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How to make an appointment with a veterinarian in Luxembourg

This guide will take you step by step through the process of making an appointment with a veterinarian in Luxembourg. We will tell you how to choose the right clinic, how to make an appointment and what documents you may need.

Last time updated
19.06.24

Be prepared to take responsibility when you make the fateful decision to get a pet. Cats, dogs and other our little friends cannot talk, but they can show you if something is wrong with them, or you can notice it yourself. In such a case, you must immediately go to a veterinary clinic for help.

A veterinarian's help may be needed in a wide range of situations. Here are some examples of when you should be worried and take your pet to the vet:

Behavior and mood changes

If your pet has suddenly become apathetic or sad, it could be a sign of illness. For example, a normally energetic and playful dog may suddenly refuse to go for a walk or play with a favorite toy. A cat may hide and avoid contact if she is in pain or discomfort.

Appetite changes

If your pet has stopped eating or drinking, it could be a sign of digestive or dental problems, or even an infectious disease.

Digestive problems

Frequent vomiting or liquid stools may indicate an infection, food poisoning, or other serious problem. If your pet doesn't go to the bathroom for more than two days, it could be a sign of a bowel obstruction.

Injuries

If your pet suffers an injury, such as an accidental fall and limp, or is bitten by another animal or insect, call your veterinarian immediately. It's also important to see a veterinarian if your pet has eaten something dangerous or poisonous. For example, if your dog has eaten chocolate or other foods that are toxic to him.

Signs of pain or discomfort

Animals can't talk, but they can show signs of pain, such as constantly licking a sore spot or biting a certain part of their body. Your pet's voice may also change, such as whining or meowing at an odd volume.

Respiratory problems

Difficulty breathing, frequent coughing or sneezing can be signs of respiratory problems. If you notice your pet breathing heavily, sniffling strangely, or coughing or sneezing more than usual, contact a veterinarian.

Changes in appearance

Your pet may also experience changes in appearance. For example, there may be hair loss, bald patches, itching, red or inflamed skin. Eye irritation or strange discharges also require veterinary attention.

Regular checkups

Even if your pet looks healthy, regular visits to the veterinarian are necessary to prevent disease and maintain overall health. Regular visits are also necessary for vaccinations and routine check-ups.

Remember that sometimes your pet may only need to be monitored for a day or two, but it is best to contact a professional at the first sign of concern.

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Choosing the right veterinary clinic plays an important role in your pet's life. Let's look at some options on how to choose a clinic in Luxembourg and what to do in case of an emergency.

Don't forget to take out insurance for your pet - it is extremely important for their health. Insurance will help cover medical expenses and ensure that your pet receives proper care when needed. Dog insurance is also mandatory in Luxembourg.

When you have a routine check-up

For regular check-ups, vaccinations and other procedures, you should choose a clinic where your pet is seen on a regular basis. Your regular veterinarian already knows your pet's medical history and has probably been monitoring his or her condition for some time. If there is a change in your pet's health during an exam, the doctor will know right away.

How to choose a clinic
References
Your friends, family or colleagues can recommend the clinic, but you can also read reviews on special websites or Google Maps.
Clinic location
Choose a clinic that is convenient for you to get to from home or work. That way, you'll have less trouble transporting your pet for check-ups.
Clinic Services
Research the clinic's website and the services they offer. It's also important to know what kind of technology and equipment the staff has.
Staff qualifications
Pay attention to the doctors and their qualifications. This may be especially important if your pet has a complex medical condition.

Of course, the cost of services is an important factor in this process. However, when it comes to the health and life of your beloved pet, you should properly balance your options and the help you are given to choose the best option. Especially when the price is justified by highly trained professionals, quality treatment and attention to your pet.

To make it easier to choose a veterinarian and clinic, you can read our special article.

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Emergency Situations

In the event of an emergency - injury, poisoning or obvious signs of illness - do not delay your pet's veterinary appointment. Go to the clinic immediately.

What are emergency situations?

  1. Injury

    For example, your pet has fallen, been hit by a car, or been bitten while out for a walk.

  2. Poisoning

    Your pet has eaten something outside or at home.

  3. Difficulty breathing

    Your pet can't breathe normally, sniffles, or can't breathe through the nose.

  4. Seizures

    This could be a sign of epilepsy, seizure, or another serious condition.

  5. Vomiting

    This could be vomiting, diarrhea, or blood, which could indicate either internal injury or infection.

Where to go

If you have your own clinic and it is open at the time of the emergency and located in the immediate area, then it is best to go there. In all other cases - you will need to use the services of an animal college.

What is a veterinary college?

The country is home to the Collège vétérinaire. It brings together several professional organisations:

  • AMVL. Association of Veterinarians of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg - Association des Médecins Vétérinaires du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg.
  • LAK. Luxembourg Association of Small Animal Specialists - Association Luxembourgeoise des Praticiens 'Petits Animaux'.
  • LGP. Luxembourg Association of Large and Domestic Animal Specialists - Association Luxembourgeoise des Praticiens des 'Animaux de Rente'.
  • ALVH. Luxembourg Association of Food Hygiene and Safety Specialists - Association Luxembourgeoise des Vétérinaires Hygiènistes.

The Association's veterinarians work in shifts, are on call and are available 24 hours a day to help your pet. Here are the official recommendations for what to do in an emergency.

  1. Call the doctor on duty

    Several veterinarians are on duty every day throughout the Grand Duchy and can be reached on 112 or +26 77 12 3426 77 12 34. You can also find the contact details of the on-call veterinarian on the official website.

  2. Tell what happened

    The committee reminds that an on-call veterinarian is not an attending physician and if he or she is not on call, he or she may not be on site. Also, on-call veterinarians do not treat a pet's regular illnesses, only emergencies.

  3. Go to the address

    It may be listed on the website or the veterinarian will inform you in addition. The Collegium also reminds you that there is an additional charge for such a visit.

Official brochure in French
PDF
An official memo from the College of Veterinarians on what constitutes an emergency and what to do in such a situation.
FR
An official memo from the College of Veterinarians on what constitutes an emergency and what to do in such a situation.
Download

The list of documents for a visit (both in the case of a regular checkup and in the case of an emergency appointment) does not differ much. It is best to keep a package of documents in one place, so that it is possible to take everything at once and not forget anything (especially relevant in case of an emergency).

What documents to take with you
Something doesn't seem to be right
Check the list again - these documents may be vital to your pet's health!
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Veterinary passport
This document contains information about vaccinations, deworming of your pet, and also stores data on previous medical examinations and past diseases.
Medical records
Any clinic statements, test results, x-rays, and so on.
Insurance card
Make sure the policy covers the services you need.
Your documents
Passport or ID
Information about your medical condition
If you have an emergency, be prepared to tell the doctor in detail about all your symptoms, what happened, when and what is bothering you.
Give your doctor a notice
For both routine and emergency visits, you will need to call your veterinarian to schedule a visit.
Something doesn't seem to be right
Check the list again - these documents may be vital to your pet's health!
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.

After a visit to the veterinarian, your primary responsibility is to clearly follow the veterinarian's instructions and recommendations:

  • Purchase the necessary medications and clearly follow the schedule for administering them;
  • Schedule follow-up visits with the veterinarian;
  • Find out if you will be reimbursed by your pet's insurance company.

Where to buy medicines

In Luxembourg, as in any other country, there are many ways to obtain medicines:

Buy from your veterinarian
Veterinary clinics often have special shops where you can find everything you need for your pet.
Buy online
In Luxembourg, some medicines, special foods and other things necessary for your pet's recovery can be ordered online. For example, you can use Amazon or Zooplus, which deliver all over Europe.
Buying medication from a specialist shop
Medicines and other pet products are sold in a shop in Petange. Address: 10 Avenue de la Gare-4734 Pétange, Luxembourg, Phone: +50 70 41, website: pharmacieonline.lu

Insurance refunds

Of course, the refund process (and refundability in general) depends on your insurer and the benefits included in your policy. In general, here's what you need to do to recoup the money you've spent on your pet's care:

  1. Review the pet's insurance

    Make sure the care you received is covered by your insurance.

  2. Go to your insurance company's website

    Under "Refunds" (it may be called "Reimbursement" or "Pet Insurance Claim Form"), you'll find step-by-step instructions and any necessary forms.

  3. Fill out the form, if necessary

    Attach all receipts and statements for your pet's care.

  4. Submit your claim

    All contact information should be listed on your insurance company's website.

After that, all you have to do is wait for a response from the insurance company. If there is anything wrong with your application or if there are errors, you will be contacted by phone or email.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to get emergency veterinary care in Luxembourg

How to choose a hospital for your pet

What documents do I need to bring to the vet

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