![Rising vet costs: The impact on animal shelters [July 2026]](https://d2qyp4pqjcr206.cloudfront.net/optimized/gallery/c71317b5-e09f-468c-94da-a5b609e6e88e.webp)
GOT-Folgen: Gestiegene Tierarztkosten belasten deutsche Tierheime [Juli 2026]
Rising vet costs are pushing animal welfare facilities in Germany to their absolute limits in the summer of 2026. Almost four years after the controversial amendment to the German veterinary fee schedule (GOT) in November 2022, the long-term structural consequences are hitting with full force. For many animal shelters, it's now a struggle for bare survival. We take a data-driven look at the current situation, share insights from experts, and break down what this development means for you as a dog owner.
The hard numbers: Why animal shelters are sounding the alarm in July 2026
You've surely noticed at your last vet visit that veterinary care has become more expensive. But while private pet owners can often cushion these costs with insurance or savings, it hits animal shelters infinitely harder. A recent survey by the German Animal Welfare Federation (Deutscher Tierschutzbund) from spring 2026 provides alarming evidence of this crisis.
According to the collected data, nearly 80 percent of the surveyed animal shelters report massive cost increases for veterinary treatments. On average, animal welfare organizations' expenses for the medical care of their charges have risen by 30 to 50 percent. In individual cases, particularly with chronically ill stray animals or complex emergency surgeries, the additional costs are even significantly higher.
- More surrendered pets: Around 80 percent of animal welfare organizations confirm the trend that owners are turning to them because they can no longer afford veterinary costs.
- Rising stray numbers: Roughly 60 percent of facilities are recording an increasing number of stray animals, where a direct link to rising maintenance costs is suspected.
- Funding gap: Local authorities often do not fully cover the increased medical costs for stray animals, further eroding the organizations' budgets.
Expert assessment: Between animal welfare and fair pay
The debate surrounding the GOT consequences is highly complex because it operates in the tension between animal welfare and the economic reality of veterinary practices.
Thomas Schröder, President of the German Animal Welfare Federation, recently found clear words: "Without donations, the lights would have gone out in many animal shelters long ago." He and many other animal advocates are urgently calling for state aid and special regulations or discounts for non-profit animal welfare facilities. There is great concern that sick animals can no longer be adequately treated due to cost reasons or that shelters will have to declare hiring stops.
On the other side are veterinary professional associations, such as the Federal Association of Practicing Veterinarians (bpt) and the Federal Chamber of Veterinarians (BTK). They vehemently defend the 2022 GOT reform. The adjustment was the first comprehensive overhaul since 1999 and, from their perspective, absolutely without alternative. Only through higher fee rates is it possible to finance modern diagnostics (such as CT or MRI) and, above all, finally pay veterinary assistants (TFAs) fair, living wages. According to a unanimous expert opinion, there will be no return to 2019 prices – otherwise, a wave of practice closures would be pre-programmed.
The political dimension: Waiting for the evaluation
In July 2026, the entire industry is looking toward Berlin with anticipation. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has scheduled an official evaluation of the GOT impacts for the current year. By the end of 2026, the results of a comprehensive study are expected to be available, examining how the fee rates have proven themselves in practice.
Yet for many animal shelters, this process takes too long. Although relief for animal welfare was promised in the federal government's coalition agreement, the 2026 federal budget currently provides no concrete financial emergency aid for the overburdened shelters. Animal welfare associations are therefore vehemently demanding a legally binding opening clause in the GOT as part of the evaluation, which would legally allow veterinarians to offer shelters special conditions below the basic fee rate.
What the GOT consequences mean for you as a (future) dog owner
The rising vet costs are not just an abstract political problem; they affect you quite directly. If you are currently thinking about giving a dog a home, financial foresight is more important than ever. An unforeseen torn cruciate ligament or a chronic dental disease can quickly run up bills in the mid-four-figure range today.
This makes it all the more crucial to pay attention to robust health when choosing a dog in the first place. If you are interested in a purebred dog, you should thoroughly research breed-typical hereditary diseases beforehand. Torture-breeding traits or extreme anatomical features are not only an animal welfare problem, but in the era of the new GOT, they also pose an immense financial risk for you as an owner.
In our comprehensive breed overview, you will find detailed and transparent information on the health dispositions of various dog breeds. Furthermore, we recommend checking out our dog owner education center to learn what to look out for when choosing a reputable breeder. A healthy puppy from responsible breeding, where the parent dogs have been demonstrably tested for hereditary diseases, is the best protection against exploding veterinary costs.
Conclusion: Transparency and responsibility as keys
The consequences of the GOT reform will lastingly shape the German pet landscape beyond 2026. While politicians are called upon to find quick and unbureaucratic solutions for collapsing animal shelters, it is up to us dog owners to make responsible decisions. Good pet health insurance is almost mandatory today, as is a critical look at the origin of your pet.
As a trustworthy platform, HonestDog stands by your side. We are committed to helping you find healthy dogs from vetted, reputable breeders. Because lived animal welfare starts even before the purchase – through education, transparency, and the conscious decision for a healthy animal that won't become an expensive chronic patient at the vet's office in the first place.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the GOT consequences in 2026
What exactly is the GOT and why was it increased?
The Veterinary Fee Schedule (GOT) is a legally binding regulation by the federal government that dictates how much veterinarians may charge for specific services. In November 2022, it was comprehensively reformed for the first time since 1999. The increase was necessary to reflect medical progress, keep practices economically viable, and enable fair salaries for practice staff.
Are there exceptions for animal shelters?
Currently (as of July 2026), there is no blanket exception in the GOT that allows veterinarians to bill animal shelters generally below the basic fee rate. It is precisely this lack of flexibility that is criticized by the German Animal Welfare Federation. A potential adjustment is being politically discussed as part of the ongoing GOT evaluation until the end of 2026.
What can I do if I can no longer pay the vet bills for my dog?
Before surrendering your pet to a shelter, you should have an open conversation with your veterinary clinic; payment in installments can often be arranged. Additionally, many cities have animal food banks or charitable organizations that support low-income owners with medical emergencies financially or through volunteer veterinarians. Long-term, taking out pet health or surgical insurance is strongly recommended.