If you intend to work as a veterinarian or a paraveterinary professional (veterinary nurse, veterinary technician) in the Netherlands, you must be registered in the 'Register of Veterinary Medical Practitioners' (Diergeneeskunderegister, CIBG). The professions listed in the Register are protected titles. By registering, veterinarians show that they are authorised to practise. The register is public. You are eligible to be registered if you meet the legally required qualifications.
Last updated on the 15th of June 2021
Who is it for?
To be authorised to practise in one of the capacities listed below, an individual must be registered in the Register of Veterinary Medical Practitioners:
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Veterinarian
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Paraveterinary professional (veterinary nurse, veterinary technician)
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Animal physiotherapist
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Embryo transfer professional
Registration of veterinarians and para-veterinarians with foreign qualifications
Veterinarians and paraveterinarians who earned their qualifications abroad must satisfy the training requirements applicable in the Netherlands. Depending on the profession and the country where the qualification was earned, CIBG may recognise your qualification immediately or you may first have to request a statement of professional competence from CIBG. In the table below you find directions to the right procedure for your situation.
| Profession | Land of qualification | Correct procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinarians (veterinary surgeons) | EEA countries or Switzerland | Registration with automatic diploma recognition |
| Veterinarians (veterinary surgeons) | Outside the EEA or Switzerland | Registration by requesting a statement of professional competence |
| Veterinary nurse, veterinary technician | All countries | Registration by requesting a statement of professional competence |
| Animal physiotherapist | All countries | Registration by requesting a statement of professional competence |
| Embryo transfer professional | All countries | Registration by requesting a statement of professional competence |
Authorisation specialists in embryo transfer or embryo collection
Veterinary care assistants and veterinary technicians specialised in embryo placement or embryo collection are allowed to perform less complex veterinary activities independently without supervision. However, most of their activities will take place under the supervision or guidance of a veterinarian. Animal physiotherapists may only treat animals after referral by a veterinarian.
Consulting the register
The Register of Veterinary Medical Practitioners is open to the public. For instance, suppliers of veterinary pharmaceutical products can consult the Register to determine whether targeted veterinarians and paraveterinarians are actually included.