Dream Job? The Trend is Towards Veterinarian Series - German TV's female vets reflect real struggles in a changing profession
German television is showcasing a new wave of veterinary news that mirror real-life trends in the profession. Shows like The Maiwald Practice and Two Women for Every Paw put female vets at the centre of the story, reflecting the fact that around 66% of practicing veterinarians in Germany are now women. Behind the scenes, however, the reality of the job remains challenging, with studies revealing high rates of stress and mental health struggles among professionals.
The portrayal of female veterinarians on screen has evolved dramatically over the decades. In the 1960s to 1980s, series like Der Tierarzt Dr. Vlimmen and Tierarzt Dr. Marek often relegated women to minor, stereotypical roles as assistants. Modern productions, such as Tierärztin Dr. Tetzlaff (since 2020), now feature them as strong, independent leads. This shift aligns with broader changes in the field, where women have become the majority.
Two new series highlight this transformation. ZDF's The Maiwald Practice follows Johanna Maiwald, played by Doris Schretzmayer, a vet working in an Alpine village. Schretzmayer, who grew up on a farm, blends practical experience with acting to create a character who handles both animals and their owners. Meanwhile, ARD's Two Women for Every Paw stars Bettina Zimmermann as Maja Freydank, a vet with a deep personal bond to animals. The show premiered in autumn 2025 with two episodes, with two more planned.
Yet the profession's real-world pressures are stark. A 2024 study by Boehringer Ingelheim found that fewer than half of veterinarians feel their work is properly valued. The emotional strain is intense, with life-and-death decisions made daily, often compounded by conflicts with pet owners over treatment costs. Research from Freie Universität Berlin and the University of Leipzig further reveals alarming mental health statistics: one in five vets currently experiences suicidal thoughts, and over a quarter show signs of clinical depression.
The new news bring visibility to a field where women now dominate, both on screen and in clinics. Yet the shows also arrive at a time when the profession faces serious challenges, from low recognition to severe mental health risks. As audiences tune in, the gap between television's idealised portrayals and the harsh realities of veterinary work remains wide.
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