Secretary of State Jean Rummenie: “Your pet is your joy and sorrow. If your animal is unwell, you naturally want the best care and also want to know what you are paying for it. This is often unclear now, especially in emergency care. That is going to change. I have had good discussions with the professional group, and they will prioritize this.”
The professional group has announced that, within the framework of forming a strong professional organization for veterinary professionals, they will work on standardization regarding transparency and the availability of emergency care. The ministry will support and accelerate this development by providing financial support and intends to invest €250,000.
Research on Veterinary Fees
The research agency Ecorys has investigated the price development of veterinary fees on behalf of the LVVN ministry. This is a first step to gain more insight into what is happening in the market for veterinary care and what we, together with the professional group, can do to enable owners to make a good choice in the care for their animal.
The report shows that the rates for all types of care (regular care and emergency care combined) increased 2 to 2.5 times faster than inflation during that period. The largest increase occurred before chains entered the market. The report also describes the causes of this increase, such as a significant change in supply and demand, combined with the professionalization of veterinary care. The rates for emergency care have risen even faster, 3 to 3.5 times faster than inflation. The rates of chains compared to independent practices are approximately 6% to 10% higher for regular care and about 40% higher for emergency care.
“The significant price increases in emergency care, combined with the increasing role of chains in the organization and provision of emergency care and the potential consequences of chain formation for competition and choice freedom, concern me,” says Rummenie. “But at the same time, I also see that chains play an important – and often specialized – role in the care for pets.”
ACM Research
The Secretary of State is pleased that the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has started an investigation into market functioning in veterinary care. Rummenie: “It is of great importance that the market functions well, with sufficient competition in care provision and pricing.”
The Secretary of State has asked the ACM to consider the consumers freedom of choice in regular care and, in particular, in emergency care in their research. “In addition, I have asked the ACM to make recommendations regarding any market power in veterinary care, particularly concerning the position of chains in emergency care. Once the ACM has completed its research, I will review, in close collaboration with the Minister of Economic Affairs, whether additional measures are necessary.”
Use of Veterinary Assistants
To possibly alleviate the costs and workload for veterinarians, the LVVN ministry is currently exploring the possibilities of having certain treatments carried out by veterinary assistants instead of veterinarians. This, along with efforts for a well-functioning market and improving the information position of consumers, realizes a strong approach.