Glossary
DPEregistered practice premises
The DPE is, under article R242-53 of the French Rural Code, the registered premises where vets practise, accessible to them at all times.
Every DPE must be declared to the regional council of the Ordre des vétérinaires before it opens. A practising vet has at least one; a multi-site group has several.
When animals are brought there for treatment, the DPE becomes regulated veterinary premises (see veterinary premises categories). Since 3 August 2026, each DPE must publish its general terms of operation: identity, species treated, prices, opening hours, team, delegated procedures, continuity of care and GDPR information.
Sources
See also
- Ordre des vétérinaires The Ordre des vétérinaires is the statutory body every practising vet in France must join; it keeps the register of vets and enforces professional ethics and independence (article L242-1 of the French Rural Code).
- Veterinary premises categories French law reserves the titles practice, clinic, specialist referral centre and veterinary hospital for regulated veterinary premises that meet the standards of the order of 13 March 2015.