Building a veterinary clinic isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a purpose-built space that supports animal care, efficient workflow, and a positive experience for clients and staff. At Keystone Design Build, we specialize in guiding veterinary professionals through every phase of construction, from concept to completion.

Here’s what the veterinary clinic construction process looks like, step by step.

Planning the Vision for Your Veterinary Clinic

Before a shovel ever hits the ground, the process begins with understanding your goals.

Whether you're opening a new practice, relocating, or expanding an existing one, the planning phase lays the foundation for a successful build. This is the time to think through:

• Practice goals such as expanding services or adding surgical suites
• Patient flow that supports both staff and client experience
• Future growth so your clinic can adapt over time

During the initial consultation, Keystone’s team works closely with you to define your vision. We help translate veterinary-specific needs into practical, buildable concepts that align with your workflow, budget, and brand.

Pre-Construction and Design Phase

Site Selection and Feasibility Analysis

The right site is critical. Our team evaluates:

• Zoning requirements
• Accessibility for pet owners
• Proximity to population centers
• Utility availability
• Parking and traffic flow

We also assist with feasibility studies and code checks to prevent costly surprises down the road.

Designing a Purpose-Built Veterinary Space

Veterinary clinics require highly specialized design solutions. Unlike general medical facilities, they must accommodate both people and animals. That means planning for:

• Exam rooms with durable, easy-to-clean surfaces
• Surgical suites with proper ventilation and lighting
• Kennel areas with drainage and soundproofing
• Isolation rooms for infectious disease control
• Lab and pharmacy space integrated into the layout

Keystone’s in-house design team brings deep experience in veterinary construction. We work with you to create a layout that supports infection control, efficient staff movement, and a comfortable environment for clients and pets.

Permits, Approvals, and Budgeting

We manage the permitting process on your behalf, ensuring compliance with:

• Local building codes
• Veterinary-specific regulations
• ADA and life safety standards

You’ll receive detailed cost projections early in the process. This helps you plan confidently and avoid scope creep during construction.

Construction and Project Management

Site Preparation and Groundwork

Once permits are approved, construction begins. This phase includes:

• Clearing and grading the site
• Excavation and foundation pouring
• Utility trenching and drainage systems

Each step is scheduled and supervised to keep the project moving forward efficiently.

Building the Structure

As the building takes shape, we complete the core structure. Milestones include:

• Framing (wood or steel, depending on the project)
• Roofing and insulation
• Installation of doors, windows, and weather barriers
• Rough-ins for plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and medical gas systems

Interior Build-Out and Specialty Installations

This is where your clinic truly begins to take form. Interior construction includes:

• Wall finishes, flooring, and cabinetry
• Custom casework for treatment and exam rooms
• Equipment coordination for X-ray, surgical, and lab areas
• Soundproofing and durable finishes in kennel and recovery zones

Every detail is selected with veterinary use in mind, balancing performance, aesthetics, and hygiene.

Inspections and Compliance

Keystone coordinates all inspections throughout construction to ensure:

• Code compliance
• System performance
• Smooth transition to occupancy

We work with local officials to complete final approvals and keep your timeline on track.

Finalization and Opening Your Doors

Punch List and Final Adjustments

Near project completion, we complete a detailed walkthrough to identify minor touch-ups or adjustments. Our team ensures every item is addressed before handover.

Staff Orientation and Move-In Support

We don’t just build the space. We help your team get up and running smoothly. Services include:

• Staff orientation for room layout and systems
• Coordination with IT, signage, and medical vendors
• Support with final inspections and occupancy certifications

Post-Project Support and Warranty

After construction, we remain your partner. Keystone provides:

• Warranty service and repairs
• Recommendations for maintenance schedules
• Support for future expansions or upgrades

Why Choose a Design Build Firm That Specializes in Veterinary Clinics

Veterinary construction is not like other commercial projects. It demands:

• Expertise in infection control and medical layouts
• Familiarity with specialized systems for animals
• Attention to client comfort and stress reduction

At Keystone, we understand how animal healthcare environments function. From surgical workflow to kennel ventilation, we design and build spaces that enhance care and efficiency.

See examples of our veterinary clinic projects and services here.

Ready to Build Your Veterinary Clinic

If you're ready to grow your practice, choose a partner that understands veterinary construction from the inside out. Keystone Design Build offers a streamlined, collaborative process backed by years of specialized experience.

Want to build a clinic that works as hard as you do?

Contact Keystone Design Build today to schedule a discovery call.