The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK have all taken the basic position that when education fails, it is the responsibility of the veterinarian to report cases of suspected animal abuse to the appropriate authorities. According to the AVMA position, documentation of the cases is invaluable and it is acknowledged that reporting may save human and animal lives.

There are many reasons why the veterinary profession is addressing the issue of animal abuse now. Aside from the veterinary oath to protect animal health, relieve animal suffering, and promote public health, many experts believe that animal abuse is closely associated with human violence, including domestic violence, child and elder abuse. This is commonly known as the "Link". The "Link" states that when animals are at risk for abuse, so are humans and vice versa. Many experts also believe that a history of animal abuse may be a strong predictor of subsequent criminal and violent behavior in adolescents. As veterinarians are the best- trained professionals to recognize animal abuse, neglect and substandard care, they have a unique role to play in keeping animals, and in some cases, humans, safe from violence. Therefore, veterinarians should report good faith suspicions that an animal has been abused, assist animal cruelty investigations and prosecutorial efforts and establish relationships with other agencies for cross reporting, training, and provision of services.

The primary role of the veterinarian in investigating animal cruelty is to serve as the medical expert for the case. It is important to note that veterinarians do not define animal cruelty. Animal cruelty is defined by state law and the judicial process. As cruelty cases become more complex and there are more severe penalties, the role of the medical expert is expanding to include crime scene investigation. Veterinarians who are concerned about becoming involved in these situations should remember that there are many other people involved in both the investigation and prosecution of the case, and other elements of the criminal justice system determine the ultimate disposition of the case.

Filing a report of suspicions of abuse is seldom an easy or clear-cut decision. At least one study has shown that the factor that most affects the practitioner's decision whether or not to report their suspicions is whether the client expresses remorse. However, it should be remembered there might be other at- risk pets, children and family members in the household needing assistance. Filing a report may be the only way to uncover and assist these other victims. Filing a report often does not lead to an arrest or punitive action, but it may be the best way to help a troubled family receive counseling and intervention services. Furthermore, a report that does not lead to charges may still have a positive effect on the situation and does not mean the report was a false one. This represents a significant way veterinarians can help reduce community violence, improve the quality of life of humans and animals, and enhance the stature of the profession by taking an ethical leadership role as animal welfare advocates.

In order to engage responsibly in handling animal abuse cases, veterinarians should know the laws pertaining to animals and be familiar with the state anti-cruelty statute, including how cruelty and animal are defined, and any exemptions. One must also know the veterinary practice act, including whether the state mandates reporting of abuse, provides immunity for good faith reporting, requires confidentiality of medical records, and so on. It is important to know any exceptions or exemptions. It is recommended that every hospital establish an in-house policy regarding handling of animal abuse cases that describes circumstances that may be suggestive of animal cruelty and outlines appropriate procedures for acting on such suspicions. Training, support and information on handling animal abuse cases should be provided for all staff. It would be advantageous to determine which agency investigates animal abuse ahead of time, i.e., animal control, police department, or the local humane society, for example. One should establish contacts with several agencies and individuals, including law enforcement, humane society/animal control, social services (domestic violence, child protection, elder services), department of health (hoarding), diagnostic laboratories, medical examiners and other specialists who will work on abuse cases- forensic pathologists, radiologists, etc. The local veterinary medical association and state board may also be able to provide some guidance on difficult cases.