Legality of Applied Zoopharmacognosy
Please be aware that the following only applies to those in the UK. Jurisdictions in other countries may have different laws concerning animal self-medication.
There has been some discussion on the legal status of allowing animals to self-medicate, especially in regard to whether it contravenes the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966).
The Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) states that it is illegal for non-veterinarians to perform an act of veterinary surgery on animal. According to the act, “veterinary surgery” means:
…the art and science of veterinary surgery and medicine and,
without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, shall be taken to include—
(a) the diagnosis of diseases in, and injuries to, animals including
tests performed on animals for diagnostic purposes;
(b) the giving of advice based upon such diagnosis;
(c) the medical or surgical treatment of animals; and
(d) the performance of surgical operations on animals.
As stated above, it is illegal diagnose an animal with a disease or perform a diagnostic test. Applied Zoopharmacognocists do not diagnose, they simply offer the plant extracts on the basis on the symptoms displayed by the animal.
The IAZ has been legally advised that allowing animals under the care of others to self-medicate with plant extracts is permissible as it would not constitute an act of veterinary surgery. This is because the plant extracts that are offered are not controlled substances that can only be possessed by a veterinary surgeon. It would be an act of veterinary surgery if you administered a product that could only be legally possessed by a veterinary surgeon. If the product is on general sale (as plant extracts are) then non-veterinarians are allowed to possess it. This is why providing an animal with an over-the counter wormer does not constitute an act of veterinary surgery.
Remember that if you are not a vet then it is illegal to diagnose or give advice based on a diagnosis.
It is important to obtain insurance before allowing animals under the care of others to self-medicate. You must also seek permission from the carer before offering any extracts.
If you would like further information on the legal advice we obtained please contact the office.
Code of Conduct
The Ingraham Academy of Zoopharmacognosy has developed this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct to ensure its members act with integrity in dealing with the general public, veterinary surgeons, other trained professionals, clients and students. The Ingraham Academy of Zoopharmacognosy expects its members to follow this Code of Ethics, conducting themselves in an honest and professional manner at all times in order to maintain the highest standards.
All members of the Ingraham Academy of Zoopharmacognosy will be required to abide by the following:-
1. Work within and respect the Protection of Animals Act 1911, the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, the Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962 , the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and any other relevant law in effect now or in the future.
2. The practice of Zoopharmacognosy is not intended to replace veterinary care, therefore it does not diagnose, dose or treat, instead it facilitates the enhancement of an animal's environment. The owner is taught how to work with secondary compounds for health maintenance.
3. A substance should never be imposed on an animal that has not selected it. This includes adding substances to food or inhalation devices or applying them topically to the body. Practitioners use natural products, so in some cases they have not been formally tested.
4. Whilst it is not a legal requirement to ask a vet's permission to hold a consultation with an owner about his/her animal, owners should be advised that their vet should be informed both of the animal's condition and of the consultation. This is a professional courtesy but more importantly supports the owner's duty of care and ensures that an animal will not miss out on veterinary care that it might need.
5. Maintain client confidentiality and abide by the Data Protection Act. Any information obtained during consultation must be kept in the strict confidence, unless the owner/ carer gives written permission for it to be shared with a veterinary surgeon or other interested parties.
6. Complete a full consultation before commencement of therapy and keep accurate records of your dealings with an animal and owner.
7. Recognise your primary obligation to the animal, always offering your skills to the best of your ability for the benefit of the animal. The animal's welfare is always of paramount importance.
8. Educate and encourage the owners' self-responsibility.
9. Be aware of any risks that might be posed by the handling of essential oils etc. by human clients with particular conditions, and advise accordingly.
10. Ensure all clients are treated ethically, professionally and within your professional competence.
11. Treat other health practitioners and colleagues with professional courtesy at all times, and act in an ethical and dignified manner.
12. Share professional knowledge, research and experiences with others to advance the information about zoopharmacognosy.
13. Members of the Ingraham Academy of Zoopharmacognosy will not adapt the guidelines of their training and will only educate animal owners and carers in the methodology of self-selection as recognised by the Ingraham Academy of Zoopharmacognosy.
14. All students and members of the Ingraham Academy of Zoopharmacognosy must ensure that they have a valid insurance policy allowing them to practice.
