Opening a veterinary clinic in Abu Dhabi involves approval from the relevant veterinary authority alongside the standard ADDED trade licence, since animal medical practice is a regulated activity similar in principle to human healthcare licensing.
Licensing and veterinary authority approval
A veterinary clinic needs a veterinary-services activity licence through ADDED, plus approval from the relevant veterinary authority overseeing animal healthcare standards, medication handling and facility requirements. Every practising veterinarian must hold their own individual professional licence.
Facility requirements
Veterinary facility approval typically covers examination room standards, safe medication storage, waste handling for medical and biological waste, and sometimes boarding or surgical facility standards if the clinic offers those services.
Costs and timeline
Costs include the trade licence, veterinary authority approval, equipment appropriate to the services offered, and facility fit-out meeting medical-waste and hygiene standards. Engage the relevant veterinary authority directly for current requirements and fees.