Summary of RCVS response

Ultimately, the decision regarding OOH visits to a home or other designated site is a judgement call for which the vet receiving the call has full responsibility. The needs of the animal of the animal, availability of client transport and any health and safety implications for the vet are key points of concern that should be taken to account. Remember that at no point is the vet to risk life or limb to attend to an animal. o Health and safety does not refer to wearing your x-ray badge or avoiding needle pricks but the location of the visit, the people who will be attending and any extenuating circumstances that may cause you concern for your safety. So DO NOT put yourself in a position in which you feel exposed, isolated and in danger. If your judgement call leads you to not attend a visit an explanation as to why needs to be given to the client or member of public. Communication here is key particularly in reference to situations where you may feel are unsafe. These are often stressful situations and when possible contact a senior vet for further advice. Guidelines quote: If a complaint is made to the RCVS and the veterinary surgeon is able to explain the reason for not attending and that a reasonable and justified decision was taken and explained to the owner / client, this is unlikely to raise an issue of professional conduct. Unknown roadside injuries, insufficient funds and possible welfare cases can often be controversial. These cases can often be referable to the RSPCA therefore keep your local RSPCA 24/7 head office contact details close to hand; they can make the visit and bring the animal to you or arrange payment for you to do so. Animals that are found deceased are the local councils responsibility you are not a courier service for the deceased. Most practices have a wildlife code of practice so check that there is a protocol in place but you are not expected to go searching for

every limping fox. But an extreme situation with an animal impaled on a railing for example will likely need veterinary attention for clinical or welfare grounds. Here the guidelines quote: a veterinary surgeon should not unreasonably refuse to provide first aid and facilitate the provision of pain relief for all other species until such time as a more appropriate emergency veterinary service accepts responsibility for the animal. This includes cases involving wildlife and stray animals. In cases of insufficient funds check with senior vets the usual protocol that they use. If there is any eligibility for charity involvement then use it. But pain relief or even euthanasia is something that should not be refused in any case. Here the guidelines quote: Likely costs and arrangements for payment should be discussed at an early stage, but immediate first aid and pain relief should not be delayed while financial arrangements are agreed. Importantly, animals presented to your practice are the responsibility of the attending vet. Everything else is a judgement call. Your oath specifies to ensure the welfare of the animals committed to my care.