Germany’s Federal Association of Practising Veterinarians (bpt), Association of Independent Companion Animal Clinics (VUK) and Association of Free Large Animal Practitioners (WFG) have called for greater recognition of the economic pressures facing independent veterinary practices.
The real question: can practices remain viable?
In a joint statement last month, the organisations argue that the debate about the future of veterinary medicine is missing a crucial perspective: the financial sustainability of practices that employ veterinarians and provide care locally. They warn that if owning and running an independent practice becomes economically unviable, access to veterinary services, particularly in rural areas and large-animal practice, will suffer.
Why the GOT matters
The organisations stress that the 2022 update of the German Veterinary Fee Schedule (GOT) did not create additional financial room for practices. Instead, it helped absorb rising costs for staff, energy, equipment, materials and administration, allowing practices to maintain salaries, invest and provide emergency services.
Protecting the veterinary workforce
According to the latest statistics from the German Federal Veterinary Chamber (BTK), the number of self-employed veterinarians fell again in 2025 to 11,216, while the number of employed veterinarians increased to 12,125. The organisations argue that attractive salaries and working conditions depend on financially sustainable practices.
A call for a mechanism allowing regular fee updates
‘Our organisations are calling for a reliable mechanism for regularly updating the GOT – which we wish to maintain – so that veterinary fees can keep pace with rising costs,’ explains Heiko Färber, CEO of the BpT. ‘This is essential to maintain accessible, high-quality veterinary care and preserve the independent practice as an important part of veterinary provision.’
Germany is currently the only country in Europe with veterinary fees fixed by law, which can be increased up to threefold, depending on the difficulty of the case or the size of the animal. The most recent update was in 2022. More information here.
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