FDA recognizes the vital role veterinarians play in protecting public health.  FDA is aware that during the COVID-19 outbreak some States are modifying their requirements for veterinary telemedicine, including State requirements regarding the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR).  Given that the Federal VCPR definition requires animal examination and/or medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal(s) are kept, the Federal VCPR definition cannot be met solely through telemedicine.  To further facilitate veterinarians’ ability to utilize telemedicine to address animal health needs during the COVID-19 outbreak, FDA intends to temporarily suspend enforcement of a portion of the Federal VCPR requirements.  Specifically, FDA generally intends not to enforce the animal examination and premises visit VCPR requirements relevant to FDA regulations governing Extralabel Drug Use in Animals (21 CFR part 530) and Veterinary Feed Directive Drugs (21 CFR 558.6).  Given the temporary nature of this policy, we plan to reassess it periodically and provide revision or withdrawal of this guidance as necessary. 

Questions?