Pets and privacy

Animals and privacy

Yes, you read correctly. Animals and the topic of data protection. Personal data is processed during every visit to the vet. The new data protection law also applies here. In addition to treatment documentation, the vet also needs information about the animal owner. This is contact information or bank details for paying the bill.

If the beloved animal has been infected with a disease that is also contagious to humans, the data is reported to bodies such as the responsible health or veterinary office.

Declaration of consent for animal owners

Since a veterinary practice must prove that the owner of the animal has given his consent to the respective processing purposes, the written form is the safest. Comprehensive information and education is necessary.

Confidentiality of the veterinarian

Like any other physician, the veterinarian is bound by the duty of confidentiality. Health and personal data may not be passed on already therefore without further ado. For example, the fact of an unclean attitude of the animal, thus reason of the treatment counts under the duty of confidentiality. Exceptions are regulated by special provisions of the Animal Protection Act.

The disclosure and thus the passing on of data covered by the duty of confidentiality is only permitted with the consent of the animal owner.

Tip:

If in doubt, anyone running a veterinary practice should obtain the owner's declaration of consent. It is advisable to include this in the treatment contract. Provide patients with sufficient information about their rights and the nature and purpose of data processing. An information data sheet, which is displayed at the reception desk, informs pet owners about the new data protection regulations.