Code of Ethics Part 1

Purpose of the Veterinary Code of Ethics

To assure the community of the best veterinary services and promote cooperation and harmony within the profession.

Quote on exemplary professional conduct

Exemplary professional conduct upholds honor and dignity, enlarges usefulness, exalts social standards, and promotes veterinary science.

Four guiding principles for veterinarians

Profession, Patient, Colleagues, and Community.

Duty to the profession

To pursue the profession with dignity and integrity.

Duty to the patient

To ensure the welfare of animals committed to the veterinarian's care.

Duty to colleagues

To seek no personal advantage at the expense of professional colleagues.

Duty to the community

To serve the community to the utmost of one's ability.

Why can't the Code of Ethics cover every situation?

Professional life is too complex to classify every duty and obligation into a fixed set of rules.

Obligation of VPAP members

Conduct themselves according to the spirit of the Code of Ethics.

Acceptable advertising practice

Advertising one's specific field of practice.

Ethical violation in advertising

Claiming superior knowledge, attracting public attention through improper methods, or using the VPAP logo without consent.

Acceptable client intake practice

Refusing to render service or accept a case when appropriate.

Ethical violations in client intake

Soliciting clients, failing to perform to the best clinical ability after accepting a case, or guaranteeing a cure.

Acceptable professional collaboration

Seeking the opinion of a colleague for the welfare of the patient.

Ethical violations in professional collaboration

Aiding unlicensed practice or allowing one's name or qualifications to be used for illegal practice.

Rule when a client criticizes another veterinarian

Do not belittle or injure another veterinarian's professional standing.

Best approach when another veterinarian's work is questioned

Focus on clinical facts and the patient's current welfare rather than assigning blame.

Duty during emergency substitution

Render necessary services, stabilize the patient, and return the case to the original veterinarian after the emergency.

Why is guaranteeing a cure unethical?

Medical outcomes are inherently unpredictable.

What should veterinarians rely on instead of unverified claims?

The latest veterinary science and evidence-based knowledge.