Ethical and Legal Principles

Veterinary professionals need to be aware of the ethical and legal dimensions of veterinary health care provision.

From this follows understanding of the importance of communicating effectively in difficult ethical areas.

Key ethical and legal considerations include familiarity with (and adherence to) the principles of:

The RCVS Guides to Professional Conduct
Animal welfare
Client confidentiality
Informed consent
Best interests of the patient and client (incorporating the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence)
Truthfulness