Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula in Southern Europe, is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and stunning architecture. The country is also home to many pets, with dogs and cats being the most popular. As such, veterinary care is an important aspect of pet ownership in Portugal. In this article, we will explore the standard of veterinary care in Portugal, the national veterinary association, and how to find English speaking vets or the availability of vets in the country.
Standard of Veterinary Care in Portugal
The standard of veterinary care in Portugal is generally high, with many well-trained and experienced veterinarians throughout the country. Most veterinarians in Portugal have a degree in veterinary medicine, and many have also completed post-graduate training in specialized fields such as surgery or internal medicine.
Veterinary clinics in Portugal offer a wide range of services, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, surgical procedures, and emergency care. Many clinics also offer additional services such as grooming, boarding, and dental care. The fees for veterinary care in Portugal are generally reasonable, although prices may vary depending on the location of the clinic and the services provided.
National Veterinary Association in Portugal
The national veterinary association in Portugal is the Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários (OMV). The OMV is responsible for regulating the veterinary profession in Portugal, ensuring that veterinarians meet the highest standards of education and training. The OMV also provides a forum for veterinarians to exchange ideas and collaborate on research.
Full contact details for the OMV are as follows:
Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários
Av. da República, 53 – 4¬∫ Esq
1050-206 Lisbon
Portugal
Phone: +351 217 938 200
Email: geral@omv.pt
Website: https://www.omv.pt/
Availability of Vets in Portugal
Portugal has a good number of veterinarians who are readily available to cater to the needs of pet owners. In fact, there are over 5,000 registered veterinarians in the country, which translates to a ratio of one veterinarian for every 1,400 inhabitants, making it one of the countries with the highest number of veterinarians per capita in Europe.
Pet owners in Portugal can access veterinary care services from a range of private clinics, hospitals, and universities across the country. The services provided by these institutions include preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation for pets. The availability of vets in Portugal is, therefore, quite good, and pet owners can access quality care for their pets.
Finding English-Speaking Vets in Portugal
For English-speaking expatriates living in Portugal, finding a vet who speaks English can be important. While many vets in Portugal speak English, there are some who may not, and for pet owners who are not fluent in Portuguese, it can be challenging to communicate effectively with their vet.
One way to find an English-speaking vet in Portugal is to check the website of the Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários. The website provides a directory of registered veterinarians in Portugal, which includes their contact information and the languages they speak. By filtering your search for veterinarians who speak English, you can find a vet who is fluent in the language and can provide effective communication.
Another option is to check expat forums, such as Expat.com, where you can connect with other expatriates in Portugal who may have recommendations for English-speaking vets in their area. This can be particularly useful if you are new to Portugal and do not know where to start your search.
Some of the private clinics and hospitals in Portugal that have English-speaking vets include:
The British Veterinary Hospital, which has branches in Lisbon, Cascais, and Porto. They offer a range of services, including consultations, vaccinations, surgery, and hospitalization, and their staff is fluent in English.
The Algarve Veterinary Clinic, which is located in Almancil and provides a range of veterinary services, including surgery, dentistry, and diagnostic imaging. Their staff is fluent in English and can provide effective communication with English-speaking pet owners.
The Oporto Veterinary Clinic, which is located in Porto and offers a range of veterinary services, including consultations, surgery, and hospitalization. Their staff is fluent in English and can provide effective communication with English-speaking pet owners.
In conclusion, veterinary care in Portugal is of a high standard, and pet owners can access quality care for their pets from a range of private clinics, hospitals, and universities across the country. Additionally, finding an English-speaking vet in Portugal is relatively easy, and pet owners can access the services of veterinarians who speak the language either by searching the directory provided by the Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários or by connecting with other expatriates in Portugal who may have recommendations for English-speaking vets in their area.