Everyone can start to break the impasse between private practitioners and shelters by listening.

I own a small animal practice, and I discovered that my hospital manager and associate have been ordering equine products through my clinic. I like that I can help them by getting products at wholesale, but I worry about my liability since I don't treat horses. Is this legal?

Solid business ethics can help you establish a profitable, successful practice. And your clients will see your good side, too. Here are seven principles of admirable business ethics:

We took in a boarder from a longtime, good client, who said the pet was a stray that he acquired from the local groomer. During our exam, we found a microchip and were able to locate and contact the original owner, who said the dog had been stolen about six weeks earlier. What are our rights and responsibilities in situations like this?

It's essential to tell team members who they can turn to--besides you--when they encounter a confusing ethical situation.

West Hollywood, Calif., is trying to ban cosmetic surgery on animals, including tail docking, de-fanging, ear cropping, and botox for noncurative reasons.

The answer is often colored by preconceived notions, according to a study published in the American Journal of Nursing. When adverse events fall in the realm of nursing they're likely to be reported as errors. When they're associated with physicians, they're apt to be viewed as differences in "clinical judgement" or a "variation in practice."

Think you're communicating--and selling--your services effectively? Here are some key points to consider to help you make powerful and persuasive recommendations to your clients

You and your staff members likely make tough ethical decisions every day. Yet only 43 percent of respondents to a recent survey by VetMedTeam.com, an online resource and team training center, say their practice teams discuss ethics.