Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship
A veterinarian-client-patient relationship, or VCPR, is the first step to accessing clinical veterinary services. The VCPR represents agreement between the client and the veterinarian.
The veterinarian-client-patient relationship supports the public’s access to safe, quality animal care. And, as the foundation of clinical veterinary medicine, the VCPR supports veterinarians in delivering effective, clinical animal care!
Establishing a VCPR
In establishing a VCPR, the veterinarian and the client have a conversation which includes:
- what services the client is seeking
- what services the veterinarian is willing to provide
- after-hours care provisions
- whether the client has current VCPRs with other veterinarians & what scope of service they cover
- any requirements for maintaining the VCPR
Establishing, Maintaining and Discontinuing a VCPR
Guide - Establishing, Maintaining and Discontinuing a VCPR
Video: First step to accessing clinical veterinary services
The VCPR is the foundation of effective clinical medicine and animal care.
Public Expectations
When a member of the public seeks veterinary services, they expect to receive safe, ethical, quality care from a qualified professional who is licensed with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. 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.
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 accesses specialists in situations where a referral may occur
