In contrast to other professionals, veterinarians have a dual obligation to human clients and animal patients. This bifurcated commitment becomes even more challenging when the client is disabled and the animal is an assistance dog!
The latest census figures indicate more than 54 million Americans fit the definition of disabled as set forth in language implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). This means that a significant segment of a veterinary clinic's clientele will be individuals with disabilities.
In order to provide the best service possible, veterinarians and their staffs need to be sensitive to the needs of disabled clients. Whatever the disability, staff members should recognize the mandate to interact directly with the client, not with a sighted driver accompanying a blind client, sign interpreter accompanying a deaf client or personal assistant accompanying a wheelchair using client. Since many disabled people do not drive, flexibility in scheduling may be needed. For disabled clients, verbal interaction, hands on demonstrations and written instructions are essential elements in breaking through the barriers of communication and interaction. Since the goal of veterinary medicine is to maintain the health and well-being of animal patients, following the recommendations presented concerning preferred patterns of interaction and communication with disabled clients will enhance the health of their companion animals. It will also help cement the relationship between veterinarians and a portion of clients who can become a significant source of income.
Approximately 20,000 disabled Americans have sought partnerships with guide, hearing and service dogs to increase independence, safety, mobility and improve their quality of life. In order to provide the highest level of health care possible, it is essential to know what these dogs do for their disabled partners. Some of this work is graphically demonstrated in an award winning 11-minute video, Partners in Independence, produced by the authors.
Although the goal of the veterinarian/disabled client/assistance dog relationship is to maintain the working life of the canine assistant, it is the veterinarian who frequently must inform the client about the dog's deteriorating health and inability to continue performing the tasks that have become so invaluable.
Some practitioners have developed discounted fee structures, some have become active fund raisers, some serve on assistance dog training program boards and some have even become puppy raisers. Thus, the professional role shifts from healer, to helper, to humanitarian.