary clinic or diagnostic laboratory shall be a veterinary surgeon holding a license to practise as a veterinary surgeon and having at least 5 year work experience as a veterinary surgeon.

5. A veterinary surgeon may not be the manager of more than one veterinary establishment.

Article 14. A veterinary surgeon may not practise as a veterinary surgeon in a veterinary establishment and at the same time work in a pharmaceuticals warehouse trading in veterinary medicine products, veterinary medicine feedingstuffs and medical products for animals only.

Article 15.1. Organisation and operation of a veterinary establishment shall be specified in the rules adopted by the founding entity.

2. The rules of a veterinary establishment shall identify, in particular:

1)the manager of the veterinary establishment,
2)the name of the veterinary establishment corresponding to the scope of veterinary services rendered,
3)goal and tasks of the veterinary establishment,
4)seat and territory,
5)type and scope of veterinary services rendered,
6)organisation of the veterinary establishment,
7)rules and manner of organisation of the training referred to in Article 12.

3. The manager of the veterinary establishment shall notify the Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons of any changes in the rules of the veterinary establishment within 30 days of the occurrence thereof.

Chapter 3
Register of Veterinary Establishments

Article 16.1. A veterinary establishment shall render veterinary services subject to an entry in the register of veterinary establishments, hereinafter referred to as the “register”.

2. The register shall be kept by a Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons competent for the seat of the veterinary establishment.

3. The register shall be a public register.

4. The entry in the register shall include:

1)the name of the veterinary establishment and its address and telephone number,
2)registered seat of the veterinary establishment,
3)the name of the manager of the establishment,
4)number of staff, including veterinary surgeons and support staff.

5. Entry in the register of veterinary establishments shall be against charge.

6. The minister competent for agriculture, after consulting the National Board of Veterinary Surgeons, shall specify, by regulation:

1)detailed manner of keeping of the register and issuing excerpts therefrom, with a view of ensuring free access to the records,
2)the rate of charge for entry in the register of veterinary establishments referred to in the previous paragraph, taking account of the type of establishment subject to entry in the register.


Article 17.1. The decision of a Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons on entering the veterinary establishment in the register shall be made on the basis of an application of the manager of the establishment.

2. The application referred to in the previous paragraph shall include:

1)the name of the veterinary establishment,
2)the rules of the establishment,
3)address and telephone number of the seat of the veterinary establishment,
4)information about the type and scope of veterinary services rendered,
5)statement by the establishment manager on the fulfilment by the veterinary establishment of the requirements referred to in Articles 7 to 11, respectively,
6)the name of the manager of the establishment,
7)number of staff, including veterinary surgeons and support staff.

3. Refusal of entry in the register shall be issued by way of an administrative decision.

Article 18.1. The entity operating a veterinary establishment shall be obliged to notify the competent Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons of any changes regarding the factual and legal status of the veterinary establishment within 30 days of occurrence thereof.

2. The entity operating a veterinary establishment shall be obliged to notify the competent Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons of its intention to cease rendering veterinary services.

Article 19.1. Upon finding that the veterinary establishment no longer meets the requirements specified in Articles 7 to 11, respectively, or that it violates other provisions of the Act or the provisions of the Act of 21 December 1990 on the Profession of Veterinary Surgeon and the Chambers of Veterinary Surgeons (The Official Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland of 2002 No. 187, item 1567 and No. 240, item 2052 and of 2003 No. 59, item 532 and No. 208, item 2018) the Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons shall set forth the time for rectifying the omissions and after ineffective lapse thereof it may adopt a resolution on striking the veterinary establishment off the register.

2. The Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons shall strike the veterinary establishment off the register without setting forth the time for rectifying the omissions upon finding that veterinary services in the establishment are rendered by persons not authorised to render such services.

3. The veterinary establishment shall be struck off the register also if entry of the establishment in the register by the Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons has been made with violation of the law.

4. In the event of repeated omission referred to in paragraph 1 the Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons may strike the veterinary establishment off the register without setting forth the time for rectifying the omissions.

5. Where the veterinary establishment failed to commence the performance of veterinary services within three months from the day of entry in the register, the Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons shall set forth the time for commencement operations and after ineffective lapse thereof may strike the veterinary establishment off the register.

6. The Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons shall strike the veterinary establishment off the register on an application of the entity operating the establishment.

7. Striking the veterinary establishment off the register in the events referred to in paragraphs 1 to 6 shall be effected by way of an administrative decision.

Article 20.1. The Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons shall strike off the register the veterinary establishment founded and operated by a natural person practising as a veterinary surgeon where:

1)the natural person losses his license to practise as a veterinary surgeon,
2)his license to practise as a veterinary surgeon has been suspended,
3)the veterinary surgeon resigns his license to practise as a veterinary surgeon,
4)the veterinary surgeon has been struck off the register of members of the Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons for reasons other than referred to in subparagraphs 1 and 3 above.

2. Striking the veterinary establishment off the register in the events referred to in the previous paragraph shall be effected by way of an administrative decision.

Article 21.1. The decision on entry, refusal of entry, amendment of entry and striking off the register shall be made by way of resolution of the competent Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons.

2. The Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons shall notify the Poviat Veterinary Surgeon competent for the seat of the veterinary establishment of entry of the establishment in the register or striking it off the register.

Article 22. To resolutions of Circuit Boards of Veterinary Surgeons referred to in paragraph 3 of Article 17, paragraph 7 of Article 19 and paragraph 2 of Article 20, the provisions of the Code of Administrative Procedure shall apply accordingly.

Article 23.1. The Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons competent for the seat of a veterinary establishment shall supervise the operation of the establishment.

2. Within the scope of supervision referred to in the previous paragraph the Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons shall be entitled to:

1)carry out inspections of veterinary establishments through:
a)inspection of the premises where veterinary services are rendered,
b)observation of activities related with the rendering of veterinary services,
2)demand access to the documentation relating to veterinary services rendered by the veterinary establishment.

3. The inspection referred to in the previous paragraph shall be carried out in the presence of the manager of the establishment or his representative.

4. Person carrying out an inspection shall draw up a report from the inspection.

5. The manager of the establishment or his representative may demand that his comments be included in the report referred to in the previous paragraph.

6. The report shall be signed by all persons carrying out the inspection and the manager of the establishment or his representative. Refusal of the manager of the establishment or his representative to sign the report shall be disclosed in the report.

Chapter 4
Rules of Rendering of Veterinary Services

Article 24.1. Opening hours of veterinary establishments shall take account of the needs of the community.

2. The Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons competent for the seat of veterinary establishments shall determine the opening hours of establishments operating in its territory, with a view of availability of veterinary services at night, on holidays and on days free from work.

Article 25.1. The owner or caretaker of an animal, hereinafter referred to as the “holder” of an animal admitted to a veterinary establishment shall be entitled to obtain information about the health of the animal, methods of treatment, foreseeable effects of their application or failure to apply and on expected costs of veterinary services.

2. On request of the holder of an animal a veterinary establishment may render veterinary services outside its premises.

3. Before rendering certain veterinary services a veterinary surgeon may demand from the holder of an animal a written authorisation to render such service.

4. Remuneration for veterinary services rendered by a veterinary establishment is to be agreed upon by the veterinary establishment and animal holders.

Article 26. Where a veterinary establishment is not able to render certain veterinary services, it shall be obliged to inform the holder of an animal about the veterinary establishments rendering such services.

Article 27. The holder of an animal shall be obliged to cover all costs related with prevention and treatment of the animal and disposal of the animal body in case of its death, unless provided otherwise by separate regulations.

Article 28.1. A veterinary establishment shall keep documentation relating to veterinary services in accordance with separate regulations and shall ensure appropriate protection and confidentiality of such documentation.

2. Access to the documentation referred to in the previous paragraph shall be provided to:

1)the competent Circuit Board of Veterinary Surgeons, within the scope necessary for carrying on supervision over the activities of veterinary establishments,
2)the bodies of the Veterinary Inspection, within the scope relating to the control of animal infectious diseases and trade in medicaments, veterinary medicine feedingstuffs and medical products for animals only,
3)courts and prosecutors, veterinary surgeon arbitration tribunals and professional liability attorneys, in connection with proceedings pending,
4)the holder of an animal, within the scope relating to the veterinary service rendered,
5)other veterinary establishment, if such documentation is necessary for continuation of veterinary services.

3. Any information obtained by a veterinary establishment in connection with the veterinary service rendered and regarding the holder of an animal and the animal itself shall constitute a trade secret.

4.The documentation referred to in paragraph 1 shall be kept 
by a veterinary establishment for the period of 3 years.

5. Information contained in the documentation relating to the veterinary service rendered may be used for academic work and published in trade magazines subject to appropriate protection of personal data of the holder of an animal.

Article 29.1. A veterinary establishment may publish information about the scope and type of veterinary services rendered, opening hours and address of the establishment. The form and the contents of such information, however, may not be that of an advertisement.

2. The National Board of Veterinary Surgeons shall specify, by regulation, the detailed rules of publishing of the information referred to in the previous paragraph, taking account of the scope of veterinary services rendered by veterinary establishments.

Chapter 5
Penal Provision, Amendments to the Provisions in Force, Transitional and Final Provisions

Article 30.1. Anyone who renders a veterinary service without the required authorisation shall be subject to restriction of freedom or fine.

2. The decision regarding the offence referred to in the previous paragraph shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of the Petty Offences’ Code.

Article 31. Article 147a of the Act of 20 May 1971 – Petty Offences’ Code (The Official Journal of Laws of the Polish Republic No. 12, item 114, as amended²⁾:
“Article 147a. §1. Anyone who operates a veterinary establishment without an entry in the register shall be subject to arrest, restriction of freedom or fine. 
§2. The same penalty shall be applied to anyone who discloses to public information about the scope and type of medical services or veterinary medicine services in the form and with the contents of an advertisement.”.

Article 32. In paragraph 2 of Article 10 of the Act of 21 December 1990 on the Profession of Veterinary Surgeon and the Chambers of Veterinary Surgeons (The Official Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland of 2002 No. 187, item 1567 and No. 240, item 2052 and of 2003 No. 59, item 532 and No. 208, item 2018) subparagraph 2a shall be added to read as follows:
“2a) keeping of the register of veterinary establishments,”.

Article 33.1. Natural persons, legal persons or organisational units not having legal personality, who prior to the effective date of the Act operated a veterinary establishment on the basis of the hitherto applicable regulations shall retain the right to operate such establishment.

2. The entities referred to in the previous paragraph shall be obliged to adapt their veterinary establishments to the requirements of this Act by 1 January 2006.

Article 34. The Act of 1 July 1949 on Veterinary Establishments (The Official Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland No. 41, item 297, of 1988 No. 41, item 324, of 1990 No. 34, item 198, of 1990 No. 106, item 668 and of 2003 No. 52, item 450) shall cease to be binding.

Article 35. This Act shall come into force after the lapse of 14 days from its promulgation.

The President of the Polish Republic: A. Kwasniewski

1)Amendments to the Act has been announced in the Official Journals of Laws of the Polish Republic of 2000 No. 86, item 958 and No. 114, item 1193, of 2001 No. 49, item 509, No. 67, item 679, No. 102, item 1115 and No. 147, item 1643, of 2002 No. 1, item 2, No. 115, item 995 and No. 130, item 1112 and of 2003 No. 86, item 789, No. 128, item 1176 and No. 217, item 2125.

2)Amendments to the Act has been announced in the Official Journals of Laws of the Polish Republic of 1981 No. 24, item 124, of 1982 No. 16, item 125, of 1983 No. 6, item 35 and No. 44, item 203, of 1984 No. 54, item 275, of 1985 No. 14, item 60 and No. 23, item 100, of 1986 No. 39, item 193, of 1988 No. 20, item 135 and No. 41, item 324, of 1989 No. 34, item 180, of 1990 No. 51, item 297, No. 72, item 422 and No. 86, item 504, of 1991 No. 75, item 332 and No. 91, item 408, of 1992 No. 24, item 101, of 1994 No. 123, item 600, of 1995 No. 6, item 29, No. 60, item 310 and No. 95, item 475, of 1997 No. 54, item 349, No. 60, item 369, No. 85, item 539, No. 98, item 602, No. 104, item 661, No. 106, item 677, No. 111, item 724, No. 123, item 779, No. 133, item 884 and No. 141, item 942, of 1998 No. 113, item 717, of 1999 No. 83, item 931 and No. 101, item 1178, of 2000 No. 22, item 271, No. 73, item 852, No. 74, item 855 and No. 117, item 1228, of 2001 No. 100, item 1081, No. 106, item 1149, No. 125, item 1371, No. 128, item 1409 and No. 129, item 1438, of 2002 No. 19, item 185, No. 25, item 253 and No. 135, item 1145.