The Dutch government plans to curb rising veterinary costs by banning financial incentives, but will not introduce maximum veterinary fees at this stage. NU.nl news reports that veterinary costs in the Netherlands have increased significantly in recent years, leaving many pet owners struggling to pay for treatment, particularly emergency care.Research by the Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) found that some owners are paying excessively high prices.
The ACM links much of the price increase to the growing commercialisation of veterinary practices. More clinics arenow owned by large investment-backed chains, some of which ‘focus more than other healthcare providers on factors that can lead to revenue growth’, including encouraging more frequent treatments.
Government plans new legislation
State Secretary Silvio Erkens, who is responsible for Animal Health, has announced plans to introduce legislation that would prohibit these types of financial incentives. The aim is to better protect pet owners from unnecessary costs, although it remains unclear how the proposed ban will be implemented in practice.
Despite growing political pressure, Erkens has decided against introducing a price ceiling for veterinary services. Earlier this year, 143 of the 150 members of the Dutch House of Representatives supported a motion asking the government to explore maximum rates. Instead, the ACM will continue to monitor the veterinary market and conduct another evaluationin five years. If prices remain excessively high and market forces fail to improve affordability, the government may still consider introducing regulated prices.
Veterinarian on costs
Meanwhile, the debate over veterinary costs continues. Speaking on NPO Radio, veterinarian Piet Hellemans agreedthat rising costs have become ‘a major problem’, especially in regions where only chain-owned veterinary practices remain.
However, he argued that higher prices are not solely the result of commercialisation.
‘We want the best care, and that costs money,’ Hellemans said. He noted that veterinary chains invest in equipment,staff training and modern facilities. ‘You can’t expect to get a front-row seat for peanuts.’ Hellemans believes one measure could immediately reduce costs for pet owners: veterinary medicine is the only medical profession in the Netherlands subject to 21% VAT. ‘If politicians want to, they can remove it. Then veterinary care would become 21% cheaper tomorrow,’ Hellemans noted. He also encouraged pet owners to consider taking out pet insurance and advisedagainst buying pedigree dogs and cats, which are often more prone to health problems.
Concerns over commercialisation
Others argue that commercial interests remain at the heart of the issue. Gerrit de Boom, who works for the animal ambulance service in Vianen, believes shareholders are benefiting from the rising costs. ‘When you look at the annualreports of those expensive chains, you see why it is so expensive. It is for the shareholders,’ De Boom said. He reiterated that the animal ambulance regularly receives calls from distressed pet owners who cannot afford veterinary treatment. ‘People call us in tears because their pet is not doing well,’ he explained, adding that many seek help onlywhen the situation has become critical.
Pet owners share experiences
Pet owners themselves are also noticing significant differences in costs. NPO Radio highlighted the experience of onelistener who eventually sought treatment for her large dog in Belgium, after facing mounting bills and limited treatment options in the Netherlands. ‘We eventually ended up in Belgium. There, we were confronted with the harsh reality of how big the difference in price and care is.’ Another listener whose cat required specialist treatment claimed veterinaryclinics sometimes exploit owners’ emotions during stressful situations.
Thus, while the Dutch cabinet hopes stricter rules on financial incentives will make veterinary care more affordable over time, many pet owners and animal welfare organisations believe stronger measures such as removing VAT or introducing price caps are needed sooner rather than later.
Written by Nicole Bea Kerr