A Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) is the professional relationship that forms when a veterinarian has enough knowledge of an animal to make medical decisions, the client agrees to follow the veterinarian’s instructions, and the clinic agrees to provide ongoing care when needed. In plain language: it’s the foundation that allows a veterinary team to provide safe, appropriate medical care for your pet.
Why a VCPR is so important in Alberta
In Alberta veterinary medicine, a VCPR isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s a cornerstone of responsible care. Establishing a VCPR protects pets, clients, and veterinary teams in several key ways:
1) Safe medical decision-making
Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we rely on clinical history, an exam, and sometimes diagnostics to make decisions. A VCPR means we’ve already met your pet, documented their health baseline, and can make better decisions faster—especially when things change suddenly.
2) Appropriate prescribing and treatment
Many medications and treatment plans require that a veterinarian has recently assessed the patient and has enough information to prescribe responsibly. A VCPR helps ensure medications are used correctly and safely, reducing the risk of side effects, missed diagnoses, or inappropriate dosing.
3) Better care in urgent situations
When your pet is sick or injured, minutes matter. If you already have an established relationship with a clinic, your team can work more efficiently because they know your pet’s history, prior conditions, sensitivities, and ongoing needs.
4) Continuity of care over time
Preventive care isn’t just vaccines—it’s dental health, parasite prevention, weight management, early detection of illness, senior screening, and chronic disease monitoring. A VCPR supports a long-term plan so your pet receives consistent, proactive care rather than reactive care only when something goes wrong.
Why we only establish a VCPR during regular business hours
We understand it can be frustrating to hear “we need to see your pet first,” especially if you’re calling after-hours or on a weekend. But for safety reasons, we only establish a new VCPR during regular business hours.
Here’s why:
A proper first appointment takes time. Establishing a VCPR is not a quick phone call—it involves reviewing history, performing an exam, discussing risks, and creating an appropriate plan.
We want the right staff and resources available. During business hours we have full medical records access, complete staffing, and the ability to triage, examine, and follow up safely.
It reduces risk in emergencies. When a pet needs urgent care, we want to be fully confident we’re making decisions based on direct knowledge of the patient—not assumptions.
- It is safer for our veterinarians. Establishing a VCPR during business hours allows us to meet clients and patients while we have our full staff and safety protocols in action. This helps protect our team from occasional inappropriate or unsafe interactions.
The best way to establish vet care: book a wellness visit early
The easiest (and most pet-friendly) way to establish a VCPR is to register as a client and book a wellness exam—often paired with vaccinations if your pet is due. This appointment lets us:
meet your pet when they’re feeling well,
document a baseline exam,
confirm vaccine status and parasite prevention,
discuss lifestyle risks (travel, boarding, grooming, kids in the home, other pets),
and build a plan so you’re supported when you need us most.
What to do if your pet is sick and you’re not established yet
If your pet is experiencing an urgent issue and you’re not yet a client, call us as soon as possible during business hours. If it’s after-hours and you believe it’s an emergency, we recommend contacting an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
Ready to get established?
To register and establish care:
Call us during regular business hours, or
Book a wellness exam/vaccination appointment online (if your site supports online booking).
By establishing a VCPR before a problem arises, you’re giving your pet the best chance at timely, safe, and effective care.