Publications
The Ukrainian Veterinary Alliance, in cooperation with Polissia National University, announces enrollment for the advanced veterinary training program:
VetExpert 360° — Comprehensive Upgrade of Professional Competencies
This program is designed to support veterinarians in Ukraine by providing up-to-date knowledge aligned with modern industry standards and new veterinary legislation.
As of 2026, important changes to the licensing of veterinary practice and the circulation of veterinary medicinal products have come into force in Ukraine. These changes affect every veterinarian, clinic, pharmacy, and retailer working with veterinary medicines. The Ukrainian Veterinary Alliance (VAU) has prepared this practical overview of the key requirements.
What Activities Require a Licence?
Under Article 7 of the Law of Ukraine 'On Licensing of Business Activities', the following activities are subject to mandatory licensing:
On 20 January 2026, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Law of Ukraine No. 4718-IX of 16 December 2025 “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Aimed at Aligning Regulation in the Field of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare with Acts of European Union Law”.
The Law was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine following a submission by the Parliamentary Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy.
A Key Step Towards European Integration
The adopted Law represents an important milestone in Ukraine’s European integration process and establishes the legal framework for the comprehensive implementation of EU-aligned approaches in the following areas:
May the new year bring peace, stability, and confidence in the future. We wish you professional growth, successful projects, strong partnerships, and continued development of veterinary medicine in Ukraine.
We sincerely thank our partners and colleagues for their cooperation and trust. We move together towards a stronger sector and closer alignment with European standards.
Dear colleagues,
On December 18, 2026, an online meeting was held to discuss the new Law of Ukraine "On Veterinary Medicine" regarding the import and distribution of veterinary medicines.
This event launched a regular series of informational seminars, which will be held on an ongoing basis and will be open to all interested stakeholders.
At the same time, please note that in-depth discussions, practical case reviews and extended Q&A sessions will be conducted exclusively for members of the Ukrainian Veterinary Alliance.
On October 9, 2025, the Ukrainian Veterinary Alliance, in cooperation with the KSE Institute, held the event “Harmonization of Ukrainian Veterinary Legislation with EU Norms: What Businesses Should Prepare For.”
The discussion became a professional platform for dialogue between representatives of the government, business, and the expert community regarding key reforms in the field of veterinary regulation.
This meeting is dedicated to discussing the update of veterinary legislation in Ukraine.
The Veterinary Alliance was represented by Inna Markus, Head of Advocacy, and Rob Kelly, Senior Vice President of MSD Animal Health Europe. Representatives of the EU Delegation to Ukraine and the US and German Embassies in Ukraine were also present.
Key topics of the meeting included:
📈 All because of the new wave of H5N1 bird flu, which has killed 153 million birds in 48 states and wiped out more than 20 million laying hens in the last quarter of 2024 alone. 🐓
🚗 People are lining up in long queues at local farms because prices in supermarkets
🐾 ‘Draft Law on Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Harmonisation of Veterinary Medicine
Discussed the European Integration Draft Law on Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Harmonisation of Regulations in the Field of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare with European Union Legislation
Revision of legislation on animal welfare on farms.
Important change:
Last week, 457 MEPs voted in favour of the first-ever EU-wide minimum welfare and identification standards for dogs and cats:
✔️ Veterinarians are required to identify and register cats and dogs.
✔️ It is mandatory to adhere to minimum welfare standards for kennels housing at least two litters.
The current Law of Ukraine "On Veterinary Medicine" was initially adopted in 1992 and has undergone several amendments over the past three decades. However, the dynamic changes of our time necessitate a new version of the law that meets modern demands and aligns Ukrainian veterinary legislation with European requirements and standards.
Law No. 1206, adopted in February 2021, will also come into effect on 1 September 2025. This regulatory act aims to harmonise Ukrainian legislation in the field of veterinary medicine with European standards.
As part of expanding sectoral dialogue between the public sector and the professional community, a meeting took place between the leadership of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine and representatives of the Ukrainian Veterinary Alliance. The meeting focused on discussing key challenges and prospects for veterinary medicine development in Ukraine.
Current Situation
The official Rabies Control Instruction from 1994 remains in effect but fails to address modern challenges, including the significant increase in stray animals, migration from combat zones, and vaccine shortages, particularly during wartime conditions.
