Most Swedish veterinary complaints end without sanctions

A thematic analysis of 500 complaints filed with Sweden’s Veterinary Disciplinary Board over 2021 to 2023 found that most cases did not end in discipline, even when pet parents raised concerns about care. The study identified three main complaint themes: clinical errors and quality of care, professionalism and ethics, and communication and information. Overall, 87% of cases resulted in no sanction, with admonitions the most common penalty when action was taken. The work also found that many complaints centered on non-medical issues, including empathy, autonomy, and how information was communicated to pet parents. (stud.epsilon.slu.se)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the findings reinforce that complaint risk isn’t just about medicine. In the Swedish dataset, six of 11 sub-themes were tied to non-medical concerns, suggesting that communication, documentation, and perceived professionalism shape whether a dispute escalates. That aligns with a separate 2026 survey of Swedish veterinarians, in which respondents said the disciplinary system had increased record keeping and emphasis on communication, while the authors argued that more training in soft skills and complaint management could help reduce stress and improve preparedness. (stud.epsilon.slu.se)

What to watch: Expect more attention on transparency, communication training, and complaint-handling processes as Sweden continues to examine how its disciplinary system affects both patient safety and veterinary practice. (pub.epsilon.slu.se)