For Vet Professionals

Are your clients asking you about CBD for their pets?

As a certified Veterinary Cannabis Counselor (VCC), I’m here to help you answer their questions.

Inspired Pet Wellness provides veterinary professionals with accurate, evidence-based education on the use of cannabinoid therapy for animals.

For many veterinary professionals, discussing cannabis can be an uncomfortable conversation. There is a lot of stigma surrounding cannabis use, especially with recent legalizations in the recreation market. Some veterinarians may even choose to avoid the topic entirely when clients are inquiring about cannabis. 

However, by focusing on harm reduction education, we can ensure the best possible outcomes for the pets in our care. Knowledge is power!

As the latest research  continues to show the health benefits of cannabis, the interest from pet parents is growing exponentially. As animal caregivers, it’s our responsibility to expand our knowledge and resources to meet their needs. 

Without accurate information and guidance, well-meaning pet parents may cause more harm than good by trying to administer cannabis treatments on their own. 

How a Veterinary Cannabis Counselor can help

VCCs are trained to:

• Provide the education you need to talk to your clients about cannabis

  • Current legislation in Canada prevents you from prescribing cannabis products, but you are able to ethically advise, discuss, guide and educate clients on cannabis use for their pet.

  • Education should always be provided when the client seeks information from the primary veterinarian or has initiated at-home therapy (especially when it has the potential to cause harm).

• Work directly with your clients to guide them through administering cannabis to their pets safely. I provide pet parents with:

  • Harm-reduction education about cannabis.

  • Guidance on animal-safe cannabis products.

  • Guidance on appropriate monitoring, diagnostics and evaluation of therapeutic responses.

• Prioritize pet wellness and patient care

  • I am committed to maintaining the veterinary client-patient relationship (VCPR) with each pet’s primary veterinarian.

  • I welcome a collaborative approach to ensure you are fully informed of the pet’s cannabis plan.

What is the scope of practice for a Veterinary Cannabis Counselor?

We all play an integral role in achieving the best quality of life possible for our clients. 

In my role as a VCC, I follow these professional guidelines:

• Only VCCs who are veterinarians are permitted to diagnose or change/update a treatment plan.

• I do not suggest cannabis as a substitute for pharmaceutical drugs.

• I ensure the pet parent’s veterinarian remains informed of the cannabis administration schedule.

• I abide by the ethical position of “do no harm.”

• I provide Harm Reduction Education (HRE), guidance, monitoring and case oversight for cannabis therapy while staying within the limits of the scope of practice.

• I provide thorough information that is science-based and safety-focused, while ensuring the pet parent has a comprehensive understanding of their guidance plan.