Ethicists’ commentary on how veterinarians should react to clients with symbols that promote hatred

Ethical question of the month, January 2026

As a client is leaving the practice with their pet, the veterinarian notices the client has a visible swastika tattoo in a location that could have been easily covered. The staff say nothing at the time but are shocked. How should the practice handle this?
Should they continue to provide services? If so, are there stipulations that should be in place? Would it make a difference if the pet needed urgent versus routine care?

Clare Palmer, Peter Sandøe, & Dan Weary comment on this dilemma and you can read it here: Ethicists’ commentary - how should veterinarians react to clients with eymbols that promote hatred?

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