Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship
The veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) is the foundation of effective veterinary medicine and animal care. The relationship is focused on the well-being of the animal, or group of animals, with each of the parties sharing responsibilities and enjoying benefits.
Effective communication is a central aspect of the successful delivery of veterinary medicine. A veterinarian needs to have sufficient and recent knowledge of the animal(s) to provide diagnosis, medications and treatment plans. The veterinarian present options, the course and cost of treatment, and the expectations for outcome to help ensure a client fully understands the issues and accepts the advice you provide. As a responsible animal owner, a client has peace of mind when they have confidence in their veterinarian’s advice and recommendations.
In an established VCPR:
- The veterinarian knows the client and has sufficient and recent working knowledge of the animal
- The client has confidence in the veterinarian’s advice and recommendations
The animal benefits from competent care and appropriate medication and treatment
Establishing, Maintaining and Discontinuing a VCPR
Guide - Establishing, Maintaining and Discontinuing a VCPR
Public Expectations
When a member of the public seeks veterinary services, they expect a veterinarian to provide safe, ethical, quality care from a qualified professional who is licensed with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. Every veterinarian practising in Ontario must meet the College's requirements for entry into the profession. The College’s programs and standards support quality and safety in the delivery of veterinary medicine.
Veterinarians are accountable to the College for the quality of care provided and professional conduct. Only individuals who are licensed with the College can call themselves veterinarians and practise veterinary medicine.
Information a veterinarian shares with a client
- Practice background
- Clinic hours and services
- How a client accesses after-hours and emergency care
- How a client should contact the veterinarian with non-urgent questions
- Individuals involved in the animal health care team
- Areas of special interest in veterinary medicine
- How the veterinarian will work with the client when establishing an approach to treatment
- How the veterinarian provides client education
- How the veterinarian helps the client understand costs of care for the animal, or group of animals
- How the client access specialists in situations where a referral may occur