Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all veterinary services provided by Millson Veterinary Services comply with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO) Professional Practice Standard: Establishing, Maintaining and Discontinuing a Veterinarian‑Client‑Patient Relationship (VCPR). The VCPR is the foundation for safe, ethical, and effective veterinary care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support staff at Millson Veterinary Services, and governs all client and patient interactions involving veterinary services, whether provided in person, remotely, or through telemedicine.

3. Definitions

Client: The owner of the animal(s) or an authorized agent acting in the animal(s)’ interest.
Patient: The animal(s) or group of animals under the care of the veterinarian.
VCPR: The Veterinarian‑Client‑Patient Relationship – the professional relationship that must exist before any clinical services (including prescribing, dispensing, or administering drugs) are provided.
Scope of Services: The type and extent of veterinary services agreed upon between the veterinarian and the client.

4. Policy Statement

Millson Veterinary Services shall not provide any diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or medical service unless a valid VCPR has been established in accordance with CVO standards. All staff are responsible for upholding the principles of this relationship and ensuring that client and patient information is properly documented.

5. Establishing a VCPR

A valid VCPR is established when all of the following conditions are met:

The veterinarian has been retained by the client to provide professional services;
The veterinarian and client have reached an agreement on the scope of services to be provided;
The veterinarian has sufficient and recent knowledge of the animal(s) to provide a general or preliminary diagnosis;
The client has been advised that services will be provided in accordance with professional standards of practice;
The client consents to the recommended plan of care.

6. Maintaining the VCPR

The VCPR remains in effect as long as the veterinarian maintains sufficient knowledge of the patient(s) to continue providing care. This requires ongoing communication, accurate medical record‑keeping, and periodic re‑examination as appropriate for the condition or species.

7. Discontinuing the VCPR

The VCPR may be discontinued when the agreed scope of services is complete, ownership changes, the patient dies, or the client terminates the relationship. Millson Veterinary Services may also discontinue a VCPR under circumstances such as non‑payment, repeated missed appointments, failure to follow treatment recommendations, or abusive behaviour toward staff.

When discontinuing care, the hospital will provide reasonable notice to allow the client to obtain alternative veterinary services and will transfer medical records upon request.

8. Client and Staff Responsibilities

Clients must:

Provide accurate and complete information regarding the patient(s);
Follow treatment plans and instructions;
Communicate any changes in the animal’s condition;
Make timely payments for services rendered.

Staff must:

Ensure that no prescription or treatment is provided without a valid VCPR;
Document all communications and clinical findings accurately;
Respect client confidentiality;
Inform clients clearly of after‑hours or referral care arrangements.

9. After-Hours and Telemedicine

Millson Veterinary Services provides after‑hours guidance in accordance with CVO standards. In cases requiring emergency care, clients will be directed to the nearest emergency facility. Telemedicine may be used only when a valid VCPR has been established and must comply with all CVO telemedicine guidelines.

10. Documentation and Recordkeeping

All aspects of the VCPR establishment, maintenance, and discontinuation must be clearly recorded in the medical record. Records must include the client’s name and contact information.