Consumer Alert

Consumer Alert: Urgent Notice to Pet Owners

Filing a complaint? Get copies of your pet's records immediately.

If you live in a state that allows you to get copies of your pet's records (Texas does), do so as soon as possible and before you file the complaint with the state board.

You are entitled to complete copies of your pet's records.

Better yet, get copies of records after each visit to a veterinarian -- make sure that all symptoms, EVERY diagnosis, names and dosages of prescription drugs, weight, temperature, and other important medical information is on it.

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU SEE PERTINENT AND VITAL INFORMATION WRITTEN ON A RECORD.

If you don't, you may a later face a veterinarian who can and will say anything to escape accountability.

This includes recommendations for treatment, owner's decisions regarding recommendations, diagnoses, prognoses, evidence of informed consent, etc. including the statistics regarding your pet such as weight, temperature, prescriptions, appearance, and the like.

If you do not see things on your pet's record that common sense and logic (not to mention the statutes of the Veterinary Practice Act) tells you should be there, PLEASE CONSIDER -- FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR ANIMAL -- FINDING A VET who keeps accurate and complete medical records IN WRITING in order to ensure the standard of care for your pet.

That is why responsible, competent, and professional record-keeping is imperative and KEY to the ultimate safety of your pet.

You are entitled to know EVERYTHING about your pet's condition and their records are part of what you pay for as a consumer.

Obtaining them after every visit -- and double-checking the vet's accuracy in recording what actually took place in an examination -- will go a long way in holding the vet accountable should the worst occur.

How serious are sucky records? One veterinarian in New York found out last year when he was placed on a three-year license suspension (stayed), three years probation, and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine on "charges of failing to maintain adequate records of visits, diagnoses, and prescribed treatments for a period of at least 3 years." (Source: New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions)

Is your veterinarian following the law?

For more information on record-keeping and how important it is to the life and health of your pet, click here

Boards have a responsibility to enforce patient record=keeping rules, including the proposed one currently being considered by Texas board: :

Amendment, 573.52, Patient Record Keeping. This amendment adds the requirement that patient records include, where appropriate, an entry noting diagnostics, treatments, or referrals offered by the veterinarian and declined by the owner of the animal.

(Amendment Withdrawn at October 12 Board Meeting)