Portuguese Veterinary Order addresses requests from individuals identifying as animals

The phenomenon of 'therians,' individuals who identify as animals, has gained prominence in Portugal through social media platforms like TikTok. This trend involves people wearing animal accessories and mimicking animal behaviors. Reports indicate that some individuals have requested medical examinations from veterinary clinics. In response, the Portuguese Veterinary Order (Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários) has issued official guidelines to its members. The association clarified that veterinary services are legally and professionally restricted to animals only. The statement emphasizes that Portuguese law does not recognize 'animal identity' for humans, and such individuals remain human under the law. Veterinarians have been instructed to explain these professional limitations clearly and professionally to anyone requesting services outside the scope of veterinary medicine. This situation has ignited a broader public debate regarding the boundaries of identity and medical practice.