Unidos por Lanzarote (UPL) has proposed an island-wide veterinary voucher scheme aimed at helping residents meet routine and unexpected veterinary costs, particularly where families are experiencing financial difficulties.
The proposal would be based partly on the Cabildo’s Consume Lanzarote model and would combine public funding with contributions from pet owners.
UPL spokesperson Laureano Álvarez said: “there are families who love their pets, care for them, and are responsible, but for whom a vaccination, microchipping, or dealing with an unexpected illness can represent a significant financial burden.”
The proposed scheme would have two main elements.
A Preventive Veterinary Voucher would allow residents to purchase, for example, a €60 voucher for €30, with the Cabildo contributing the remaining €30. It could be used at participating veterinary clinics for services including vaccinations, microchipping, registration, deworming and preventive check-ups.
A Social Veterinary Voucher would be aimed at low-income families. It could generally cover up to 80% of veterinary costs, with higher support possible in exceptional cases. Eligible expenses could include consultations, tests, treatment, medication, surgery, hospitalisation and veterinary emergencies.
UPL is also proposing an Island Veterinary Emergency Fund for exceptional cases. Following a veterinary report and an assessment of the owner’s financial situation, the fund would cover a significant part of treatment costs. Payments would be made directly to participating veterinary clinics rather than to owners.
€250,000 pilot scheme
UPL proposes studying a pilot programme costing €250,000 a year, equivalent to half of the €500,000 allocated by the Cabildo to the new edition of Consume Lanzarote.
The proposed budget would include:
- €150,000 for Preventive Veterinary Vouchers
- €75,000 for Social Veterinary Vouchers
- €25,000 for the Veterinary Emergency Fund
UPL says the preventive scheme could mobilise around €300,000 in veterinary services through its 50% co-financing model. Combined with the social and emergency schemes, the organisation estimates that €250,000 in public funding could generate around €400,000 in veterinary care and local economic activity.
UPL will request a legal review of the proposal and says it wants the Cabildo, the seven municipal governments, veterinary professionals and animal welfare organisations involved in developing the scheme.
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