Regulation

The first Act on Organisation of Veterinary Service in the Kingdom of Croatia and Slavonia dates from 1888.

Advanced Veterinary Practitioners

Croatia has a national programme for the advancement of veterinary practitioners. Post-graduate studies in veterinary medicine can be carried out at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. These include 2 year (at least 120 ECTS) programmes on the Pathology and Breeding of Domestic Carnivores, Theriogenology of domestic mammals, Laboratory Animals Breeding and Pathology, Internal diseases of domestic animals, Game Breeding and Pathology, Sanitation, Surgery, orthopaedics and ophthalmology with anaesthesiology, Hygiene and Technology of Foodstuffs’’ of Animal Origin, Swine Production and Health Care, Microbiology and epizootiology, Exotic & Pet Animals Breeding and Pathology, Veterinary pathology and Animal welfare.

Veterinary education 

The Horseshoeing School was founded in Zagreb in 1886. This evolved into the High School of Veterinary Medicine in 1919, and, on December 7, 1924, was renamed the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FVMUZ) and became part of the University of Zagreb (UNIZG, established in 1669). THis is the only establishment providing veterinary education in Croatia. Veterinary studies last for six years (12 semesters). The programme content is adapted to Directive 2005/36/EC. It comprises 360 ECTS and is designed to increase the proportion of practical activities. Upon completion, students are awarded the degree of Doktor Veterinarske Medicine (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, or DVM).

Membership Organisations

The Croatian Veterinary Chamber is the membership organsation for veterinarians. It has a number of sections including the Croatian Small Animal Veterinary Section (CSAVS).