Summary of RCVS response Ultimately, the decision regarding OOH visits to a home or another designated site is a judgement call

l for which the vet receiving the call has full responsibility. The state of the animal, availability of client transport and confidence in the safety for the vet are key points of concern that should be taken to account. Remember that at no point is the vet to risk life or limb to attend to an animal. RCVS will not draw a line in the sand to say which cases are suitable for action and those that are not. They emphasise that the vet has to make a judgement call. With experience this may become easier. But for the majority of new graduates in an increasingly litigious society this judgement call may be more difficult to make with practice policy, financial concerns and other factors confounding the situation. Hence we go back to the first point the vet taking the call has full responsibility. Unknown roadside injuries, insufficient funds and possible welfare cases can often be controversial. These cases are often referable to the RSPCA therefore keep your local head office number that is available 24/7 close to hand; they can make the visit and bring the animal to you or arrange payment for you to do so. If your judgement call leads you to not attend a visit an explanation as to why needs to be given to the client or member of public. Communication here is key particularly in reference to situations you may feel are unsafe. These are often stressful situations and when possible contact a senior vet for further advice. Animals that are found deceased are the local councils responsibility. Wildlife injuries are RSPCAs responsibility. Animals presented to your practice are the responsibility of the attending vet. Everything else is a judgement call.