Veterinary record keeping – new language rules. Correct record keeping is a central part of the work at a veterinary clinic. It ensures patient safety, creates security for the pet owner and is the clinic's legal protection if treatments are questioned afterwards. But how should the record be written – and in what language?
Here you can read about the new rules for veterinary records in 2025: Find out about language requirements and how to document correctly according to the Swedish Board of Agriculture.
Why is correct record keeping so important?
- Patient safety – The journal functions as the animal's medical diary and reduces the risk of malpractice.
- Legal protection – A carefully kept journal is the clinic's best protection during an audit.
- Efficiency – Clear and uniform records facilitate collaboration between colleagues.
- Security for the pet owner – A good medical record shows that the clinic works in a structured and professional manner.
The Swedish Board of Agriculture's rules on language
Previously, the requirement was clear: records had to be kept in Swedish (Veterinarian Magazine, 2020). Veterinarians who wrote in English were then ordered to change the language.
From September 1, 2025 new regulations apply (Swedish Veterinary Association, 2025):
- English, Danish and Norwegian are permitted languages in large parts of the record keeping.
- But: Important parts – such as essential statements and summaries of care – must still be documented in Swedish, Danish or Norwegian.
This means that English-speaking veterinarians can use their language in much of the documentation, but that clinics need routines for the parts that should always be in Swedish.
How the clinic makes it easier for English-speaking veterinarians
- Clear language policy – Decide which parts should be written in Swedish and which can be written in English.
- Templates and structures – Standard templates make documentation simpler and more uniform.
- Glossary of key terms – A Swedish-English dictionary for diagnoses, medications and status abbreviations saves time.
- Introduction and training – Give new colleagues a review of the journal system and language rules.
- Quality assurance – Have experienced colleagues review medical records at the beginning to ensure quality.
Conclusion
Record keeping is a backbone of veterinary care. The new regulations from the Swedish Board of Agriculture provide greater flexibility for English-speaking veterinarians, but also require clear procedures. By combining quality assurance, templates and a common language policy, the clinic can ensure that both patient safety and legal clarity are always at the forefront.
Read more at Swedish Board of Agriculture and Swedish Veterinary Association.
FAQ – Veterinarians' record keeping – new language rules
Do veterinary records have to be written in Swedish?
No, according to the new rules from September 1, 2025, medical records can be largely kept in English, Danish or Norwegian. However, important parts – such as statements and summaries – must still be written in Swedish (or Danish/Norwegian).
Can an English-speaking veterinarian write medical records in English?
Yes, it is allowed, but the clinic must have procedures for which parts must always be written in Swedish.
Why is correct record keeping so important?
The journal is the animal's medical history, a legal protection for the clinic and a guarantee of patient safety.
More reading:
How to hire a veterinarian from another EU country.
Veterinary staffing and recruitment – Why you should hire Vetmigo