If you would like to listen to an audio recording of this module, please click here. (Duration: 6:44)

Introduction

One of the most important concepts in the practice of veterinary medicine is that of the Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). The establishment of a VCPR is necessary to diagnose or treat an animal and provides guidelines for the responsibilities of the veterinarian and the client. Only California and Oregon provide exemptions for wildlife directly in their statutes on VCPRs. In states like North Carolina, where wildlife are not specifically excluded from the VCPR requirement, it is generally a good idea to consider the turtle’s finder and/or temporary rehabber to be the “client” part of the VCPR.

The Finder as a “Client”

At TRT, we refer to the volunteers who bring turtles to us for care as “finders.” This is distinct from the “rehabber,” who is the person who provides care for the turtle when they leave your hospital prior to release (though the finder and the rehabber can be the same person). A finder cannot necessarily be treated the same as your regular clients – they do not own the animal and are not financially responsible for it. However, in the same way that you provide Informed Consent forms to your regular clients, you should protect yourself and your practice by offering Informed Consent forms to finders when they surrender the turtle to you.

Important Components of Informed Consent for Finders

Due to the fact that the client is not the owner of the turtle patient, it is important that they recognize they are relinquishing decision-making rights to you, the veterinarian. A copy of the Animal Surrender Form we use at TRT is in the Additional Resources section of this module, but here are some things you should be sure to include on your own forms, along with any other provisions specific to your practice:

• Explicitly state that the finder is relinquishing the animal to your practice and that your practice has the sole and exclusive legal right to make medical decisions about the animal in accordance with local, state, and/or federal regulations.
• Inform the finder that the patient may be humanely euthanized at the veterinarian’s discretion.
• Clearly indicate that the practice is responsible for deciding where the patient will go after finishing its time in the hospital and lay out what those options will be:
  • Transfer of the turtle to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or rescue center
  • Transfer of the turtle to a volunteer rehabilitator that you deem qualified
  • Release of the turtle by someone you deem qualified
• State that any eggs and hatchlings acquired from the turtle will be subject to the same provisions outlined in the document.
• Include a statement before the finder’s signature that they are releasing your practice, employees, and staff from any demands directly related to the turtle, the care of that turtle, or the potential euthanasia of that turtle.
• Have finders sign and date the document, and then you should sign and date it as well.

The Rehabber as a “Client”

As stated previously, the “rehabber” is anyone who assumes responsibility for the turtle’s care when they leave your hospital prior to release. This person may also be the finder. Rehabbers must remain in compliance with NC laws regarding temporary possession of native reptiles – they cannot have more than 4 at any given time unless they are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with the proper permits and licenses. Rehabbers who are not licensed cannot be in possession of protected species.

Regardless of whether a rehabber is licensed or not, you should also utilize an informed consent form or contract to ensure that the roles of this unique VCPR are clear. While the VCPR with the finder leans more heavily on the idea that it is the veterinarian responsible for the medical decisions, the VCPR with the rehabber emphasizes the need for compliance and communication.

Important Components of Agreement Forms for Rehabbers

A copy of the Rehabber Agreement used by TRT is included in the Additional Resources section. The following is a list of important concepts to use on your own forms, along with any other provisions specific to your practice:

• Include a provision that the rehabber will not sell, give away, or dispose of the animal to another entity for any reason, and that the rehabber cannot release the turtle without the veterinarian’s consent
• Inform the rehabber that it is their responsibility to provide proper husbandry according to the guidelines you will provide to them (more information in the final module on rehab and release).
• Indicate that the rehabber must stay in communication with the practice regarding re-check exams, any changes to the turtle’s health, and questions about the turtle’s care
• Provide a list of clinical signs that would warrant prompt communication with the veterinarian, such as bleeding or lethargy
• Include signatures and dates from both the rehabber and the veterinarian

Termination of the VCPR

As with traditional VCPRs, the relationship is terminated if one of the parties neglects their responsibilities within the relationship, as outlined by the consent forms all parties have signed. Additionally, the VCPR is terminated when the turtle is released or if the turtle dies.

Additional Resources

• Turtle Rescue Team Intake Form and Animal Surrender Form
• Turtle Rescue Team Rehabber Agreement Form