Half Truths and Mixed Breeds in Vet Med - The Dilemma of Filling Out Forms for Pets

Many veterinary professionals have been asked by pet parents to omit, edit, or alter a pet’s breed or history on a form for housing, travel, insurance, or other “official” forms. This week we discuss the medical ethics surrounding designating a “pit bull mix” as “mixed breed” and other potentially uncomfortable scenarios. Viewfinders, this is a good (and important) one! Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT get real about requests they’ve received from clients trying to move or visit loved ones, obtain vaccine status, or pet insurance. Most of these conundrums involve banned breeds, and pets that are well-mannered or otherwise healthy. These request seem to come out of nowhere and there are no easy answers. Our hosts offer advice on politely - and legally - handling these pet parent pleas along with their concerns on veterinary professionals’ future liability and the impact of emerging technologies. Dr. Ward reviews how he believes genetic testing will both transform - and potentially complicate - client petitions to “delete” certain breeds or physical attributes on legal forms. Beckie explains how veterinary technicians are often caught in the middle of veterinarian and client disputes over these forms and how to navigate those turbulent waters. Viewfinders, this is another good conversation on a topic we don’t often discuss publicly. Share your thoughts with us on our social media channels or at [email protected] Also, please do us a HUGE FAVOR and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! It helps us reach other colleagues and keeps these important conversations going!