Shortage of veterinarians in Saxony-Anhalt: Where are the helpers for animals?

Shortage of veterinarians in Saxony-Anhalt: Where are the helpers for animals?

There's a topic that's been floating around in animal husbandry and medicine lately that's of concern to concerned pet owners and veterinarians alike. We're talking about the opening hours of veterinary practices, which have become a real problem in many regions, including the Wittenberg district. A look at the situation makes it clear that many veterinary doctors are only available sporadically, often three days a week or not at all in the afternoon. This results in a real flood of appointments, as many practices are fully booked for weeks. MDR reports that ...

Things look particularly bad in small Bad Schmiedeberg. The only female veterinarian there, Sabine Meumann, who comes from an old veterinary dynasty, is a true all-rounder. Not only is she responsible for large and small animals, but she also has to offer a wide range of treatments. She receives support from a veterinary assistant and her loyal practice dogs. These flexible approaches are particularly necessary in rural areas, where the decline in veterinarians specializing solely in livestock practice is noticeable, which has been dramatic over the last decade. Of the 130 practices in the 1990s, only 22 remain today.

Bottleneck in veterinary care

The statistics from the Federal Chamber of Veterinarians show a positive development: at the end of 2024, over 800 veterinarians were working in Saxony-Anhalt, but the trend is going in the wrong direction. Many young doctors prefer safer urban jobs and avoid self-employment, which is particularly pronounced among female graduates. The chamber reacts and chamber president Wolfgang Gaede sees a need for action. His idea of ​​a rural veterinarian quota, based on the Bavarian model, could be a solution, but the lack of a veterinary specialty in Saxony-Anhalt is proving to be a major obstacle to implementation.

Another focus of the veterinary community is increasing bureaucratization. Meumann reports that around a third of her working time is spent on administrative expenses. In a profession that is actually characterized by a passion for veterinary medicine, there is little time left for the actual treatment. In a lab coat but with a multitude of obligations, the times of classic veterinary visits are far from reality.

The future of veterinary education

What can be done to promote young talent and prepare the veterinarians of tomorrow for the challenges? The Academy for Veterinary Training (ATF) comes into play, which has been active since 1974 and plays a central role in further training. Its task is to check the quality of further training measures and to promote Europe-wide harmonization. This ensures that veterinarians acquire the necessary knowledge in key disciplines such as biochemistry, ethology and radiology.

The study of veterinary medicine is complex: it covers subjects from histology to pathology and offers a wide range of practical training. Graduates receive comprehensive insights into a wide variety of areas, for example through a one-year internship that prepares them for their future tasks, whether in practice or in the public service. But despite this solid training, the profession is changing.

It remains to be seen whether the Chamber's suggestions and the will to change something can ease the situation for veterinarians and animal owners in Saxony-Anhalt. One thing is certain: veterinary care could use a bit of a breath of fresh air.