A common but uncomfortable question in veterinary practice is this: Is a veterinarian on duty legally compelled to attend to a patient even if they do not wish to accept the client? This issue involves both the professional duty of care and the legal right of the veterinarian to choose whom to serve.
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Legal Framework under RA 9268
Republic Act No. 9268, or the Philippine Veterinary Medicine Act of 2004, regulates the practice of veterinary medicine. Section 29 of RA 9268 provides that only licensed veterinarians may establish a Veterinarian–Client–Patient Relationship (VCPR). Without such a relationship, there is no binding legal duty for the veterinarian to render services.
Thus:
- Before VCPR exists: A veterinarian may refuse to accept a case, as there is no legal compulsion under RA 9268 to serve all clients indiscriminately.
- After VCPR is established: A duty of care arises. Abandoning the case without due notice or referral may constitute negligence or unprofessional conduct under the PRC’s regulatory authority.
PRC Code of Ethics for Veterinarians
The Code of Ethics for Veterinarians issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) provides ethical—but not always strictly legal—guidelines. Among them:
- A veterinarian may refuse professional services for valid reasons such as conflict of interest, abusive client behavior, or non-payment of previous obligations.
- However, once a veterinarian has agreed to manage a patient, they must ensure continuity of care or a proper referral. Failure to do so may lead to administrative liability for “professional misconduct or gross negligence” under the PRC.
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Emergency Situations
The Code of Ethics further emphasizes the veterinarian’s moral obligation to provide minimal emergency care, especially if no other veterinary help is available. This is aligned with the principle of animal welfare under RA 8485 (Animal Welfare Act). While not an absolute legal mandate, it sets a standard of professional decency: stabilize the patient if possible, and then refer.
Professional Discretion
Veterinarians are private practitioners, not public servants bound to universal service. They retain the legal discretion to refuse clients, provided the refusal is not discriminatory and is communicated professionally. RA 9268 recognizes veterinary practice as a profession, not a public utility; therefore, contractual freedom applies.
Examples of valid grounds for refusal:
- Non-payment or history of unpaid bills
- Abusive or threatening client behavior
- Lack of facilities or expertise for the case
- Potential risk to staff or other patients
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Conclusion
The answer, therefore, is no—a veterinarian on duty is not automatically required to attend to a patient if they choose not to accept the client. The obligation attaches only after a valid VCPR has been established under RA 9268, or in limited emergency situations where minimal first aid may be ethically expected under the PRC Code of Ethics and animal welfare principles.
This balance protects professional autonomy while ensuring veterinarians remain faithful to their oath of promoting animal health and welfare.
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Dr. Geoff Carullo is a Fellow and the current President of the Philippine College of Canine Practitioners.
