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Iceland – Veterinary Care

Iceland is known for its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and outdoor adventures. For pet owners traveling to Iceland or residing in the country, finding quality veterinary care is essential. In this article, we will discuss the standard of veterinary care in Iceland, the national veterinary association, and the availability of English-speaking vets.

Standard of Veterinary Care in Iceland

The standard of veterinary care in Iceland is high, with well-trained and qualified veterinarians providing quality care to their patients. Veterinary clinics in Iceland offer a range of services, including vaccinations, surgeries, dental care, and laboratory testing. In addition, there are specialized clinics that offer services such as ophthalmology, cardiology, and neurology.

The fees for veterinary services in Iceland can be higher than in other countries, due in part to the high cost of living in Iceland. However, the quality of care is generally considered to be worth the price.

National Veterinary Association in Iceland

The Icelandic Veterinary Association (IVA) is the professional organization that represents veterinarians in Iceland. The association is committed to promoting animal health and welfare, as well as supporting the professional development of veterinarians in Iceland.

The contact details for the IVA are as follows:

  • Address: Icelandic Veterinary Association, Borgartún 30, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland
  • Phone: +354 575 1500
  • Email: iav@iav.is
  • Website: https://www.iav.is/

The IVA provides a range of services to its members, including continuing education courses, networking opportunities, and access to the latest research and information in the field of veterinary medicine. The association also works closely with government agencies and other organizations to promote animal health and welfare in Iceland.


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Availability of Vets in Iceland

Veterinary clinics can be found throughout Iceland, with many clinics located in the larger cities and towns. However, due to the small population of Iceland, the number of veterinary clinics may be limited in some rural areas.

One example of a veterinary clinic in Reykjavik is the Icelandic Animal Hospital. The clinic offers a range of services, including consultations, surgeries, dental care, and laboratory testing. The clinic also has an on-site pharmacy and a pet store.

Another option for pet owners in Iceland is to use the mobile veterinary services provided by Hestdoktorinn. Hestdoktorinn provides consultations, vaccinations, and laboratory testing in the comfort of the pet owner’s home. This service is particularly useful for pet owners who live in more remote areas of Iceland.

English-Speaking Vets in Iceland

For English-speaking pet owners, finding a vet who can communicate effectively can be crucial. Fortunately, many veterinary clinics in Iceland have English-speaking staff who can provide services to non-Icelandic-speaking pet owners.

One example of an English-speaking veterinary clinic in Reykjavik is the Nordic Animal Clinic. The clinic has a team of English-speaking veterinarians who can provide a range of services, including consultations, surgeries, dental care, and laboratory testing. The clinic also offers emergency services.

Another option for English-speaking pet owners is the Sæplast Veterinary Clinic in Akureyri. This clinic has a team of English-speaking veterinarians who can provide consultations, surgeries, dental care, and laboratory testing. The clinic also has an on-site pharmacy and offers boarding services.

In conclusion, the standard of veterinary care in Iceland is high, with well-trained and qualified veterinarians providing quality care to their patients. The Icelandic Veterinary Association plays an important role in promoting animal health and welfare and supporting the professional development of veterinarians in Iceland. For English-speaking pet owners, there are several veterinary clinics in Iceland with English-speaking staff who can provide services, and mobile veterinary services are also available. It is important to research and find a clinic that offers emergency services, particularly if you have a pet with a chronic condition or in need of emergency care. It is also worth noting that Iceland has strict regulations regarding the importation of pets, and pet owners should ensure that their pets meet all the necessary requirements before traveling to Iceland.

Overall, Iceland offers high-quality veterinary care for pets, with well-trained veterinarians and a range of services available. With the availability of English-speaking vets, pet owners from all over the world can rest assured that their furry friends will receive excellent care while in Iceland.