Dr Malou Blasen delves into the challenges of veterinary work

Luxembourg currently counts around 300 veterinarians, with roughly 280 working in clinics for small animals or specialising in large animals. Yet the number of new entrants to the field is declining, and retention is a growing concern. Speaking to RTL, Dr Blasen said the situation is serious, as fewer people are choosing to study veterinary medicine, and of those who graduate, up to a third leave the profession within three to five years.

This, she added, is made worse by the increasing number of women in the profession, many of whom choose to work part-time. As a result, when one full-time vet leaves, two or even three part-time replacements may be needed to fill the gap, she said.

Although it remains a "dream job", Dr Blasen stressed that it is also one that demands idealism. The work itself is physically and emotionally challenging, and the pressure from clients can be immense. She noted that the profession is experiencing growing hostility from the public, particularly online. Harassment, unfair criticism, and verbal abuse have become frequent, with social media bashing adding to the strain, Dr Blasen said.

She pointed out that the connection between clients and veterinarians is far more direct than that between patients and human doctors. When a pet dies, owners often seek someone to blame, even though, she said, the vet may have done everything possible. Dr Blasen explained that this emotional burden, combined with the professional workload, has led some young vets to experience burnout and even tragic outcomes abroad, including a recent case in Belgium where a young veterinarian took her own life after being targeted online.

Aggression and long hours

In some cases, the pressure does not even stop at verbal abuse. Dr Blasen recalled that a young veterinarian had recently been physically attacked during a night shift at a clinic in Bereldange. While such incidents remain rare in Luxembourg, they are becoming more frequent in neighbouring countries, where emergency clinics have occasionally had to close temporarily due to violent outbursts from clients, she said.

She also highlighted that the job extends far beyond regular hours. She explained that small-animal practices share emergency duties until midnight, after which one of the country's two 24-hour clinics takes over. Dr Blasen also noted that on weekends and public holidays, clinics alternate shifts to ensure round-the-clock coverage. Large-animal and equine vets, by contrast, provide full 24-hour service every day of the week, guaranteeing that help is always available when animals are in distress, she said.

Emotional burden of euthanasia

One of the most emotionally taxing parts of the job, Dr Blasen admitted, is performing euthanasia. She said that even after fifteen years in practice, the act of putting an animal to sleep always leaves a mark. The challenge, she explained, lies not only in ending the animal's life but also in supporting grieving owners who are often deeply attached to their pets. Standing by them in those moments, she added, can be emotionally draining.

The issue of costs and criticism

Addressing the issue of costs, Dr Blasen acknowledged that the cost of veterinary care is often a point of contention. She explained that there are no fixed prices in Luxembourg, and each practice is free to set its own fees. Price agreements would, in fact, be illegal under competition law, she said.

Dr Blasen highlighted that prices have inevitably risen, largely because of the increasing demand for advanced treatments, adding that most clinics now have X-ray machines, ultrasound scanners, and in-house blood-testing equipment, all of which represent major investments.

She noted that many people underestimate these costs, particularly when comparing them with human healthcare, where much of the expense is covered by national insurance. When paying directly, as is the case at the vet, the costs appear higher, even though, in her view, veterinary services remain relatively inexpensive by comparison.

Changing relationship between people and pets

Asked whether people in Luxembourg take good care of their animals, Dr Blasen said that most pets she sees in practice are well looked after. Cases of neglect are rare, she added, though those animals often never make it to the vet. She praised the work of animal welfare organisations and volunteers, who intervene whenever cases of mistreatment arise.

At the same time, she observed that some pets today might be almost too pampered. Many animals are treated like children or partners, with owners buying them every possible accessory, she said. She questioned whether that always reflects genuine animal welfare, noting that some pets spend most of their time indoors on the sofa rather than being walked or stimulated as they should be.

She smiled when asked about luxury pet products, such as heated dog beds or jumpers. Most dogs, she said, do not need such items, except perhaps certain hairless or short-haired breeds during very cold or wet weather. For indoor pets lounging on the sofa, she concluded that "a hoodie isn't necessary".

Interview in Luxembourgish