Farmers' association appalled: Veterinarians are drastically increasing fees

In November, the cost of a visit to the vet increases - and not too little.

Farmers' association appalled: Veterinarians are drastically increasing fees

In November, the cost of a visit to the vet increases - and not too little. The higher fees are becoming a financial burden, especially for livestock farmers, and from the point of view of the doctors, the step is long overdue.

Whether dog, cat or mouse - pet owners will have to dig deeper into their pockets from November if a medical examination or treatment is due in practice. Because from November 22nd, a new fee schedule for veterinarians will come into force. The additional financial burden affects farmers in particular, and the farmers' association is appalled.

For cats and dogs, there will be a practice fee of at least EUR 23.62 in future, previously the amounts were EUR 8.98 and EUR 13.47. For cattle, the price increases from 12.84 euros to 20.54 euros. "The renewed, significant increase in fees is unacceptable and will mean that some farmers can hardly afford veterinary care," said the deputy general secretary of the farmers' association, Udo Hemmerling, to the "Augsburger Allgemeine Zeitung". Feed, energy and fuel are already a burden for many farmers due to the current price increases.

From the point of view of the veterinarians, the adjustment is "long overdue", as Dr. Uwe Tiedemann, President of the Federal Chamber of Veterinarians (BTK), announced in a press release. The adjustment of the fee schedule should ensure that a veterinary practice can be run economically. "This is the only way to ensure a nationwide supply of the animals."

In the communication, the BTK also speaks of more transparency and better protection of animal owners from "cheating". Competition among veterinarians should be based on performance, not price. A high quality of veterinary service is good for animal welfare and in agriculture it also serves "consumer protection through healthy and residue-free animal products".

(This article was first published on Tuesday, September 06, 2022.)