Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, Russia to the east, and Estonia to the south across the Gulf of Finland. The country has a population of approximately 5.5 million people and is home to a significant number of domesticated animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and farm animals. In this article, we will discuss the standard of veterinary care in Finland, the national veterinary association, and how to find English speaking vets in the country.
Standard of Veterinary Care in Finland
The standard of veterinary care in Finland is considered to be excellent. The country has a well-established veterinary system with highly trained professionals and state-of-the-art facilities. Finnish veterinarians are required to complete a five-year university education program and undergo extensive training and continuing education throughout their careers.
The Finnish veterinary care system is divided into public and private sectors. The public sector is responsible for monitoring and controlling animal diseases, while the private sector provides medical care for pets and livestock. The Finnish Food Safety Authority (EVIRA) is the authority responsible for monitoring and controlling animal health and welfare in the country.
Pet owners in Finland can take their pets to private veterinary clinics or hospitals for routine check-ups, vaccinations, and medical care. Most clinics offer a wide range of services, including surgical procedures, dental care, and emergency services. There are also several specialist veterinary hospitals in the country that provide advanced medical care for pets with complex medical conditions.
National Veterinary Association in Finland
The national veterinary association in Finland is the Finnish Veterinary Association (FVA). The association was founded in 1896 and represents veterinarians working in various fields, including private practice, research, education, and public service. The FVA is a member of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and the World Veterinary Association (WVA).
The FVA works to promote the veterinary profession in Finland and supports the professional development of its members. The association also provides information to the public on animal health and welfare issues and advocates for animal welfare legislation.
Contact details for the Finnish Veterinary Association:
- Website: https://www.elainlaakariliitto.fi/english/
- Email: toimisto@elainlaakariliitto.fi
- Phone: +358 9 7745 470
Finding English Speaking Vets in Finland
While most vets in Finland are likely to speak at least some English, it may still be challenging for English speakers to communicate their pets’ needs effectively. Fortunately, there are several resources available for finding English speaking vets in Finland.
One option is to consult the directory provided by the Finnish Veterinary Association (Finnish: Suomen Eläinlääkäriliitto). Their directory lists all licensed veterinarians in Finland and can be sorted by location, language, and specialty. When searching for English speaking vets, select “English” under the language filter. The directory also provides contact information and other relevant details for each vet, making it easy to find a suitable option.
Another option is to consult expat communities and forums online. Websites like Expat.com and InterNations have forums where expats can connect with each other and ask for advice on a range of topics, including finding English speaking vets in Finland. This can be particularly helpful for those who are new to the country and may not be familiar with the local veterinary practices.
It’s also worth noting that many vet clinics in Finland have websites that are available in English. This can be a good indicator that the clinic is accustomed to serving English speaking clients and may have staff who are fluent in the language. When researching potential vets, it can be helpful to check their website to see if it’s available in English.
Availability of Vets in Finland
Finland has a relatively high number of veterinarians per capita, making it easy to find a vet in most areas of the country. In addition to private practices, there are also government-run veterinary clinics and hospitals that provide care to pets and livestock.
Many private vet clinics in Finland offer a range of services, including preventive care, surgery, dental care, and emergency care. Some clinics specialize in particular areas, such as orthopedics or dermatology. It’s important to do research and choose a clinic that can meet your pet’s specific needs.
Government-run veterinary clinics in Finland are typically located in rural areas and provide services primarily to livestock. However, they may also offer some services to companion animals. These clinics are typically open during regular business hours, and appointments may be necessary.
In addition to veterinary clinics and hospitals, there are also mobile veterinary services available in some areas of Finland. These services bring veterinary care directly to pet owners, making it more convenient for those who may have difficulty traveling to a traditional clinic.
Overall, veterinary care in Finland is of a high standard, with a wide range of services available to both companion animals and livestock. The Finnish Veterinary Association provides a comprehensive directory of licensed vets in the country, making it easy to find a suitable provider. For English speakers, there are several resources available for finding a vet who can communicate effectively in English, including the FinnVet directory and expat communities online.