The veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR)

A VCPR can only be established when your veterinarian examines your animal in person or makes medically appropriate and timely visits to the operation where animals are kept (for example, farm animals)—except in a few states where the relationship can be established electronically, such as through telemedicine. It is maintained by regular veterinary visits as needed to monitor your animal's health.

In states where the VCPR is allowed to be established electronically, an in-person examination or timely visits to your operation will still be required for the use of certain medications or for certain other activities, like issuing a health certificate or veterinary feed directive (for food-producing animals). If a VCPR is established but your veterinarian does not regularly see your animal or visit your operation afterward, the VCPR is no longer valid, and it would be unethical—and potentially illegal—for your veterinarian to dispense or prescribe medications or recommend treatment.

Once a VCPR is established, it may be possible to maintain the relationship through consultations by email, telephone, or online platforms, in between medically necessary, hands-on exams or visits. Your veterinarian will use their professional judgment to determine whether this would be in your animal’s best interests.

The VCPR supports the needs of animals, animal owners, and veterinarians alike. It fosters trust and communication, empowering you to make informed decisions and support your animal’s long-term health. What’s more, when your veterinarian knows your animal’s health history and current condition—usually through regular, in-person exams or visits, they can more accurately diagnose issues, make sound medical judgments, and provide care and recommendations tailored to your animal’s individual needs.

There also are legal aspects. Most states require that a VCPR be in place for your veterinarian to diagnose or treat your animal, or prescribe or dispense medications. In addition, federal law requires that a VCPR exist before a veterinarian can prescribe certain medications or issue health certificates or veterinary feed directives. In those cases, the VCPR must have been established in person, whether through a hands-on physical examination or medically appropriate and timely visits to the operation where the animal is kept—with no exceptions.

Unlike people, animals can’t tell us what’s wrong, and figuring this out is like solving a very complex puzzle. A comprehensive, hands-on physical examination and other diagnostic tests allow your veterinarian to gather all the puzzle pieces and fit them together to see the full picture. With that picture, your veterinarian is better able to accurately determine your animal’s health status and recommend the best treatment. This can't be achieved through a telephone, email, or online conversation. Without a hands-on examination, there’s a greater risk of misdiagnosis, inappropriate or ineffective treatment, and other potentially harmful outcomes.

Your VCPR will automatically end if you allow the regular veterinary visits recommended by your veterinarian to lapse. (Some states dictate by law a maximum interval between in-person examinations.) You, as the client, also can intentionally terminate your VCPR at any time by notifying your veterinarian.

If your veterinarian chooses to end your VCPR, they should notify you and, if your animal has an immediate, life-threatening illness, provide medical care until you have transitioned to another veterinarian.