Portugal: Veterinary Association Refuses Treatment of Persons Who Identify as Animals

Lisbon – 06/01/2026: The Portuguese Veterinary Association (Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários, OMV) recently published internal guidelines instructing veterinarians not to provide medical services to people who identify as animals. This decision was made to clarify the legal boundaries of veterinary practice and to avoid potential ethical conflicts.

The term “Therian” refers to individuals who identify spiritually or psychologically with animals. Although this phenomenon has gained international visibility, there have so far been no reports in Portugal of veterinarians being confronted with such requests. Nevertheless, the OMV has taken proactive steps to prepare its members for possible future situations.

In its guidelines, the OMV emphasizes that veterinarians are exclusively responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical care of animals. It underscores that people who identify as animals are legally still considered humans and therefore require medical care from human healthcare professionals. Veterinarians are required to inform such individuals respectfully and refer them to appropriate medical specialists.

This decision by the OMV follows international reports that some young people in other countries have sought veterinary medical assistance. In Portugal, an informal meeting of “Therians” was organized in Vila Real in February but was canceled due to public criticism. Experts on mental health and social dynamics are closely monitoring this phenomenon, especially as it predominantly involves adolescents and young adults.

The OMV stresses that its guidelines do not question the identity or beliefs of the affected individuals but merely protect the legal and professional boundaries of veterinary practice. It calls on its members to adopt a respectful and informative stance in such cases and to refer the affected persons to the appropriate human health services.

This measure by the OMV aims to clarify responsibilities within the healthcare sector and to ensure that all individuals receive the appropriate medical care for them. It highlights the importance of cooperation between different medical disciplines to meet individual needs.

Overall, this development in Portugal highlights the necessity for medical professional societies to develop clear guidelines to handle new and unusual requests, while simultaneously respecting the rights and identities of the individuals concerned.

The OMV plans to continue informing its members about such developments and, if necessary, provide further guidelines to ensure professional and ethical medical practice.