What must veterinarians do before performing any medical procedure on an animal?

Obtaining informed consent from the pet owner is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement before any medical procedure is performed on an animal. This process ensures that the pet owner understands the nature of the procedure, its risks, benefits, and any alternatives available. It is a crucial aspect of maintaining trust and transparency in the veterinarian-client relationship. By securing informed consent, veterinarians empower pet owners to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their pet's care and uphold their rights as guardians of the animal.

While conducting research on the breed of the animal, discussing the procedure with other veterinarians, and completing a consultation with veterinary nurses are all beneficial practices, they do not replace the need for informed consent. These actions can contribute to making well-informed decisions about medical treatment, but they do not directly address the legal and ethical obligation to inform and gain agreement from the pet owner regarding the medical intervention being proposed for their animal.