4 answers
Anna
Student
Grand Island, Nebraska
2
Questions
Asked
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How does a veterinarian/vet tech handle a situation when a client is neglecting their pets needs, they are given the advice and knowledge how to care for their animal but still, the owner does not take the steps needed to better their pet In particular, In a situation where the clinic staff are aware of the neglect of the animal but legally, they cant take action. How does one cope knowing an animal could be enduring pain and you can't do anything fast acting about it? #Spring24
I'm currently a vet tech student and will be graduating next year. I would like to get more comfortable with the possibilities that a vet tech may face in the career field.
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4 answers
Cassandra Carpenter
Veterinary assistant
19
Answers
Morton, Washington
Updated
Cassandra’s Answer
Hello Anna,
I completely understand how tough it can be to witness animals in distress. As professionals, however, it's important for us to remain objective. The laws regarding animal care vary by state, and in some places, simply taking a pet to the vet is considered adequate care. This makes it challenging to establish neglect. The owner's financial situation or an underlying medical condition in the animal that's difficult to manage might be contributing factors. Conditions like allergies, for instance, can appear severe but require lifelong treatment. If you ever feel uneasy about a situation, don't hesitate to discuss it with your supervisor. Our work can be demanding, but dealing with these challenges with grace and professionalism is part of our role.
I completely understand how tough it can be to witness animals in distress. As professionals, however, it's important for us to remain objective. The laws regarding animal care vary by state, and in some places, simply taking a pet to the vet is considered adequate care. This makes it challenging to establish neglect. The owner's financial situation or an underlying medical condition in the animal that's difficult to manage might be contributing factors. Conditions like allergies, for instance, can appear severe but require lifelong treatment. If you ever feel uneasy about a situation, don't hesitate to discuss it with your supervisor. Our work can be demanding, but dealing with these challenges with grace and professionalism is part of our role.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question and offer advice and possible reasonings for the situation!!
Anna
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1848
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Anna !
This is a very interesting question because similarly, the same scenario happens with people as clients in the human services field, too. There are a few factors involved in how to handle abuse situations within a veterinary setting and it depends on the situations.
It is the obligation of and it is necessary for the Veterinarian to report any abuse of an animal, so there is something one can do about it. One of my suggestions, however, is to be sure that it's abuse before it's reported and that the animal is not injured by something other than abuse. You'd have to have strong reason and evidence that it is abuse.
As you move along in your education and experience, you will see how Vet companies handle the situation. It may come up and as an employee, you would be aware of various office's guidelines, but it is required to be reported. I have left a link for you below to become more familiar with what the American Veterinary Medicine Association says about this situation. All practicing Veterinarians must report any case of abuse. If you are a tech or any other staff, discuss what you may suspect with your manager or the Veterinarian at an office that you work in. This subject is sure to be covered within your education path so there's no need to be concerned that action can't be taken. I have left a couple of links below for you to read the established guidelines. I hope it sheds some light on what the procedure is and that something can indeed be done.
ANIMAL ABUSE GUIDELINES FOR VET STAFF https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-welfare/animal-abuse-resources-veterinarians
VETERINARY REPORTING AND IMMUNITY LAWS BY STATE https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-veterinary-reporting-requirement-and-immunity-laws
This is a very interesting question because similarly, the same scenario happens with people as clients in the human services field, too. There are a few factors involved in how to handle abuse situations within a veterinary setting and it depends on the situations.
It is the obligation of and it is necessary for the Veterinarian to report any abuse of an animal, so there is something one can do about it. One of my suggestions, however, is to be sure that it's abuse before it's reported and that the animal is not injured by something other than abuse. You'd have to have strong reason and evidence that it is abuse.
As you move along in your education and experience, you will see how Vet companies handle the situation. It may come up and as an employee, you would be aware of various office's guidelines, but it is required to be reported. I have left a link for you below to become more familiar with what the American Veterinary Medicine Association says about this situation. All practicing Veterinarians must report any case of abuse. If you are a tech or any other staff, discuss what you may suspect with your manager or the Veterinarian at an office that you work in. This subject is sure to be covered within your education path so there's no need to be concerned that action can't be taken. I have left a couple of links below for you to read the established guidelines. I hope it sheds some light on what the procedure is and that something can indeed be done.
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for your feedback and insight!! I appreciate it greatly!!
Anna
You are very welcome, Anna !
Michelle M.
Amy Koch
Veterinary Technician
9
Answers
Monroeville, Indiana
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hi, Anna! I've been a Registered Veterinary Technician for over 30 years. It's certainly a challenge to deal with situations life the one you've described. You'll get to understand the dynamics of the veterinary client-patient relationship the longer you're in practice. As a general rule, it's best to remember that the client who brings a pet in to seek veterinary care is the one who recognizes that there's an issue with their pet. They could've chosen to stay home and allow their pet to suffer. Unfortunately, people will do this and to me, that's the true meaning behind neglect and abuse. So, I usually keep that in the back of my mind when I'm dealing with clients. Often, you'll deal with clients who want to care for their pets but simply can't afford to do the recommendations that we give them. This is something we see more and more these days because of the economy. These people mean well, but they don't have the means to do what you want them to. Though we as technicians can't diagnose, we do play an integral role in 'what comes next when a client can't afford care. We offer them what's called 'best medicine' first. This is what we truly think is best for their pet. When they can't afford care, we begin to make secondary recommendations that can help that are more reasonable for the client's budget until we come up with a plan to help their pet. Unfortunately, you will come across those clients that refuse care of any kind and who are forced to euthanize their pet. This is always a sad situation that you will be able to deal with the longer you're in vet med. Then, there are those clients who bring in a pet that has clearly been abused in some way or where their pet was clearly neglected. Generally, these owners don't bring their pet in to the vet. Those babies die in pain at home. But when one of these pets crosses the threshold of a veterinary clinic, it is our responsibility to deal with this. If the client has neglected to provide pet care because of budget or lack of knowledge, those clients are educated and their pets treated. When a client brings in a truly abused or neglected pet and refuses any treatment, it is our responsibility to report this to a local animal care and control office. Exam findings and declined treatments need to be documented well so that they can be used by animal care and control to make decisions about the case. Honestly, this doesn't happen often though because generally, people who abuse their pets don't bring them to the vet.
I hope this all helps you and answers your question. If you want/need additional information or have any other questions, please respond to this thread and I'd be happy to help! Congrats on starting your journey into veterinary medicine!
Take care,
Amy Koch BS,RVT (Indiana)
I hope this all helps you and answers your question. If you want/need additional information or have any other questions, please respond to this thread and I'd be happy to help! Congrats on starting your journey into veterinary medicine!
Take care,
Amy Koch BS,RVT (Indiana)
A big thank you for your response!! I am greatful for the time you took to help me with my answer since i felt rather unsure about it!!
Anna
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Anna!
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Top 3 Credible References Used:
Harvard Business Review: Renowned for its top-notch articles and research on various business subjects, including entrepreneurship, the Harvard Business Review offers insights from industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs, aiding individuals in making informed decisions about their education and career paths.
U.S. News & World Report: This source provides rankings of colleges and universities based on factors like program quality and outcomes, offering valuable insights when comparing different business programs that offer BA or BS degrees for entrepreneurship.
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Stay blessed,
JC.
Understanding the BA and BS Business Degrees:
In the realm of business education, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees differ primarily in their focus and course content. The BA in business offers a wider liberal arts education, covering subjects like humanities, social sciences, and foreign languages. Conversely, a BS in business adopts a more specialized and technical stance, honing in on quantitative skills, data analysis, and specific business-related topics.
Choosing the Right Degree for Entrepreneurship:
When deciding between a BA and a BS for entrepreneurship, consider your strengths, passions, and professional aspirations. Here are some factors to ponder:
Creativity or Analytical Skills: If you're strong in creative thinking, communication, and holistic problem-solving, a BA could be advantageous for entrepreneurship. It fosters critical thinking and creativity, both crucial for launching and managing a successful business.
Technical Skills: Alternatively, if you're more inclined towards numbers, data analysis, and have a keen interest in the financial or technological aspects of business, a BS could be the better fit for entrepreneurship. It equips you with the technical skills required to interpret market trends, manage finances effectively, and make decisions based on data.
Networking Opportunities: Both degrees offer networking opportunities, invaluable for budding entrepreneurs. However, a BA might offer more chances to interact with people from diverse backgrounds due to its wider curriculum covering various disciplines.
In the end, the most suitable degree for entrepreneurship is subjective, depending on your personal strengths and preferences. Successful entrepreneurs have pursued either a BA or BS in business or related fields, tailoring their education to their unique skills.
Top 3 Credible References Used:
Harvard Business Review: Renowned for its top-notch articles and research on various business subjects, including entrepreneurship, the Harvard Business Review offers insights from industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs, aiding individuals in making informed decisions about their education and career paths.
U.S. News & World Report: This source provides rankings of colleges and universities based on factors like program quality and outcomes, offering valuable insights when comparing different business programs that offer BA or BS degrees for entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneur Magazine: A trusted information source for aspiring entrepreneurs, Entrepreneur Magazine shares success stories, expert advice, entrepreneurial trends, and tips for successfully starting and growing businesses.
These references were used to ensure the information provided regarding the differences between BA and BS degrees in business for entrepreneurship is accurate and reliable.
Stay blessed,
JC.
Thank you so much!
Anna