Struggling Vet Practices Turning to Foreign Recruits: Iranian Vets Fill the Gap
Foreign veterinarians sought due to domestic shortage of skilled professionals - Consultation conducted on proposed directive safeguarding animal and environmental welfare
Want to know why you've been waiting weeks for a vet appointment in rural areas? The doc shortage isn't just affecting human health—vets are feeling the pinch too. With open positions hanging around for months, foreign vets are increasingly being roped in to fill the void. Matthias Link, a vet from Varrel near Kirchdorf, has been employing foreign vets since 2024, including an Iranian vet and one from Tehran.
At first, Asal Ilkhani Zadeh, a 30-year-old vet from Tehran, found the transition challenging. "The dialect here is completely different from what I learned in my German classes, especially when people are stressed about their animals," she admits. But overall, the job doesn't differ significantly from what she does back home. Zadeh works in the small animal practice, while her colleague Mohammad Ranjbar, a 33-year-old from Tabriz in Iran, handles the livestock section. Ranjbar appreciates the peace and nature in Northern Germany and the friendly people.
Although the number of practicing vets has increased nationwide since 2013, many are only part-time, and women make up over 70% of the workforce. In the next ten years, around 3,000 practice owners will retire due to age, leaving a significant gap. Link, a 61-year-old vet running his practice for 28 years, says, "As a self-employed person, I work 50 to 60 hours a week, which means I would need another one to one and a half colleagues."
Lower Saxony's government is pushing for a speedier process to recognize foreign vet training in light of the problem. Unfortunately, the issue has been delayed in the Bundesrat. Not only practice owners, but also vet offices are grappling with staff shortages. "It's not just about healthy animals, but also about disease control, feed, and food safety," warns Miriam Staudte, the Lower Saxony Minister of Agriculture (Greens).
The Lower Saxony Chamber of Veterinarians reported 6,819 members last year, with 324 non-German citizens. The current foreign quota is 4.8%. There are currently 22 applications for the issuance of licenses from so-called third countries—these mainly come from Ukraine, Iran, and Turkey.
To expedite the recognition of foreign degrees, Lower Saxony's Minister of Agriculture Staudte suggests the possibility of a knowledge test instead of reviewing documents. This would be particularly useful in situations where documents can't be obtained due to flight or are unavailable later.
The Chamber of Veterinarians in Lower Saxony attributes the personnel problem to an immediate need for colleagues from abroad, as around 800 practice owners in the region are 57 years and older and will likely retire in the next ten years. Simultaneously, the number of study places at the five veterinary medicine locations in Germany has remained almost unchanged. The female proportion among graduates is 85%.
The demand for veterinary care is on the rise due to medical advancements and increasing pet ownership. Link, who has previously employed vets from Iran, Bulgaria, Poland, Turkey, and Guinea-Bissau, reflects on the evolution of small animal care: "What we do today with small animals is nothing like it was before. The possibilities were more limited in the past, but so was the willingness of owners to pay for their pets' treatment." He's had positive experiences with foreign vets, including his new ones from Iran. "The key is communication," he insists. "80% of our job is psychology—it's the same in almost all jobs that involve people."
Insights and Solutions
- Language Barriers and Solutions: Proficiency in German is essential for foreign vets to integrate into the German veterinary workforce. Language courses or certification could be helpful.
- Recognition of Foreign Qualifications: Foreign vet qualifications must be recognized by German authorities, potentially entailing additional examinations or training.
- Cultural and Professional Adaptation: Adapting to German cultural norms and professional practices is crucial for foreign vet success.
- Targeted Recruitment: Developing programs specifically targeting foreign vets, such as those from Iran, could help address staffing shortages.
- Language and Cultural Support: Offering language courses and cultural orientation could facilitate integration.
- Collaboration with International Bodies: Collaborating with international veterinary organizations or educational institutions could streamline the recognition of foreign qualifications.
- Community policy should be implemented to specifically address language barriers faced by foreign vets in Germany, such as offering language courses or certifications.
- Vocational training programs for foreign vets could be established to help them adapt to German professional practices and cultural norms.
- Science can play a significant role in developing strategies to expedite the recognition of foreign vet qualifications by German authorities, potentially including alternative methods like knowledge tests.
- Education and self-development opportunities, including career development workshops and fitness and exercise programs, can support foreign vets in acclimating to the workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness culture in Germany.
- As part of the community policy, pet-related lifestyle programs could be offered to foreign vets to help them bond with their patients and improve communication with pet owners.
