Sanitization of veterinary practices: essential products

Veterinary clinics host animals with different needs every day, each with their own sensitivities and health risks. To protect animals, staff and visitors, cleaning and disinfection must remain a constant priority. A well-maintained space reduces the risk of germ transmission and inspires confidence in pet owners. That’s why choosing the right products and following clear sanitation procedures helps maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved.

Knows the legal hygiene and safety requirements

Compliance with hygiene standards is an obligation for any veterinary practice.

• legislation as it stands ANSVSA Measure 153/2003 regarding approval Veterinary health regulations relating to the operating conditions of veterinary assistance officesincludes clear rules on cleaning of premises, waste management and sterilization of equipment;
• the internal protocol cannot lack protective devices, approved hygiene products and procedural documentation;
• staff must understand how to handle waste or medical instruments after each visit to prevent cross-contamination, nosocomial infections, and biological risks associated with veterinary medical work.

The entire team should be trained regularly and updated procedures should be readily available for quick reference.

Establish clear steps for sanitizing the veterinary office!

In a veterinary practice, cleanliness means medical safety for animals, doctors and staff. A consolidated hygiene-sanitary protocol reduces the risk of cross-contamination and prevents the onset of nosocomial infections, as already mentioned. Here’s what these steps entail:

General cleaning: removes visible dirt

The first step is always removal of organic residues and dirt. Daily cleaning should be carried out:

• at the beginning and end of the program,

• after any maneuver involving biological fluids (blood, saliva, urine, etc.),

• with brushes, cloths and special detergents for veterinary use.

Disinfection with approved products

After cleaning, apply disinfectants approved for medical-veterinary useeg:

• worktops, reference tables, handles, door handles,

• equipment (ultrasound, scale),

• floors and trays.

Consultation tables must be disinfected after each patientespecially in cases with suspected infectious disease or in the post-operative period.

Sterilization of instruments

Reusable instruments (scissors, tweezers, forceps, retaining needles, etc.) must:

• washed manually or mechanically (with active enzymatic solutions),

• then sterilized thermally (autoclave) or chemically (in the case of temperature-sensitive materials),

• stored in sterile package, labeled and dated.

Plan by zones and frequencies

Divide the closet space by distinct areaseach with a clear sanitization frequency:

• Consultation room – after each animal;

• Waiting room – disinfection at least 2 times a day;

• Health groups – cleaning and disinfection every 2–4 hours;

• Technical spaces/warehouses – weekly cleaning, monthly check.

Assign responsibilities and display a visible plan

Each team member must know:

• which area belongs to it,

• which products should be used,

• how the cleaning carried out is reported.

AND cleaning plan displayed (on the wall, at the entrance to the area) helps to:

• traceability,

• compliance with ANSVSA rules,

• protect immunosuppressed or post-operative animals.

Make sure you have the right products for each stage!

Choosing the right products is the basis of effective sanitation. You can find cleaners specially formulated for veterinary environments, so you can clean without exposing animals to irritants or allergens.

For disinfection you can use:

• alcohol 70%;
• disinfectants with hydrogen peroxide or quaternary ammonium, suitable for medical environments;
• products such as Oxivir Plus Diversey 750mL, recognized for their rapid effectiveness.

Pay attention to the type of surface: PVC furniture, stainless steel tables or ceramic floors may require different formulas. For medical instruments, dedicated packages, such as the Ecolab package, include wipes and solutions that work without damaging delicate equipment.

Complete the kit with disposable materials: gloves, masks, handkerchiefs and gowns, to eliminate the risk of spreading germs during maneuvers. Protection and disinfection products help create a safe space for both people and animals.

For various surfaces or quick operations, opt for universal detergents, while for cleaning floors, a set of professional mops guarantees effective and rapid sanitization even in hard-to-reach areas.

Always check the product label: choose those approved for medical use and tested for compatibility with pets.

Sanitize all spaces and equipment

Each veterinary cabin includes different areas and types of equipment, each with dedicated cleaning rules.

• consultation rooms are cleaned and disinfected after each patient. Use detergents suitable for animals to avoid adverse reactions;
• the floors must be washed with highly absorbent mops, using professional detergents with a bactericidal effect. Opt for cloths with removable heads, which can be washed and disinfected separately;
• Frequently touched areas – door handles, reference tables, instrument stands – are cleaned with wipes or fast-acting solutions. They reduce the risk of transmission of microbes between animals.

Medical instruments, such as stethoscopes and thermometers, are disinfected and sterilized after use, either manually or with a complete kit. Do not improvise with non-certified products, you risk damaging the equipment or causing animal allergies.

Use personal protective equipment (PPE) consistently

The safety of staff and animals also depends on the correct use of personal protective equipment.

• disposable gloves are used for any procedure involving contact with blood, saliva or other fluids, but also for cleaning;
• gowns, suits, masks and glasses are used when there is a risk of contamination or during invasive procedures. Make sure each team member knows the correct procedure for putting on and taking off equipment so as not to carry germs from one area to another.

-> Find out more about the importance of disposable gloves!

Maintains a minimum stock of equipment, checks its integrity and regularly trains staff on its correct use. For example, before surgery on a cat, ensure that the team is fully equipped and, once completed, dispose of the equipment in bio-waste containers.

Manage medical waste and contaminated materials

Medical waste and contaminated materials require careful handling.

1. Use specially designated, clearly labeled cleaning bags and trash cans (biohazard, sharps, contaminated materials).
2. Store syringes, needles, swabs or other debris in a separate, well-insulated space.
3. Deliver the waste to an authorized company for regular disposal.

Monitors the condition of containers and provides clear instructions to all team members regarding their collection and transportation. If an accidental release of biological material occurs, immediately enforce rigorous decontamination and reporting procedures.

Organizes the purchase and storage of sanitary products

Checking supplies of hygiene products helps prevent unpleasant situations.

1. Choose products certified for veterinary use and, with each purchase, check the expiry date and the storage method recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Store chemicals in a separate, well-ventilated area, out of reach of pets and children.
3. Evaluate consumption monthly and report shortages to be replenished before stock gaps arise. A tracking chart or clear labeling on each shelf helps with efficient management, especially during peak periods.

For a practice with 20 patients per day, establish a minimum need for disinfectants and detergents so that any emergencies or additional appointments can also be covered.

Keep communication open with all team members – if anyone notices a problem or deficiency, resolve it quickly. The well-being of the animals and the satisfaction of the owners depend on the cleanliness of the spaces and the attention to daily details. The hygiene of paths, utensils or common spaces makes the difference between a positive experience and a problem for pets.

Sursa photo: Shutterstock