VCPR Explained: The Cornerstone of Virtual Veterinary Practice

A VCPR (Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship) is a foundational legal and ethical requirement that dictates when and how a veterinarian can diagnose, treat, or prescribe medications for an animal. In most jurisdictions, establishing a VCPR requires that the veterinarian:

  1. Assumes responsibility for making clinical judgments about the health of the patient and the client agrees to follow the veterinarian’s instructions.
  2. Has sufficient knowledge of the patient to make informed diagnoses. Traditionally, this knowledge is gained through an in-person examination or timely visits to where the animal is kept.
  3. Provides follow-up or is available for follow-up care in case of treatment failure or adverse reactions.

When it comes to virtual care, the VCPR remains a core consideration. Many states and regulatory bodies still require an in-person exam before a VCPR is established, meaning a veterinarian typically cannot diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, or offer definitive treatment recommendations solely over a virtual platform unless specific state regulations allow for it. However, veterinary virtual care can still be used for general advice, triage, postoperative follow-ups, or ongoing support once a valid VCPR is in place. As telehealth regulations evolve, some jurisdictions are beginning to adapt their rules to accommodate virtual care models without a prior in-person visit, but practitioners must stay informed of their local regulations to ensure compliance and uphold proper patient care.

To discover which states currently allow a virtual VCPR, please refer to our telemedicine map.