Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

Introduction
Each member of the veterinary technology profession has the obligation to uphold the trust invested in the profession by adhering to the profession's code of ethics.
A code of ethics is an essential characteristic of a profession and serves three main functions:

1. A code communicates to the public and to the members of the profession the ideals of the profession.
2. A code is a general guide for professional ethical conduct.
3. A code of ethics provides standards of acceptable conduct that allow the profession to implement disciplinary procedures against those who fall below the standards.

No code can provide the answer to every ethical question faced by members of the profession. They shall continue to bear their responsibility for reasoned and conscientious interpretation and application of the basic ethical principles embodied in the Code to individual cases.

A veterinary technician shall uphold the laws/regulations of his/her state or province that apply to the technician's responsibilities as a member of the veterinary medical health care team.

Ethical standards are never less than those required by law; frequently they are more stringent.

The Code of Ethics shall be subject to review and timely revision by the Association.

Preamble
The Code of Ethics is based on the supposition that the honor and dignity of the professional of veterinary technology lies in the just and reasonable code of ethics. Veterinary technology includes the promotion and maintenance of good health in animals, the care of diseased and injured animals, and the control of diseases transmissible from animals to man. The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to provide guidance to the veterinary technician for carrying out professional responsibilities so as to meet the ethical obligations of the profession.

Code of Ethics

1. Veterinary technicians shall aid society and animals through providing excellent care and services for animals.
2. Veterinary technicians shall prevent and relieve the suffering of animals.
3. Veterinary technicians shall promote public health by assisting with the control of zoonotic diseases and informing the public about these diseases.
4. Veterinary technicians shall assume accountability for individual professional actions and judgments.
5. Veterinary technicians shall protect confidential information provided by clients.
6. Veterinary technicians shall safeguard the public and the professional against individuals deficient in professional competence or ethics.
7. Veterinary technicians shall assist with efforts to ensure conditions of employment consistent with the excellent care for animals.
8. Veterinary technicians shall remain competent in veterinary technology through commitment to life-long learning.
9. Veterinary technicians shall collaborate with members of the veterinary medical profession in efforts to ensure quality health care services for all animals.

Ideals
In addition to adhering to the standards listed in the Code of Ethics, veterinary technicians may also strive to attain a number of ideals. Some of these are:

• Veterinary technicians shall strive to participate in defining, upholding, and improving standards of professional practice, legislation and education.
• Veterinary technicians shall strive to contribute to the profession's body of knowledge.
• Veterinary technicians shall strive to understand and support the attachment between a person and his/her companion animal.

This code has been developed by the NAVTA Ethics Committee. No part of it may be reproduced without the written permission of NAVTA. Copyright 1993 NAVTA, Inc. All rights reserved.