Legal, Ethical, and Practical Considerations of Working in the Field

Successful fieldwork, carried out at a distance from normal veterinary facilities, requires thorough planning with careful attention to detail. There are substantial legal, ethical, and practical matters involved with fieldwork that must be taken into consideration. Law relating to employment safety and liability and to animals and conservation must be considered and supplemented, where necessary, by ethical standards. Many practical matters, including documentation, equipment, personal conduct, and knowledge of the nature and locality of the fieldwork, must be researched. This article provides guidance on the legal, ethical, and practical matters involved with fieldwork.