College Connection | Winter 2023
Veterinary facilities should be proactive when managing animal bites , aggressive animals , client confidentiality
College Connection | Winter 2023
Veterinary facilities should be proactive when managing animal bites , aggressive animals , client confidentiality
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anyone , a veterinarian is not required to but may ( without client consent ), report to animal control or a police officer if the veterinarian believes it is necessary to do so to prevent physical injury to a person . The veterinarian should document the report , including their rationale . ( The information shared should be limited to the identity of the animal , owners ’ contact information , and a description of the aggressive behaviour .)
A veterinarian should be careful about providing client or patient information to a service provider , such as a groomer or boarding facility .
The service provider should obtain relevant vaccination information directly from the client ( or should provide the client with a consent form that could be completed and sent to the veterinarian ). If the veterinarian believes it is necessary to share information with another service provider about an animal ’ s aggressive behaviour to prevent physical harm to a person , they should document this and include their rationale .
Protecting staff and preventing injury
In the case of an aggressive pet , can a veterinarian discontinue the VCPR when a client is not receptive to feedback that their animal is aggressive or could be a danger to the public ? First , the veterinarian should make reasonable efforts to discuss the issue with the client , who might agree their animal poses a risk of harm to others .
If the veterinarian and facility director believe that safeguards can be put into place to adequately protect team members when providing care to the animal , this plan should be discussed with the client and communicated to the veterinary team , including documenting in the medical record . Sometimes discussing the potential that the client is exposing themselves to liability ( if their animal harms someone ) can be an effective way to encourage the client to think positively about safeguards .
A veterinarian could discontinue the VCPR with a client who is not receptive to their concerns , on the grounds that they are trying to prevent future physical injury or harm to themselves or their team .
A veterinarian needs to follow the requirements for discontinuing a VCPR as set out in the College ’ s guide , including providing notice to the client and ensuring the appropriate transfer of medical information .
CONTACT THE COLLEGE
Registrar Jan Robinson , Registrar & CEO registarsinbox @ cvo . org
Shilo Tooze , Deputy Registrar stooze @ cvo . org
President Dr . Wade Wright , President president @ cvo . org
Associate Registrar
Dr . Kim Lambert , Associate Registrar , Quality Practice klambert @ cvo . org
Contact College Staff Find the staff list & contact information at www . cvo . org / contact-us
Program E-mails inquiries @ cvo . org licensure @ cvo . org accreditation @ cvo . org complaints @ cvo . org qualityassurance @ cvo . org
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