This change is the result of new medical privacy laws for pets that were enacted in 2015. We've now begun to hear from pet sitters in other states that have faced similar situations. Previously a PSI member based in Texas shared that while she has clients sign a veterinary release form, she’s run into issues in the last couple of years because some veterinarians in her area will no longer treat pets in her care until they receive verbal permission from the owners. Even with a signed form, there may be roadblocks. In some cases, clients have been able to leave their credit cards on file with veterinary offices or have an arrangement with veterinary offices to bill them upon their return.Īs a pet sitter, the information you require on your veterinary release form may depend upon your specific clients, your familiarity with the veterinarians your clients use and how long/how far away the clients may be. Some pet sitters also ask each client (or those who may be out of town for long durations of time or who may be in areas where cell service is unreliable) to have the veterinarian sign the form to indicate the veterinary office knows the pet(s) will be in the pet sitter’s care and the client has authorized the pet sitter to approve treatment. PSI members can download a veterinary release form template in the Members area of. Many pet sitters also ask each client to indicate an amount (for cost of care) that the client pre-approves, or others use forms that simply say the pet owner agrees to assume all costs of veterinary care. The form you have each client sign should indicate that you have the client’s permission to take his or her pet(s) to the veterinarian for emergency care.

What should your veterinary release form include? This is why most pet sitters include a veterinary release form among the documentation they require from their clients. While it’s important to have your clients’ up-to-date contact information on file, as well as contact information for their emergency contacts, there’s always a chance that you will not be able to reach someone in the event of an emergency. Be prepared for a pet emergency with a veterinary release form

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