Who owns the physical medical record?

The correct answer is that the veterinary practice owns the physical medical record. This is based on the principle that while clients have rights to the information contained in their pet's medical records, ownership of the actual physical documents rests with the veterinary facility.

This ownership allows the veterinary practice to manage and maintain the records securely, to ensure compliance with legal regulations regarding record-keeping, and to safeguard the confidentiality of the client's information.

Although clients can request copies of their pet’s medical records and are entitled to access this information, the practice retains ownership of the original documents. This distinction is important in understanding the relationship between veterinary services and their clients, emphasizing the responsibilities of the practice in maintaining accurate and comprehensive medical records.