Often without our knowing it, clients can enter into many different forms of contracts regarding their pets. Here are some examples of contracts that clients might sign:
- An agreement with a humane society or rescue group that they will not declaw their newly adopted cat.
- A lease agreement with a landlord committing to only housing an animal under a given weight limit.
- An agreement with a breeder not to spay or neuter their show-quality dog.
Veterinary clinics may be put in ethical dilemmas when confronted with clients who are requesting medical services that are in violation of these contracts. For example, a client who asks the clinic to “fudge” on the weight of their dog in order to meet their apartment building’s weight restriction, or declawing the cat regardless of their agreement with the shelter.
So how should clinics proceed? Is it even the responsibility of the clinic to be aware of these contracts? Certainly, it would be unethical to change a weight in the medical record of a patient. That’s easy! But what if the doctor believes that spaying the dog is in the best medical interest of the pet regardless of the client’s contractual agreement with their breeder? That’s harder.
Veterinary practices cannot always rely on black and white “policies” for handling situations where a client has a contract with another party. Ethical situations aren’t that simple. Many ethical situations, including contract issues, need to be discussed on a case-by-case basis. When faced with some of these issues, managers and owners would be wise to consider and discuss:
- Benefits: If we do this, what is the benefit to the client? To the patient? To the practice?
- Liability/Reasonable Risk: What is the risk to the client? To the patient? To the practice? Is this a reasonable request? What is the worst case scenario? What would the local media think of this situation?
- Non Malfeasance: If we don’t do this, what is the quality of life for the patient?
- Staff Perception: How will the staff feel if we choose to move forward with care? Or if we deny the client’s request? Are we setting a dangerous precedent?
- Resources: Will choosing to proceed put an undo strain on our resources (time, staff, or money)?
Being armed with a list of ethical decision-making questions can help you determine your course of action when the obvious ethical answer is a bit more “gray” than black or white. Also, once you have made your decision, it’s important to debrief with your team. Reflecting on how each ethical situation was handled can help you fine-tune the culture and direction of your practice.