What to look for when upgrading your vet practice with hygienic wall cladding
Several key factors trending in the UK veterinary practice industry are leading to a large number of practice refurbishments.
A rise in pet ownership, especially since the Covid pandemic, has increased demand for veterinary services. Practices are required to expand their premises to accommodate both an increase in patients, and also services like physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Larger corporate groups taking ownership of practices are actively investing in their premises to grow and attract talent. Practice owners across the UK in general are recognising that better working environments attract and retain talent. Modern pet owners, who now treat pets like another member of the family, have higher expectations than before and are seeking higher quality care and a more comfortable experience.
Hycom has worked in many veterinary environments, from operating theatres to specialist dog hydrotherapy baths. We know that when you’re refurbishing or expanding a veterinary practice, the wall surfaces you choose can have a big impact on hygiene, efficiency, and long-term maintenance costs. Veterinary environments are very demanding: there’s heavy equipment, clawed patients, constant cleaning, and the need for strict infection control.
Hygienic wall cladding has become the go-to choice for many modern practices, but not all cladding systems are the same. If you’re planning an upgrade, you need to make sure you’re choosing materials that truly meet the needs of a busy clinical setting. We’ve highlighted the things you need to think about below:
1. Choose a Fully Hygienic, Non-Porous (not paw-rous!) Surface
Your first priority should be hygiene. The cladding you select must be:
- Seamless, with no cracks or grout
- Non-porous, so bacteria, odours and stains can’t get through
- Resistant to the chemicals you used or experience in your practice
Why it matters:
Vet practices deal with everything from disinfectants to bodily fluids. Porous surfaces, like tile grout, absorb these substances quickly, making them hard to keep clean and compliant.
2. Check for Impact and Scratch Resistance
Walls in vet practices can take a bit of a hammering compared to some other clinical environments. Animal cages, trolleys, equipment and sharp claws can all cause damage.
Look for cladding that is:
- Tough and impact-resistant
- Durable against scratching
- Suitable for high-traffic areas like prep rooms, isolation rooms, and kennels
Why it matters:
Damaged areas can create a haven for bacteria to gather, which can compromise hygiene standards.
3. Make Sure It’s Easy to Clean
Cleaning is a constant part of clinical life. Your wall cladding needs to support that, not slow it down.
Choose a system that:
- Offers a smooth, wipe-clean surface
- Has no grout lines to trap dirt and bacteria
Why it matters:
Fast turnaround between appointments keeps your practice efficient and your customers happy. Too much time spent on cleaning can cost unnecessary money.
4. Confirm It Supports Infection Control Standards
A compliant veterinary environment requires materials that actively minimise risk.
Look for:
- Seamless joints
- Seamless wall-to-floor transitions, such as trims, hidden transition trims, or any overlap detail
- Proven use in clinical and healthcare settings
Why it matters:
Surfaces that are designed for infection control make it easier to maintain high standards every day.
5. Consider Installation Time and Disruption
For most practices, closing down for refurbishment simply isn’t an option.
Choose cladding that:
- Can be installed over most existing wall surfaces as long as they are smooth, flat, dry and dust-free
- Is fast to install (properly) by experienced fitters
- Creates very little dust
- Allows rooms to be back in use quickly
Why it matters:
Minimal downtime means minimal loss of revenue, and less disruption for staff and pet owners.
6. Ensure It Can Withstand High-Moisture Environments
Areas like kennels, laundry rooms, and wet tables experience constant moisture. Your wall cladding must be able to cope with this type of environment.
Make sure it is:
- Moisture-resistant
- Suitable for wash-down environments
- Designed to prevent mould and mildew growth
Why it matters:
Poor moisture resistance leads to peeling, bubbling and ultimately costly repairs. It looks bad too!
7. Think About Colour and How It Affects Your Space
Colour is often overlooked, but in a veterinary setting, it can influence mood, perception, and even efficiency and productivity of those who use it.
For staff: Soft blues and greens create a calming environment, reducing stress, especially in treatment or prep rooms where concentration matters.
For pet parents: Clean, modern colours give a professional impression. Whites and neutrals suggest hygiene, whilst feature colours can reinforce your brand.
With hygienic cladding available in a wide range of colours, it’s easy to strike the right balance between clinical clarity and a welcoming feel.
8. Consider Long-Term Value, Not Just Upfront Cost
Tiles or paint may appear cheaper initially, but:
- Grout fails
- Paint chips
- Cracks form
- Stains remain
- Maintenance costs rise
A properly installed hygienic wall cladding system lasts significantly longer and needs far less ongoing work.
Why it matters:
By investing more in your refurbishment early on, you’ll reduce long-term costs and free up capital to reinvest elsewhere in the practice.
9. Choose a Trusted Specialist Supplier
Quality materials need quality installation to be truly effective and look their best. When considering suppliers, look for:
- Proven experience in clinical or veterinary environments, in a company like Hycom.
- Product warranties
- Dedicated installation teams
- Case studies or examples of similar work
Why it matters:
Correct installation is critical to ensuring the system performs as it should.
Final Thoughts
Modern veterinary practices need surfaces that are durable, hygienic and designed to support daily clinical pressures. A high-quality wall cladding system can improve hygiene and workflow, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the experience for those who use it. Get in touch with our team today for advice on how we can help refurbish your veterinary practice to the highest standard.
