Veterinary practice

The veterinary practice is the most common form of profession practicing veterinarians . It is led by at least one resident veterinarian and is used for the veterinary care of animals. The operation of a veterinary practice must be reported to the relevant regional veterinary chamber. A license to practice as a veterinarian is required . A veterinary medicine cabinet is attached to the veterinary practice in almost all cases . In 2012 there were around 10,100 veterinary practices in Germany, in which 11,906 veterinarians and 6,343 practice assistants worked.

Classification

A distinction is made between different areas of activity in the practices. A large animal practice is dedicated to the treatment of farm animals. Small pets, including ornamental birds, reptiles and fish, are looked after in a small animal practice . Both forms of practice are combined in a mixed practice .

Another classification is based on the type of practice. A single practice is run by only one veterinarian. In a joint practice , the management is in the hands of several practice owners. In 2011, around 75% of German practicing veterinarians worked in an individual practice, and 21.9% in a group practice. A joint practice is the purpose-oriented association (emergency service, specialization, etc.) of at least two veterinary practices, whereby each practice retains both its legal and economic independence. For a number of years there have also been associations of veterinary practices in the form of a practice association. The individual practices are usually independent veterinarians, but centralize the administrative tasks of the individual practices. The veterinary clinic is a special form of veterinary practice . Another special form are the mobile veterinarians . You can act as a mobile service of the above-mentioned practice forms or offer all services independently on site. These "veterinarians on wheels" are particularly common in large animal medicine.