Who owns the veterinary medical record?

The veterinary medical record is considered property of the veterinary clinic or hospital where the services were provided. This is because the record is created and maintained by the veterinary staff as a part of the medical services rendered. It contains not only the owner's information and the patient's health history but also the veterinarian's clinical notes, assessments, treatment plans, and other proprietary information relevant to the care of the animal.

While the information in the record pertains to the patient and the pet owner, the actual document itself is owned by the veterinary facility. This allows the clinic to maintain continuity of care, follow legal requirements regarding record-keeping, and protect the confidentiality of the information recorded. Pet owners have the right to access their pet's medical records, but the records themselves remain the property of the clinic or hospital.