Netherlands targets incentive-based pay for veterinarians

Authorities in the Netherlands are moving to ban incentive-based pay for veterinarians, adding to mounting attempts by governments worldwide to address pet owners' concerns about the rising cost of veterinary care.

The recommendation from the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) would prohibit linking veterinarians' pay directly to the amount of revenue or profit they generate. It is among a package of proposals from the regulator that includes establishing uniform standards for particular treatments and requiring veterinarians to disclose itemized prices to clients upfront.

This story was published on Jan. 15, 2026.