Blog Post

The intricacies of building veterinary medical facilities

The construction and construction project management of veterinary medical buildings offers many unique challenges from non-medical types of building construction due to specific requirements related to healthcare facilities. Not surprisingly though, they are very similar to other medical buildings such as clinics and surgical centers.

Here are some of the elements they have in common:

Regulatory Compliance: Veterinary buildings must adhere to strict regulations and codes set by state and local health authorities as well as building codes. Compliance with AFDA, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing requirements ensures the health and safety of not only the staff and patrons, but also the patients.

Specialized Spaces: Veterinary facilities have specialized spaces such as operating rooms, dental and treatment rooms, examination rooms, pharmacies, laboratories, isolation rooms, kennels / boarding and imaging suites. The design and construction must accommodate the unique needs of these spaces, including ventilation, plumbing, and specialized equipment installation.

Infection Control: In all healthcare settings, controlling the spread of infections is critical. Construction methods must include measures to prevent the spread of contaminants, and materials and surfaces that are easy to clean and disinfect are often prioritized.

Structural Requirements: Some medical equipment is heavy and may require reinforced floors and structural support. The construction must take into consideration the loads imposed by specialized medical equipment.

Technology Integration: Veterinary facilities require advanced technology for patient care, diagnostics, and record-keeping. Construction projects need to account for the integration of medical technology, including wiring and infrastructure to support electronic health records and medical equipment.

Patient Comfort and Privacy: Designing for patient comfort and privacy is essential. This includes considerations for soundproofing, comfortable waiting areas, and layouts that ensure the patient is not forced into a face-to-face confined area with another patient.  

Accessibility: Accessibility is a key consideration in veterinary facilities to ensure that patients with disabilities can easily navigate the facility. This includes ramps, elevators, and other features to accommodate individuals, both, patrons and patients with mobility challenges.

Flexibility for Future Changes: Veterinary facilities need to be adaptable to changing medical technologies and evolving healthcare practices. Construction designs often incorporate flexibility to accommodate future renovations or expansions.

S4(X) Global has decades of experience managing the construction of very specialized veterinary space. Call us to learn more about our process and our projects.