Leipzig Veterinary Congress 2026 Kicks Off with Packed Programme and Full Exhibition Hall
From 15 to 17 January 2026, the veterinary world will once again converge in Leipzig for the 13th Leipzig Veterinary Congress. Around 7,000 veterinarians, veterinary nurses, students and industry representatives are expected to attend the largest veterinary event in the DACH region. A key highlight is vetexpo europe, the accompanying trade fair, which has expanded significantly and is now fully booked.
With 352 exhibitors from 20 countries including 80 international companies, vetexpo europe showcases cutting-edge solutions for veterinary practices and clinics. On display are advanced diagnostic systems, surgical equipment, specialised pet nutrition and a wide range of digital tools for appointment management, telemedicine and client communication.
"With vetexpo europe we are establishing Leipzig as a European hub for veterinary innovation. The growing international interest in both the exhibition and the congress reflects the sector’s dynamic development," says Martin Buhl-Wagner, Managing Director of Leipziger Messe.
Exploring the intersections of animal, human and environmental health
One of the most striking features at vetexpo europe is the special exhibition area dedicated to the One Health concept. This interdisciplinary approach connects veterinary and human medicine with environmental health. Many of the technologies on display are being shown to the public for the first time.
Among the highlights is cultivated meat for dogs and cats, developed by Czech company Bene Meat Technologies. Grown from animal cells without the need for livestock farming or slaughter, it mirrors conventional meat in nutritional profile and is designed as a sustainable protein source for companion animals.
Also featured are two mobile medical units. A mobile cattle clinic from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Leipzig University and a mobile intensive care unit from the Innovation Centre for Computer-Assisted Surgery at Leipzig University’s Faculty of Medicine. Both illustrate how mobile infrastructure can support both animal and human health in emergency or rural settings.
The Mobile Barn, developed by the Smart Farming Lab at Leipzig University, adds a hands-on agricultural dimension. This trailer brings drones, sensor systems and digital applications directly to farms across Germany and now offers visitors a live demonstration on the exhibition floor.
Connecting talent with opportunity
Once again, the vetjobs24 CAREER CORNER returns as an essential part of the exhibition. It facilitates direct exchange between employers and professionals and offers guidance for those exploring new paths in veterinary careers.
Congress programme with wide thematic range
The Leipzig Veterinary Congress features more than 500 lectures and courses, covering nearly every field of veterinary medicine. Topics range from small and large animal medicine to food safety and animal welfare. International highlights include the European Conference on Veterinary and Medical Education, which is being held in Leipzig for the first time.
About the Leipzig Veterinary Congress and vetexpo europe
The Leipzig Veterinary Congress and vetexpo europe are organised by Leipziger Messe GmbH, the University of Leipzig Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the six chambers of veterinary medicine of the German states of Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. The 12th Leipzig Veterinary Congress from 18 to 20 January 2024 attracted 6,900 veterinarians, veterinary assistants and students of veterinary medicine as well as 500 speakers to Leipzig. At vetexpo europe, the largest veterinary trade fair in German-speaking Europe, 329 companies from 21 countries presented their products and services on 15,000 m² of exhibition space. The 13th Leipzig Veterinary Congress will take place from 15 to 17 January 2026.
About Leipzig Veterinary Congress and vetexpo europe
The Leipzig Veterinary Congress and vetexpo europe are organised by Leipziger Messe GmbH, the University of Leipzig Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the six chambers of veterinary medicine of the German states of Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. The 12th Leipzig Veterinary Congress from 18 to 20 January 2024 attracted 6,900 veterinarians, veterinary assistants and students of veterinary medicine as well as 500 speakers to Leipzig. At vetexpo europe, the largest veterinary trade fair in German-speaking Europe, 329 companies from 21 countries presented their products and services on 15,000 m² of exhibition space. The 13th Leipzig Veterinary Congress will take place from 15 to 17 January 2026.
About Leipziger Messe
The Leipziger Messe is one of the ten leading German trade fair companies and one of the top 50 worldwide. It organises events in Leipzig and at various locations all over Germany and abroad. With its five subsidiaries and the Congress Center Leipzig (CCL), Leipziger Messe is a comprehensive service provider covering the entire chain of the events business. It is due to this level of professionalism, that customers and visitors in 2025 voted the Leipziger Messe the service champion of the trade fair industry in Germany's largest service ranking for the 12th time in a row. The Leipzig fairgrounds comprise an exhibition area of 111,900 m² and an open-air exhibition area of 70,000 m². Every year, over 250 events with more than 15,300 exhibitors and over 1.2 million visitors take place – from trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses to events. Leipzig was the first German trade fair company to be certified according to the Green Globe standards. Sustainability is a recurring theme in the Leipziger Messe's corporate activities.
