When it's time to plan the construction or renovation of a healthcare facility, many owners focus on the clinic’s appearance, the equipment to purchase, and the marketing needed to attract new clients. However, several important factors, such as your clinic’s location, applicable laws and regulations, and patient safety, must be considered even before work begins. To start off on the right foot, we recommend reviewing the key points outlined in this article.
Any veterinary or medical clinic owner will tell you that location is one of the most crucial factors in increasing your business’s chances of success. To ensure steady activity and reduce competitive challenges, choose an area where few competitors offer the same services and where there’s a high concentration of companion animals (or farm animals).
You can obtain some demographic data by contacting local municipalities or searching online. Not sure where to start or how to gather all the available information? Hire a consultant! They can guide you through developing your business plan, highlighting your unique value, and helping you establish your clinic in the right location.
When building a veterinary clinic, it’s essential to identify the services you want to offer and the audience you’re targeting to determine whether your chosen location is suitable. Depending on the type of animals you intend to treat or house, plan for the space and environment needed to ensure their comfort.
Another key consideration during construction or renovation is future expansion. Choose a location that allows for potential growth—either in square footage or in the range of services you provide.
Defining your goals over a set period from the outset will help you anticipate your space requirements, and also ensure you review non-compete clauses and applicable regulations to make informed decisions. For example, you may want to eventually add a grooming center, retail boutique, or pet daycare. With your long-term vision and your clients’ evolving needs in mind, you’ll be able to enhance your clinic’s service offering and support its growth.
While an animal care centre is similar to medical clinics for humans, certain technical aspects specific to your clientele must be considered to ensure a healthy environment. For instance, various measures can be implemented to reduce the risk of injuries or incidents caused by an animal escaping. Be sure to consult the minimum standards of practice applicable to your clinic, as outlined by the l’Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec.
Your veterinary clinic construction and renovation experts can advise you on which materials are best suited for your practice. Choose finishes that are easy to clean and appropriate for your needs. It's essential to maintain a clean environment, plan the layout of each room, and anticipate movement within the clinic. For example, having a separate entrance for sick animals and another for healthy ones can help prevent the spread of illnesses or contagious infections. Take the time to plan these details with your designer when developing your clinic’s layout.
Designing a veterinary clinic requires careful thought and planning. Creating an environment that promotes animal well-being and supports high-quality care takes time, expertise, and a team of dedicated professionals.
An-Au Construction Inc. has specialized for many years in the construction and renovation of veterinary clinics. Actively involved with various animal welfare organizations, our company has successfully supported numerous veterinarians in bringing their projects to life. Looking for a dedicated, dynamic, and detail-oriented team to make your vision a reality? Contact us today at 514-881-9922.