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:
- Assumes responsibility for making clinical judgments about the health of the patient and the client agrees to follow the veterinarian’s instructions.
- 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.
- 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.