280 Sheppard Ave E. Unit 102, Toronto, ON M2N 3B1 | 647-260-8387 | yonge.sheppard.vets@gmail.com
Understanding the Veterinarian Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)
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What is a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship?
A VCPR is an agreement between pet owners (clients) veterinarians who provide care for their pet(s) (patients). As the foundation of clinical veterinary medicine, the VPCR supports veterinarians in delivering effective, clinical animal care!
A veterinarian is required by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO) to have a valid VCPR prior to providing veterinary services (including the prescribing, dispensing, or administering of drugs) for any animals.
Please note: in rare and specific circumstances, such as emergency situations, a VCPR is not required before providing veterinary services.
How to Establish a VCPR
A VCPR is established by a veterinarian through an intentional conversation between a veterinarian and a client. As per the CVO, to establish a VCPR the client must be informed of the following components:
• The veterinarian has been retained by the client;
• The veterinarian and client have reached an agreement on the scope of services to be provided by the veterinarian;
• The veterinarian has advised the client that services will only be provided in accordance with the standards of practice of the profession.
Once a VCPR has been established it can be maintained by any veterinarian who works at the same veterinary hospital where it was established. The relationship is formed between a veterinarian and a client for a specific animal; a veterinarian is not obligated to provide services to any other animals owned by the client.
Please note: A veterinarian may adopt a clinic policy that outlines the circumstances in which a VCPR will be discontinued. These policies may speak to a variety of different circumstances including the length of time since the animals was last seen, non-compliance with prescribed treatments, or non-payment of fees.
Here, at Yonge Sheppard Animal Hospital…
We believe in fostering a strong partnership, sense of support and collaboration. Therefore, we like to refer to our established VCPRs as the “YSAH Community”;
All new clients are provided with a new client document outlining the circumstances in which a VCPR may be terminated (titled “the YSAH Community Guidelines”);
Upon the first examination, the veterinarian and client will reach agreement on the scope of services.
We want you to receive the type of care which you desire! We honour our partnership (VCPR) with our clients and both parties have the right to terminate the VCPR at any time.
In order to maintain a VCPR with the Yonge Sheppard Animal Hospital, we require the following:
1. An examination by one of our veterinarians at Yonge Sheppard Animal Hospital within the past year (365 days);
2. Non-discriminatory, non-threatening and respectful interactions;
3. Alignment with you and our clinic core values;
4. Payment for all services;
5. Following the Yonge Sheppard Animal Hospital Community Guidelines – “Client Responsibilities”