Austria boasts a comprehensive network of veterinary services, from neighborhood clinics to specialized university hospitals. With over 3,000 registered veterinarians across the country, pet owners have access to quality care in both urban and rural areas.
Finding a Veterinarian
Choosing the right veterinarian is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a pet owner. Here's how to find quality care in Austria.
Official Directory
The Austrian Veterinary Chamber (Osterreichische Tierarztekammer) maintains an official directory of all licensed veterinarians in the country. You can search by:
- Location (city, district, or postal code)
- Specialization (small animals, exotic pets, etc.)
- Services offered
- Languages spoken
What to Look For
When selecting a veterinary practice, consider:
- Proximity: A nearby vet is important for regular visits and emergencies
- Opening hours: Do they fit your schedule?
- Emergency services: What happens outside regular hours?
- Language: Many Austrian vets speak English, especially in cities
- Specializations: Important if you have exotic pets or specific health concerns
First Visit Tip
Schedule an initial consultation before any urgent need arises. This allows you to evaluate the clinic, establish a relationship, and ensure your pet's medical history is on file.
Emergency Veterinary Care
Knowing where to go in an emergency can save your pet's life. Austria has 24-hour emergency veterinary services in all major cities.
Vienna Emergency Clinics
Vienna offers several options for emergency veterinary care:
- Veterinarmedizinische Universitat Wien (Vetmeduni): The veterinary university operates a 24-hour clinic with specialists in all areas
- Private 24-hour clinics: Several private practices offer round-the-clock emergency services
- On-call veterinarians: Some regular practices participate in a rotation system for after-hours emergencies
Other Major Cities
Emergency veterinary services are also available in:
- Graz: University clinic and private emergency services
- Linz: Emergency clinics with 24-hour availability
- Salzburg: Private clinics with extended hours
- Innsbruck: Regional emergency services
When to Seek Emergency Care
Contact emergency services immediately if your pet shows signs of: difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, suspected poisoning, inability to urinate, collapse, or severe trauma. When in doubt, call for advice.
Veterinary Costs in Austria
Understanding typical costs helps you budget for your pet's healthcare and avoid surprises.
Standard Consultation Fees
Typical costs at Austrian veterinary clinics (approximate ranges):
- Basic consultation: 40-80 EUR
- Vaccinations: 50-100 EUR (including consultation)
- Blood tests: 50-150 EUR depending on scope
- X-rays: 80-200 EUR
- Dental cleaning: 150-400 EUR (including anesthesia)
- Spay/neuter surgery: 150-400 EUR depending on animal and complexity
Note: Prices vary significantly between practices and regions. Always request an estimate before procedures.
Emergency and After-Hours Fees
Emergency veterinary care typically costs more due to:
- After-hours surcharges (often 50-100% higher)
- Weekend and holiday rates
- Specialist consultation fees
- Advanced diagnostic equipment usage
Pet Insurance in Austria
Pet insurance can help manage unexpected veterinary costs. Several Austrian and international companies offer coverage for pets.
Types of Coverage
- Accident-only insurance: Covers injuries from accidents
- Comprehensive health insurance: Covers illness, accidents, and sometimes preventive care
- Liability insurance: Essential for dog owners, covers damage your pet causes to others
What to Consider
When comparing pet insurance policies:
- Annual coverage limits
- Deductibles and co-pays
- Pre-existing condition exclusions
- Waiting periods
- Age restrictions
- Reimbursement methods (direct payment vs. reimbursement)
Major Providers
Pet insurance providers operating in Austria include both Austrian companies and international insurers. Compare multiple quotes before deciding, as coverage and costs vary significantly.
Insurance Tip
For dog owners in Austria, liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung) is highly recommended and sometimes required by law, particularly for certain breeds. This covers damage your dog may cause to other people or property.
Specialized Veterinary Care
Austria has veterinary specialists in virtually all areas of animal medicine, particularly concentrated in Vienna and larger cities.
Available Specializations
- Veterinary oncology: Cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Cardiology: Heart conditions
- Dermatology: Skin conditions and allergies
- Ophthalmology: Eye conditions
- Orthopedics: Bone and joint issues
- Neurology: Nervous system disorders
- Exotic animal medicine: Birds, reptiles, small mammals
Referral Process
For specialized care, your regular veterinarian will typically provide a referral. This includes:
- Medical history summary
- Previous test results
- Suspected diagnosis or concerns
Preventive Care Recommendations
Regular preventive care is the foundation of your pet's health. Austrian veterinarians typically recommend:
For Dogs
- Annual wellness examination
- Core vaccinations with appropriate boosters
- Monthly parasite prevention (year-round or seasonal)
- Annual dental evaluation
- Senior screening (age 7+): blood work, urinalysis
For Cats
- Annual wellness examination (twice yearly for seniors)
- Core vaccinations with appropriate boosters
- Regular parasite prevention (especially for outdoor cats)
- Dental care monitoring
- Weight management guidance
Resources
Official resources for veterinary information in Austria:
- Austrian Veterinary Chamber - Official veterinarian directory
- Veterinarmedizinische Universitat Wien - University veterinary hospital
- AGES - Animal health and safety information
Last updated: February 2026. Pricing information is approximate and should be verified with individual practices. Always contact clinics directly for current fees.