Law & Ethics

Who controls an animal’s care when its owners split up? Things can get nasty, and the veterinarian may be caught in the middle.

Despite the assurances of well-meaning practice owners, associate veterinarians may not be as protected as they think in the event of a lawsuit.

Priscilla Bowens, DVM, JD, MPH, answers legal questions at the Fetch dvm360® virtual veterinary conference.

Before you sign that shiny new contract, make sure you understand all of its provisions.

It’s no mystery that associate veterinarians, in an effort to figure out if their noncompete is enforceable, find themselves trying to solve, well, a mystery.

Both associations have urged lawmakers to classify veterinary practices as ‘essential’ because, they say, not doing so could negatively impact both animal welfare and the wellbeing of pet owners.

My experience with the Street Dog Coalition during the Fetch dvm360 conference provided insight, experience and ideas for my own community when it comes to caring for pets with no roof over their head.

Here's what to think through before you sign your employment contract as a veterinary associateconsider the things that could go wrong or negatively affect your production.

Performing acts of animal cruelty is now a federal felony.

Associate consultant Brandon Hess provides insight on how to create a legally sound employee handbook.

An attorney who consults in the animal health industry says that, contrary to a recent dvm360 article, cannabidiol is not illegal. The author, veterinary pharmacologist Dr. Dawn Boothe, responds.

Stephen Cital discusses diversity issues within veterinary medicine and shares a few strategies to help break these barriers.

The cannabidiol (CBD) conversation is in full swing in veterinary practices across the country, and its time for veterinarians to chime in.

When a veterinary client asks a doctor to sign off on a therapy dog certificate, should he push back if he thinks its fraud?

Back in May 2019, CNN ran an article that quickly went viral. When we shared it on the dvm360 Facebook page, readers had a lot to say.

Pets, emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals have very different rights and responsibilities in veterinary clients lives. Take advantage of your opportunities to gently but firmly educate pet owners on what designations are appropriate for which animals and why its important not to blur the lines between them.

When a pet owner can't afford the highest standard of veterinary dental care, what choices do we have left?

His heart may have been in the right place, but an Atlanta orthopedic surgeon has voluntarily shut down his nonprofit organization after backlash from area veterinarians.

A proactive pet owner who receives competent and successful veterinary care for a behavior issue has her claim denied. Whos correct?

Are you covered by state law and your malpractice insurance when it comes to asking for or giving veterinary telemedicine advice?

Some of the strong opinions about feline declaws are captured in these candid, anonymous thoughts from the Veterinary Confessionals Project.

As part of short-term disability coverage, cost was unsustainable at the price, reports veterinary insurance expert.

The tale of a veterinary associate who performed surgery even though the client couldnt paydefying corporates directive to euthanizeelicits strong opinions.

Things get complicated when a pet insurance company wont cover a veterinarians asymptomatic patient eating a grain-free diet and at risk for dilated cardiomyopathy. Its a gray area and a tough line to draw, but is this where to draw it?

Now awaiting Senate approval, the PAST Act will ensure higher penalties for those who inflict pain on horses to accentuate their gait during competitions.

After accusations of using drugs from his veterinary practice to assault minors, Todd Glover has been indicted and charged with engaging in criminal activity.

SB 627 would allow veterinarians to discuss cannabis and related products with clients without fear of sanctions.

While some in the veterinary world might be raring to throw a CBD is legal! parade, there are a few caveats keeping you from tossing confetti. Lets walk through it.