Policies & Disclaimers
Credentials
The acronym “VTS” on the company's name does NOT refer to a Veterinary Technician Specialty, in the field of rehabilitation or any other field, but serves as a legal distinction and refers to services provided by an active licensed veterinary technician in the state of Texas.
My credentials include an active licensure in the State of Texas and a Certification as a Companion Animal Therapist through Northeast Seminars in collaboration with North Carolina State University. If you would like to review my resume before referring your patient, feel free to request it via email to the following address: corinap@momentumvts.com
Referral Form
With the submission of the Referral Form, the attending veterinarian agrees to refer the enlisted client & patient to Corina Portillo, and provide general supervision for the purposes of developing and starting a physical rehabilitation program after a differential/diagnosis has been reached by the referring veterinarian.
Should a concern or complication arise during the treatment plan, the patient will be referred back to the attending veterinarian for a reassesment.
Pet Owner Inquiry Form
Please be aware that, although I am an active Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), filling out this form is not equivalent to a consultation with a Licensed Veterinarian. An LVT is not trained or legally allowed to make any diagnosis and/or prognosis regarding a pet’s medical condition.
Furthermore, in order to initiate a therapeutic plan, the primary veterinarian has to provide his/her referral and the degree of supervision he/she deems appropriate for the patient. The pet owner agrees to maintain an ongoing relationship with a Licensed Veterinarian and to seek immediate veterinary attention in the case the pet’s condition worsens or if an emergency arises.
Rabies vaccination, Animal Handling & Behavior
For the safety of the animal therapist, the pet owner and the pet referred for physical rehabilitation services, a proof of rabies vaccination is required before services can be provided. Rabies is a serious and fatal zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans. Due to the nature of the services Momentum VTS, LLC provides, which involve close, hands-on interaction within a home environment with potentially painful/uncomfortable pets, ensuring that a rabies vaccination is on file reduces the health risks and helps us comply with public health regulations and industry best practices.
Additionally, the pet owner agrees to disclaim whether their pet imposes a known risk of aggressive behavior to any member of Momentum, VTS, LLC. The company reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services if a pet displays behavior that could result in injury to the animal, handler or others.
Injury Risk & Assumption of Risk
Physical rehabilitation services include physical activity in the form of therapeutic exercises and manual handling, sometimes with the use of professional and/or home-available equipment (as the service is designed to allow the pet owner to carry out the program at home), which carry inherent risks. Despite my efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet during the rehabilitation period, there is always a risk of injury, aggravation of a pre-existing condition and/or unforeseen complications.
By engaging the services of Momentum VTS, LLC, the pet owner or authorized agent acknowledges and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with a personalized, at-home, pet physical rehabilitation program. Similarly, the pet owner is responsible for ensuring a safe and suitable environement for the completion of the rehabilitation program. The pet owner also understands that outcomes cannot be guaranteed and agrees that Momentum VTS, LLC, its owner/employees, contractors and agents shall not be held liable for injuries or damages resulting from participation in rehabilitation services.
Affiliate Product Disclaimer & Pet Injury Waiver
Momentum VTS, LLC may recommend products, equipment, or services offered by affiliated or third-party companies for use in your pet’s rehabilitation program (and following the approval of your primary veterinarian). Any purchase you make from an affiliated company is solely between you and that third-party vendor. Momentum VTS, LLC does not manufacture, distribute, guarantee, or warrant the quality, safety, effectiveness, or suitability of any third-party products. We are not responsible for product defects, delivery issues, pricing discrepancies, misuse, or any direct or indirect damages arising from your purchase, use, or inability to use such products. In the event one of these situations arises, Momentum VTS, LLC may assist, as a courtesy, in communicating your concerns to the third-party vendor; however, final resolution of any product-related issue remains solely between you and the third-party vendor. Our willingness to facilitate communication does not constitute an assumption of responsibility for the product or for the outcome of any dispute.
You acknowledge that rehabilitation activities, therapeutic exercises, and the use of recommended equipment carry inherent risks, including but not limited to muscle soreness, strain, aggravation of pre-existing conditions, or other injury. By engaging in services and/or using recommended products, you voluntarily assume all risks related to your pet’s participation.
To the fullest extent permitted under Texas law, you agree to release, waive, and hold harmless Momentum VTS, LLC, its owners/employees, contractors, and affiliates from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising out of or related to (1) the purchase or use of third-party products, and/or (2) your pet’s participation in rehabilitation services, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.