The Portuguese Order of Veterinarians (Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários, OMV) has issued guidance stating that veterinary professionals cannot treat humans under any circumstances, including individuals who identify as animals. The clarification is part of internal professional guidance designed to support clinics when faced with unusual or unclear requests, rather than a change in legislation or regulatory expansion. The OMV reaffirmed that veterinary medicine in Portugal is legally limited to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in non-human animals. Human healthcare remains exclusively within the
remit of medical doctors and other licensed health professionals. The guidance was issued following discussion of “therian” identity in online spaces, although there are no reported incidents in Portugal involving veterinary clinics being approached by individuals identifying as therians. What a “therian” is and how the term is used A therian is a person who identifies, in a personal or psychological sense, as a non-human animal. The term originates from “therianthropy”, a concept used in online communities to describe individuals who experience a strong internal
identification with an animal species or perceive aspects of their identity as animal-like in nature. It is generally understood as a self-described identity rather than a medical condition or psychiatric diagnosis. The OMV referenced the term only to clarify the limits of veterinary practice. Veterinary professionals are trained and legally authorised to treat animals only, and cannot assess or treat human patients under any circumstances. Any health concerns involving humans must be directed to medical or psychological services. Portuguese media reports indicate that the guidance
was issued as a preventive measure, rather than in response to confirmed incidents in clinical practice. No confirmed cases in Portugal or verified international clinical records There are no verified reports in Portugal of veterinarians being asked to treat individuals identifying as therians. The OMV has not cited any specific incidents, and the guidance appears to have been issued to avoid misunderstanding in clinical environments. There are also no confirmed cases recorded in official veterinary or medical documentation internationally of individuals identifying as therians presenting
to veterinary clinics for treatment as animals. However, there are viral videos and social media posts circulating online that appear to show individuals attending veterinary clinics or attempting to be seen in that context. In these recordings, veterinarians typically explain that their services are restricted to animals and that they cannot provide treatment to humans. These videos are shared widely across social media platforms, but they are not supported by regulatory findings, clinical case reports or verified institutional records. They are generally regarded as isolated
anecdotal situations that gained visibility online rather than evidence of a documented trend in veterinary practice. Online identity terminology entering professional guidance The inclusion of “therian” terminology in veterinary guidance reflects the way online identity language has become more visible in public discourse. These identity labels are primarily used within online communities and forums, where individuals describe personal experiences or affiliations linked to non-human animals. Professional bodies in healthcare and related fields sometimes address such terminology when it intersects with regulated services. In this case,
the veterinary authority’s statement is focused on ensuring that practitioners clearly understand the boundaries of their professional responsibilities rather than responding to established clinical cases. Legal separation between veterinary and human healthcare The OMV reiterated that veterinary medicine is defined in law as the treatment of animals. Human healthcare is regulated separately and delivered only by qualified medical and mental health professionals. The guidance stresses that personal identity does not alter this distinction. Even if an individual identifies as a non-human animal, veterinary professionals remain
unable to provide treatment or clinical assessment. Clarification of professional responsibilities The purpose of the guidance is to ensure consistent responses across veterinary practice in Portugal when faced with unfamiliar or unusual requests. It is intended to remove ambiguity rather than introduce new rules or sanctions. The OMV has not suggested that therian identity represents a medical issue within veterinary practice. Instead, it has focused on reaffirming established legal limits so that veterinary professionals can respond clearly and appropriately in all clinical settings.
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