As domestic violence shelters and foster programs increasingly accommodate animals alongside survivors, protecting the physical location of both human and animal victims remains a critical safety priority. However, routine veterinary care may create an overlooked vulnerability. State veterinary regulations typically require in their practice acts that veterinarians must record an animal owner’s full name and address in the veterinary record. While this requirement makes sense in other contexts, it problematically creates a paper trail that may jeopardize human and animal safety in a domestic violence situation.

The session presents an opportunity to consider legal, administrative, and practical strategies that attorneys, advocates, and veterinary professionals can use to safeguard survivors. As this is an emerging area, the webinar will invite discussion and feedback and will share strategies to close this gap, as well as provide best practices and recommendations for legal reform.

Approved for veterinary continuing education credit in Louisiana and may be available in other states. Please check with your own state for guidance.