Equine Veterinary Practice Design Fundamentals

Planning an equine veterinary practice presents a very different list of design considerations compared to a small-animal clinic. In this article we explore a few of the key principles for designing a vet clinic dedicated to the treatment of horses.

Adequate Space

When searching for the location for your new equine clinic, size matters.  You’ll need a large amount of land for your hospital, barn and isolation facilities, as well as allowing for spaces for staff, your clients and storage.

Adequate space for parking is also essential to allow for the loading and unloading of your equine patients.  A circle turnaround is best to provide plenty of room for your clients’ to safely navigate the parking area with their horse floats and potentially larger articulated vehicles.

And just as importantly, make sure you think ahead when selecting your location.  Wherever possible choose a site that not only will meet your current needs, but will also allow you the space to expand your operations in the future.

Client Observation

While the needs of your equine patients are top of mind when planning your new practice, be sure that you don’t forget their owners.  Your clients want to be in the know with what is happening with their horse. They will typically want to be involved in every stage of the diagnosis and treatment process.

A client observation area where owners can safely watch exams and evaluations is a must. And depending on your practice layout, you could also add a viewing window in the reception area.  Consider including a client consultation room for private meetings. This room could also double as a staff office to maximise the use of this space.

Separate Zones

In your equine veterinary practice design, you will need to dedicate zones for staff, clients and the treatment of patients.  By zoning your floor plan, you’ll simplify the traffic flow of your staff and your patients and ensure safety for all. You will also make it easier to expand your operations over time.

You should have a human zone that horses never enter, and a zone dedicated to patient treatment and surgery.  Staff-only zones should be clearly marked to ensure your clients don’t inadvertently access private, restricted areas. 

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Contact us to learn more about how Elite can help create a vet clinic to meet your needs.