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Terms and Conditions

General Terms and Conditions of the Royal Dutch Veterinary Association (KNMvD)

Version 2026, deposited with the District Court of Midden-Nederland under number 23/2026

Article 1: Definitions

In these General Terms and Conditions, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below:

Treatment Agreement: The agreement (contract for services) between the Veterinary Practice and the Client for the provision of veterinary treatment, the supply and/or administration of veterinary medicinal products, the provision of veterinary advice, and/or the performance of veterinary examinations.

Client: The owner and/or the person presenting the Patient on whose instructions the Veterinary Practice performs the Treatment Agreement.

Consumer: A Client and/or Debtor who is a natural person acting for purposes outside their trade, business or profession.

Debtor: The person in whose name the Veterinary Practice issues the invoice.

Third Party: Any natural or legal person who, on behalf of the Client and at the Client's own expense and risk, performs activities that are not carried out by the Veterinary Practice, for example because such activities fall outside the Veterinary Practice's field of expertise. This includes, but is not limited to, external laboratories, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, other veterinary practices, farriers, and similar parties.

Veterinarian: A person authorised to practise veterinary medicine under the Dutch Animals Act (Wet Dieren), registered in the applicable professional register, a member of the Royal Dutch Veterinary Association (KNMvD), and who, on behalf of the Client, performs veterinary treatments, supplies, sells and/or administers veterinary medicinal products, and provides veterinary advice and related services.

Veterinary Practice: The Veterinarian(s) as defined above, together with the practice operated by such Veterinarian(s), making use of all employees and assistants, including but not limited to veterinarians, veterinary nurses, laboratory technicians and other support staff, whether employed under an employment contract or otherwise, regardless of the legal structure or form of cooperation.

Records: All recorded information relating to the Patient and the performance of the Treatment Agreement, including copies, documents and other information carriers such as patient records, radiographs and written reports.

Veterinary Examination: Any clinical, radiological or other veterinary examination of a Patient, where applicable carried out in accordance with the relevant regulations and/or protocols, resulting in an examination report and/or a description of the Patient's health status.

Patient or Animal: The Animal, Animals or groups of Animals presented by the Client for examination, guidance, treatment or Veterinary Examination, and/or the Animal, Animals or groups of Animals in respect of which veterinary medicinal products are supplied and/or administered and/or veterinary advice, services or procedures, including Veterinary Examinations, are provided.

Business Client: A Client and/or Debtor who is a natural or legal person acting in the course of a trade, business or profession.

Article 2: Applicability

2.1 These General Terms and Conditions apply to all offers and agreements, including Treatment Agreements, between the Veterinary Practice and the Client under which the Veterinary Practice supplies goods and/or services of any nature and under any designation, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

2.2 Any general terms and conditions used by the Client shall not apply and are expressly rejected by the Veterinary Practice.

2.3 Any additional or deviating terms and conditions shall only apply between the parties if the Veterinary Practice has expressly accepted them in writing.

2.4 Where other agreements, terms or regulations refer to an individual Veterinarian (for example as the certified veterinarian), the Treatment Agreement shall nevertheless exist exclusively between the Client and the Veterinary Practice, and not with the individual Veterinarian, employees or other assistants personally.

2.5 Any rights, defences or limitations of liability that may be invoked by the Veterinarian and/or the Veterinary Practice against the Client may likewise be invoked against the Debtor. Where relevant, the Treatment Agreement and these General Terms and Conditions shall also have effect towards third parties.

Article 3: Formation of the Agreement

3.1 All quotations, offers and other communications made by the Veterinary Practice for the purpose of entering into an agreement are non-binding unless expressly stated otherwise in writing.

3.2.1 Business Clients: For a Business Client, the Treatment Agreement shall be legally concluded:

  • as soon as the Veterinary Practice has confirmed the offer in writing; or
  • if earlier, at the moment the Veterinary Practice has actually commenced performance of the agreement, including the performance of veterinary procedures or the supply and/or administration of veterinary medicinal products.

3.2.2 Consumers: For a Consumer, the Treatment Agreement shall be concluded after:

  • the Veterinary Practice has informed the Consumer clearly and comprehensibly about the content of the agreement and the applicable terms and conditions; and
  • the Consumer has expressly accepted the Veterinary Practice's offer, unless urgent veterinary care or a statutory obligation to provide treatment applies.

3.3 If an offer does not ultimately result in a definitive agreement, the Veterinary Practice shall at all times be entitled to charge the Business Client for all reasonable costs incurred in preparing and submitting the offer.

3.4 The Veterinary Practice shall be entitled to refuse to enter into a Treatment Agreement in respect of a Patient presented for treatment, or to accept such agreement only subject to certain conditions, if in its opinion the treatment has no reasonable prospect of success or only an extremely limited prospect of success, unless the Veterinary Practice is legally or professionally obliged to provide treatment.

3.5 If the Client is not the owner of the Patient, the Client warrants that they act on behalf of and with the consent of the owner.

The Client expressly warrants that the owner:

  • consents to the conclusion and performance of the Treatment Agreement;
  • accepts the applicability of these General Terms and Conditions; and
  • accepts liability for payment of all costs arising from the Treatment Agreement.

The Client shall indemnify and hold harmless the Veterinary Practice and/or the Veterinarian against any claims made by the owner if such consent has not been fully obtained.

Article 4: Content of the Agreement

4.1 The Treatment Agreement entered into between the Veterinary Practice and the Client constitutes an obligation of best efforts and not an obligation to achieve a specific result. The Veterinary Practice undertakes to perform the agreed veterinary treatment and/or provide veterinary advice to the best of its professional ability and with the degree of care that may reasonably be expected from a competent and reasonably skilled veterinarian. Where applicable, this includes the supply and/or administration of veterinary medicinal products. No guarantee is given regarding the intended or expected outcome of the treatment.

4.2 The Veterinary Practice shall be entitled to engage Third Parties in the performance of the Treatment Agreement.

4.3 The Treatment Agreement may also include the supply and/or administration of veterinary medicinal products by the Client, where legally permitted and subject to Article 4.4 below, whether or not at the instruction of third parties, including government authorities. Where this applies, Article 8.8 shall also apply.

4.4 The mere involvement of the Veterinary Practice in the sale, supply and/or administration of veterinary medicinal products, or its assistance in relation thereto, shall not relieve the Client and/or any Third Party of their statutory obligations relating to the administration and distribution of veterinary medicinal products, including any applicable administrative and record-keeping requirements.

Article 5: Early Termination of the Agreement; Failure to Attend (No-show)

5.1 Without prejudice to the applicable statutory grounds for termination, the Treatment Agreement shall in any event terminate prematurely in the following circumstances:

  • Termination by the Client: The Client may terminate the Treatment Agreement at any time. By doing so, the Client is deemed to accept the risks associated with premature termination of the Treatment Agreement, including, without limitation, any risks identified by the Veterinary Practice.
  • Death of the Patient: The Treatment Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the death of the Patient.
  • Termination by the Veterinary Practice: The Veterinary Practice may terminate the Treatment Agreement on compelling grounds as referred to in Article 7:408(2) of the Dutch Civil Code, including but not limited to:
    • where continuation of the veterinary treatment cannot reasonably be expected because, in the Veterinary Practice's reasonable professional opinion, there is no longer any realistic prospect of achieving the intended or desired outcome; or
    • where the relationship of trust between the Veterinary Practice and the Client has been seriously and irreparably damaged.

5.2 Where the Veterinary Practice terminates the Treatment Agreement, including by termination or rescission, it shall inform the Client thereof in writing and provide the reasons for such termination, unless this is impossible or cannot reasonably be done in time.

5.3 If the Treatment Agreement is terminated before completion, the Client shall remain liable for reimbursement of all costs incurred and for payment of the agreed fees in proportion to the work already performed by the Veterinary Practice. Where services are indivisible and no proportional calculation can reasonably be made, the Client shall be liable for the full costs of those services.

5.4 If an appointment is not cancelled at least 48 hours in advance and does not proceed for any reason, the Client shall remain liable for payment of the costs relating to the agreed veterinary treatment and/or advice, together with the costs of any veterinary medicinal products intended to be supplied or administered, plus any specific costs incurred by the Veterinary Practice, including VAT.

Article 6: Fees, Charges and Payment

6.1 The Veterinary Practice shall determine its fees and charges in accordance with its own price list, taking into account the nature, scope, duration and timing of the services to be performed. VAT shall always be stated separately on the invoice. Consumers shall be informed of the applicable fees and charges in a clear and understandable manner before the services commence, unless legislation, emergency circumstances or the interests of the Animal require immediate treatment. The Veterinary Practice may require the Consumer to expressly approve a written and itemised estimate before work begins. If the estimated costs subsequently change, for example due to complications or the need for additional treatment, the Veterinary Practice shall inform the Consumer in a timely manner and seek approval before continuing, unless emergency circumstances, statutory obligations or the interests of the Animal make this impossible.

6.2 The Veterinary Practice may require the Client to pay a deposit before commencing its services and shall not be obliged to begin work until the deposit has been received, unless legislation or applicable professional rules require immediate treatment of the Patient.

6.3 For invoices that are not paid in cash, payment shall be due within 14 days of the invoice date. Where a Business Client requests payment other than in cash, the Veterinary Practice may charge a reasonable administration fee. Failure to pay within the agreed payment period shall place the Debtor automatically in default, without the need for any notice of default. A Business Client shall owe the statutory commercial interest pursuant to Article 6:119a of the Dutch Civil Code, while a Consumer shall owe the statutory interest pursuant to Article 6:119 of the Dutch Civil Code, calculated over the outstanding amount.

6.4 A Business Client shall not be entitled to suspend any payment obligation owed to the Veterinary Practice, nor shall it be entitled to set off any amount against amounts invoiced or to be invoiced by the Veterinary Practice.

6.5 If a Business Client remains in default and the Veterinary Practice proceeds with debt collection, the Business Client shall, in addition to the outstanding principal and accrued interest, reimburse all judicial and extrajudicial collection costs, including the full legal costs incurred, irrespective of whether such costs exceed the statutory scale of recoverable legal costs. For Consumers, the reimbursement of collection costs shall be governed by the applicable mandatory statutory provisions.

6.6 If the Client fails to collect the Patient after completion of the veterinary treatment within the period specified by the Veterinary Practice, the Veterinary Practice shall be entitled to charge the Client for all additional costs incurred as a result.

6.7 Payments made by the Debtor shall first be applied to collection costs, then to accrued statutory interest, and finally to the oldest outstanding invoice until all invoices have been settled in full.

Article 7: Complaints

7.1 The Client shall inspect the services performed and/or goods supplied by the Veterinary Practice, including veterinary medicinal products, immediately upon delivery for any defects or deficiencies that are reasonably detectable.

7.2 Where the Veterinary Practice applies the KNMvD Complaints Procedure, as adopted by the Royal Dutch Veterinary Association (KNMvD), the Client may make use of that procedure. If the Veterinary Practice's website does not state that the KNMvD Complaints Procedure applies, it shall in principle not apply. Upon the Client's first request, the Veterinary Practice shall inform the Client whether it nevertheless applies or intends to apply the KNMvD Complaints Procedure.

7.3 Without prejudice to any applicable KNMvD Complaints Procedure, the Client shall notify the Veterinary Practice of any complaints regarding the services performed within 45 days after completion of those services, preferably in writing. If this period of 45 days is exceeded, all claims against the Veterinary Practice in respect of any defect or alleged shortcoming shall lapse, unless the defect or shortcoming could not reasonably have been discovered within that period. This provision shall not apply to Consumers, for whom the applicable statutory provisions shall prevail.

7.4 Where a service has been performed defectively, the Veterinary Practice shall be entitled, provided that rectification remains possible, to remedy the defect within a reasonable period. The Client shall first notify the Veterinary Practice in writing of the default, specifying a reasonable period within which the defect may be remedied. Only if that period expires without proper rectification shall the Veterinary Practice be deemed to be in default.

Article 8: Liability

General

8.1 The Veterinary Practice shall maintain adequate professional liability insurance.

8.2 If the Veterinary Practice and/or the Veterinarian is liable towards the Client on any legal basis whatsoever, such liability shall be limited to the amount paid under the Veterinary Practice's professional liability insurance policy in the relevant case, increased by the applicable deductible, unless the damage results from wilful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the Veterinary Practice and/or the Veterinarian. The insured amount is stated in the Veterinary Practice's insurance policy, a copy of which shall be provided to the Client upon request.

8.3 Towards Business Clients, the Veterinary Practice and/or the Veterinarian shall not be liable for indirect or consequential loss of any kind. This exclusion includes, without limitation:

  • consequential loss;
  • loss of profit;
  • loss of anticipated savings;
  • business interruption;
  • production losses;
  • loss of data;
  • reputational damage.

This exclusion applies regardless of the cause of the damage, except where the damage results from wilful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the Veterinary Practice and/or the Veterinarian.

8.4 The Treatment Agreement is entered into solely for the benefit of the Client. No third party may derive any rights from either the Treatment Agreement or its performance. Any rights, defences or limitations of liability available to the Veterinary Practice or the Veterinarian against the Client may likewise be invoked against the Debtor. Where relevant, these General Terms and Conditions shall also have effect towards third parties.

8.5.1 The Veterinary Practice shall not be liable for any errors, shortcomings or negligence of Third Parties engaged at the request or for the benefit of the Client, irrespective of whether such Third Parties were appointed directly by the Client or through referral or mediation by the Veterinary Practice.

8.5.2 The Business Client shall fully indemnify and hold harmless the Veterinary Practice against any claims by third parties arising directly or indirectly from the performance of the Treatment Agreement and/or the engagement of Third Parties at the request of the Business Client.

Special Provisions

Veterinary Examinations

8.6 Where a veterinary examination is carried out at the Client's request, the following provisions shall apply in addition to, and where applicable prevail over, the preceding provisions of this Article.

8.6.1 A veterinary examination relates solely to the aspects of the Animal's health specifically assessed by the Veterinarian and/or the Veterinary Practice. No conclusion, opinion, warranty or guarantee may be drawn from the examination regarding the Animal's overall health or future health condition. Likewise, no guarantee or representation is given concerning the Animal's health, suitability for use, breeding potential or fitness for slaughter.

8.6.2 A veterinary examination represents an assessment of the Animal's health only at the time the examination is performed. The conclusions recorded in the examination report constitute the professional opinion of the examining Veterinarian, based upon their own expertise and, where applicable, the expertise of consulted colleagues. Before the examination begins, the Client shall fully and truthfully disclose all information relevant to the Animal's veterinary history, including but not limited to:

  • previous surgical procedures;
  • medication history;
  • known medical conditions;
  • behavioural abnormalities;
  • injuries;
  • previous or ongoing treatments;
  • previous or ongoing therapies.

Failure to disclose relevant information may affect the reliability of the examination and shall release the Veterinary Practice and/or the Veterinarian from liability for any inaccuracies resulting from incomplete information.

8.6.3 The Veterinary Practice and/or the examining Veterinarian shall not be liable for any incorrect or incomplete assessment where such assessment has been influenced by performance-enhancing substances, pain-relieving medication or other pharmaceutical products administered by third parties other than the examining Veterinarian.

8.6.4 The examining Veterinarian and/or the Veterinary Practice shall not be liable towards Business Clients for any loss or damage, including direct, indirect, financial or consequential loss, arising from the performance of a Veterinary Examination or from any inaccuracies or omissions in the examination report, unless such loss or damage results from wilful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the examining Veterinarian.

8.6.5 Where the Veterinary Practice and/or the Veterinarian is liable to the Client on any legal basis whatsoever, such liability shall be limited to the amount paid under the Veterinary Practice's professional liability insurance policy in the relevant case, plus the applicable deductible, unless the damage results from wilful misconduct or gross negligence.

8.6.6 Only the Client shall have the right to bring a claim against the examining Veterinarian and/or the Veterinary Practice. No third party may derive any right to compensation from the examination report.

8.6.7 If the Client and/or a third party believes that the Animal's health condition at the time of the Veterinary Examination was inconsistent with the findings recorded in the examination report, the Client shall notify the other contracting party (for example, the buyer or seller in connection with a sale agreement) in writing within a reasonable period after discovery and, where appropriate, hold that party liable. A copy of such notification shall immediately be provided to the examining Veterinarian and the Veterinary Practice. Where the Client is a Business Client, failure to provide such notification within a reasonable period shall result in forfeiture of any claim against the Veterinarian and/or the Veterinary Practice relating to the examination report or any associated damage.

8.6.8 Any liability of the Veterinary Practice and/or the Veterinarian towards a Business Client in connection with a Veterinary Examination shall automatically expire six (6) months after the date of the examination, unless the Veterinary Practice has been notified in writing, with reasons, within that period.

8.6.9 The exclusions and limitations of liability set out above shall equally benefit any natural or legal persons engaged by the Veterinary Practice or the examining Veterinarian in carrying out the Veterinary Examination.

8.6.10 Any disputes relating to Veterinary Examinations, examination reports or any agreements or legal relationships arising therefrom shall be governed exclusively by Dutch law and submitted exclusively to the competent Dutch courts.

8.6.11 Where the Client is not the owner of the Animal, the Client warrants that Articles 8.6.1 through 8.6.10 may likewise be invoked against the owner.

8.6.12 Articles 8.6.1 through 8.6.11 shall also apply where the Client does not sign the examination report but nevertheless accepts it without objection or otherwise relies upon its contents.

Import and Export of Animals

8.7.1 Where the Veterinary Practice provides services relating to the import or export of Animals, including but not limited to the issue of health certificates or other official declarations, all liability towards Business Clients is excluded. The Business Client shall indemnify the Veterinary Practice against any claims brought by third parties in connection therewith.

8.7.2 The exclusion of liability referred to above shall not apply in cases of wilful misconduct or gross negligence by the Veterinary Practice or the Veterinarian, including situations where they knowingly assist in illegal trade.

Fertility, Gynaecology and Reproduction

8.8.1 The Client acknowledges that certain veterinary procedures, including rectal examinations and the collection, processing, transplantation, storage or transportation of embryos, semen and ova, involve inherent risks. By entering into the Treatment Agreement, the Client accepts these risks and authorises the Veterinary Practice to perform such procedures.

8.8.2 Towards Business Clients, the Veterinary Practice and the Veterinarian exclude all liability for damage arising from:

  • rectal examinations;
  • the collection, transplantation, storage or transport of embryos, semen and ova;
  • fertility, reproductive or related procedures, unless the damage results from wilful misconduct or gross negligence.

8.8.3 The Veterinary Practice shall likewise not be liable towards Business Clients for loss, contamination or damage to reproductive material, except in cases of wilful misconduct or gross negligence.

8.8.4 The Veterinary Practice undertakes only to perform fertility and reproductive treatments with due professional care. No guarantee is given regarding the success, effectiveness or outcome of such treatments. The Client acknowledges that reproductive success depends upon numerous biological, animal-related and external factors beyond the Veterinary Practice's control.

8.8.5 The Veterinary Practice excludes liability for:

  • failure to achieve the desired or expected treatment outcome;
  • reduced fertility or reproductive complications;
  • loss of genetic material;
  • consequential or indirect loss arising therefrom, except in cases of wilful misconduct or gross negligence.

Information Technology and Data

8.9 Towards Business Clients, the Veterinary Practice excludes liability for damage resulting from:

  • cybercrime, including hacking, phishing and malware;
  • failures, interruptions or delays in IT or communication systems;
  • loss, corruption or destruction of digital records, unless caused by wilful misconduct or gross negligence.

Veterinary Medicinal Products

8.10 The Client shall strictly comply with all written and oral instructions issued by the Veterinary Practice concerning the storage, administration and use of veterinary medicinal products. The Client shall immediately report any side effects, contraindications or unexpected reactions. Where the Client fails to follow such instructions or administers veterinary medicinal products negligently, the Client shall be liable for all resulting damage to animals, persons or property and shall indemnify the Veterinary Practice against any related third-party claims.

8.11 Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions, the Veterinary Practice shall not be liable towards Business Clients for damage resulting from:

  • administration of veterinary medicinal products by the Client;
  • administration by third parties, including government authorities;
  • injury or damage caused by such medicinal products or their side effects;
  • failures to comply with statutory administrative requirements, except in cases of wilful misconduct or gross negligence.

Damage Caused by or to the Animal

8.12 The Veterinary Practice shall not be liable for damage suffered by the Animal, the Client or the Client's property where such damage arises during or in connection with the Treatment Agreement but results from circumstances beyond the Veterinary Practice's direct control, including accidents, illness, infection, fire, theft or comparable events. This exclusion shall not apply in cases of wilful misconduct or gross negligence.

8.13 Entering into a Treatment Agreement does not affect the Client's strict liability under Article 6:179 of the Dutch Civil Code for damage caused by the Animal. The Client shall remain liable for any damage caused by the Animal to:

  • the Veterinarian;
  • employees or assistants of the Veterinary Practice;
  • the Veterinary Practice's property;
  • third parties.

The Client shall indemnify the Veterinary Practice against any third-party claims arising therefrom. For the purposes of Article 6:181 of the Dutch Civil Code, the Veterinarian shall not be regarded as a commercial keeper or user of the Animal.

Force Majeure

8.14.1 The Veterinary Practice shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its contractual obligations where such failure results from force majeure.

8.14.2 In relation to Business Clients, force majeure shall mean any circumstance beyond the reasonable control of the Veterinary Practice that renders performance impossible or seriously hinders performance. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • natural disasters;
  • fire;
  • war or threat of war;
  • terrorism;
  • pandemics or epidemics;
  • government measures;
  • power failures;
  • illness of key personnel;
  • occupation of business premises;
  • strikes;
  • failures or delays by suppliers or other third parties.

Where force majeure continues for more than four weeks, either party may terminate the agreement in writing without liability for damages.

8.14.3 For Consumers, the statutory provisions governing force majeure under Article 6:75 of the Dutch Civil Code shall apply.

Article 9: Ownership and Records

9.1 The Veterinary Practice shall at all times retain ownership of, and all rights relating to, the Records.

9.2 The Veterinary Practice shall retain the Records for a period of five (5) years, unless a longer retention period is required by law or under applicable veterinary regulations. Upon expiry of the applicable retention period, the Records may be destroyed.

9.3 At the Client's request, the Veterinary Practice shall provide a copy of the relevant Records against reimbursement of the reasonable costs associated with reproducing and supplying such Records. This shall not apply to internal working documents, such as personal notes that do not form part of the official patient record.

9.4 By providing personal data to the Veterinary Practice, the Client consents to the processing of such data for the purposes of:

  • performing the Treatment Agreement;
  • administration and invoicing;
  • communication and record keeping; and
  • participation in scientific or statistical research, unless the Client expressly objects to such use.

9.5 The Veterinary Practice shall process the Client's personal data solely for the performance of the Treatment Agreement and in accordance with applicable privacy legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data shall not be disclosed to third parties without the Client's consent unless such disclosure is:

  • necessary for the performance of the agreement;
  • required by law or regulation; or
  • necessary in an emergency.

Article 10: Special Provisions

Access to Stables and Treatment Locations

10.1 Where required for the treatment of the Patient, the Veterinary Practice may temporarily deny access to stables, treatment rooms or any other location where treatment is being carried out. The Veterinary Practice may also impose reasonable conditions of access where necessary in the interests of, among other things:

  • safety;
  • hygiene;
  • animal welfare; or
  • the uninterrupted performance of veterinary treatment.

The Client shall comply with any such conditions. Where access is refused, the Veterinary Practice shall, where reasonably possible, explain the reasons in advance.

Scientific Research

10.2 The Veterinary Practice shall be entitled to use the Patient, parts of the Patient, or biological material originating from the Patient for statistical or scientific research, or to publish data resulting from such research, unless the Client has expressly raised overriding objections. Where appropriate and reasonably possible, the Veterinary Practice shall inform the Client in advance of its intention to use such material or data for research purposes.

Article 11: Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

11.1 The Treatment Agreement and all agreements and legal relationships arising from or connected with it shall be governed exclusively by the laws of the Netherlands.

11.2 Any disputes between the Veterinary Practice and the Client shall be submitted exclusively to the competent court in the judicial district in which the Veterinary Practice has its registered office. Where the Client is a Consumer, nothing in these General Terms and Conditions shall prejudice the Consumer's statutory right to bring proceedings before any other court having jurisdiction under mandatory law.