Does a veterinarian have the right to refuse to perform a medical task that I want done, including euthanasia ?
Yes. A veterinarian’s first obligation is always to the animal. They are obligated to give the advice that in their medical judgment is in the animal’s best interests given all the circumstances of the case. If a client asks that a task be performed which the veterinarian believes is not in the animal’s interest, the veterinarian is under no obligation to perform that task and should refuse to do so if they feel that the proposed action might harm the animal. Euthanasia is a most ultimate medical procedure, and if a veterinarian feels that it is not necessary or not in the animal’s best interest, the veterinarian has a right to refuse to accept and follow such instructions from a client.
Yes. A veterinarian’s first obligation is always to the animal. They are obligated to give the advice that in their medical judgment is in the animal’s best interests given all the circumstances of the case. If a client asks that a task be performed which the veterinarian believes is not in the animal’s interest, the veterinarian is under no obligation to perform that task and should refuse to do so if they feel that the proposed action might harm the animal.Euthanasia is a most ultimate medical procedure, and if a veterinarian feels that it is not necessary or not in the animal’s best interest, the veterinarian has a right to refuse to accept and follow such instructions from a client.
