The most important news first: Your voice as a dog owner is needed now
It’s July 2026, and one topic continues to weigh heavily on dog owners across the country: the massively increased vet costs Germany. Since the comprehensive amendment to the Veterinary Fee Schedule (GOT) in November 2022, prices for many veterinary treatments have risen sharply. Now, there is finally an official opportunity for consumers to take a stand. As part of the legally mandated GOT evaluation, the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Home Affairs (BMLEH, formerly BMEL) is currently conducting a nationwide online survey of pet owners.
Until July 26, 2026, you have the chance to share your personal experiences with the new fee rates anonymously. The results of this survey will feed directly into a scientific study designed to assess the structural and financial need for reform in the current GOT. If you’ve been frustrated by skyrocketing bills for routine check-ups or emergency services over the past four years, this is your moment to take action.
Why the 2026 GOT evaluation is so crucial
When the GOT was updated at the end of 2022, the stated goal of policymakers and veterinary chambers was to ensure comprehensive veterinary care throughout Germany. The underlying structure of the old rates dated back to 1999. Modern diagnostic procedures, rising personnel costs, and inflation made adjustments unavoidable to prevent veterinary practice closures. However, the reality of the last four years has shown that the financial burden was often passed on one-to-one to consumers and an already overburdened animal welfare sector.
The current GOT evaluation is designed to examine exactly these effects. Are the fee rates still reasonable? How much of a burden does the regulation really place on pet owners responsible for payment? That the BMLEH is now explicitly surveying us dog, cat, and horse owners is an important step. Originally, such a broad consumer survey was not mandatory, but the persistent pressure from associations and pet owners has had an impact.
How to participate in the BMLEH survey
Participating in the official online survey for the GOT evaluation takes only about ten minutes. The survey covers topics such as your assessment of price developments, how your behavior regarding vet visits has changed, and whether you have already had to make medical compromises due to costs. The data is evaluated by the commissioned AFC Public Services GmbH in a strictly confidential and anonymized manner. The Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH) also strongly encourages its members and all dog owners to participate actively to create a realistic picture of the current sentiment.
The honest consumer perspective: What is still worth it at these prices?
Let's be honest: the days when you could get away with paying 50 euros for a simple ear infection or minor wound care for your dog are well and truly over. Emergency service fees, in particular, which mandate a 50-euro surcharge and billing at two to four times the standard rate, have pushed many owners to the brink of financial overload. From a consumer perspective, in July 2026, the question is more pressing than ever: How can you provide optimal care for your dog without falling into a debt trap?
1. Pet health insurance: A necessary evil?
Before 2022, comprehensive insurance for dogs was often seen as a luxury. Today, in the wake of the new GOT, we at HonestDog recommend an honest cost-benefit analysis. Premiums for dog insurance have risen in parallel with veterinary costs. Nevertheless, surgery-only insurance is now an absolute must for almost every owner. It covers the most expensive risks (such as cruciate ligament tears or gastric torsion, which can quickly cost between 3,000 and 5,000 euros). Full coverage is especially worthwhile if you take it out while the dog is still a puppy. However, always ensure that the insurer covers up to 4x the GOT rate so you aren't left with the remaining costs during emergency visits.
2. Prevention is the best (and cheapest) protection
Every euro you invest in keeping your dog healthy saves you many times that at the vet. This starts with high-quality, species-appropriate nutrition that prevents lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, or joint problems. Regular dental care at home is also a huge cost-saver: professional dental cleaning under anesthesia at the vet can quickly cost several hundred euros under the current GOT. Use the resources in our education-center to learn about preventive health measures for your four-legged friend.
3. Choosing the right breed and the right breeder
Arguably the biggest lever for avoiding astronomical vet costs exists even before you buy the dog. Torture-breeding and breeds with strong health predispositions (such as extreme brachycephaly, which often leads to expensive respiratory surgeries) are not only critical from an animal welfare perspective but also a massive financial risk. Those who inform themselves transparently beforehand protect both their wallets and animal welfare. In our detailed breed-overview, you will find honest information about breed-specific health risks. A healthy dog from a responsible, strictly vetted breeder is the best long-term "insurance" against a permanent subscription at the vet.
Outlook: What will the evaluation actually achieve?
Many dog owners hope that the GOT evaluation will lead to lower prices in the coming year. Realistically: a general reversal of the fee increases is extremely unlikely. Veterinary practice and personnel costs remain high, and the shortage of skilled workers in veterinary medicine persists.
Nevertheless, the evaluation is not a toothless tiger. If the study, whose results are expected by the end of 2026, proves that certain regulations (such as the rigid emergency service fee or billing modalities for chronically ill animals) are disproportionate, the BMLEH could make targeted adjustments to the regulation. This is precisely why it is so important that politicians see not only the numbers from veterinary practices but also the hard facts from consumers' wallets.
Conclusion: Take action and plan ahead
The increased vet costs Germany are a bitter pill that we as dog owners have had to swallow. The current BMLEH survey in July 2026 now finally offers a channel to express constructive criticism as part of the GOT evaluation. Take ten minutes of your time—for your dog, for yourself, and for animal welfare, which is suffering massively under the current conditions.
At the same time, it is up to us to take personal responsibility. Solid financial protection, consistent health prevention, and the conscious decision to choose healthy dogs are the best strategies to keep costs under control. HonestDog is here to support you as a trusted platform. We are committed to transparency, exclusively recommending strictly vetted breeders and reputable animal shelters, helping you lay the foundation for a long, healthy, and affordable life for your dog.
FAQ about the 2026 GOT Evaluation
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What exactly is the GOT evaluation?
The Veterinary Fee Schedule (GOT) was comprehensively renewed at the end of 2022. The current evaluation is a scientific review commissioned by the BMLEH to examine whether the fee rates set at that time are appropriate and what financial and structural effects they have on practices and pet owners. -
How long can I participate in the BMLEH survey?
The online survey for pet owners is open until July 26, 2026. Participation is voluntary, anonymous, and takes about ten minutes. -
Will vet costs in Germany decrease after the evaluation?
A general price reduction is considered highly unlikely, as practice operating costs remain high. However, it is possible that if disproportionality is proven, certain individual items (e.g., emergency service fees) could be adjusted and made fairer by the legislator.