Veterinarians have the right to prescribe drugs and biologics which is a privilege reserved by law for the protection of the public. As such, veterinarians have a professional responsibility to ensure that the use of drugs and biologics does not cause livestock or public health hazards. Practitioners must advise clients on the safe and responsible use of drugs, develop standard processing and treatment schedules (particular emphasis on drug withdrawal periods), develop a record keeping system for all events, verify that these activities are implemented, and correct any problems that may occur. Additionally, veterinarians must ensure that only drugs known to be compatible are used in combination for treatment by any method of administration. When prescribing drugs, veterinarians must ensure that they have a proper veterinarian/client/patient relationship.

The veterinarian must write prescriptions for feed medication when medications are used in different species or at different levels or for different uses than that approved in the Compendium of Medicating Ingredient Brochures. Feed medications must only be used for a limited period in the treatment of specific, diagnosed conditions and general standards must be met and withdrawals stated on the prescription. Veterinarians are responsible and accountable for any extra-label use of drugs and resulting adverse reactions and residues.

Veterinarians should report adverse drug and biologic reactions and the illegal sale and misuse of veterinary drugs and biologics.