It is an unfortunate fact that the professional man, by the very nature of things, fails in many instances to accomplish the desired results-veterinarians being no exception. This places him in a position where he is readily charged with failure of performance of his professional duty, usually referred to as malpractice. Therefore, it is certainly important that the members of a profession have knowledge as to their legal obligations when they undertake to render a service. Herewith are presented the fundamental legal aspects of malpractice rather than specific considerations such as these will suggest. Such can very properly be left for some later time after the fundamental principles have been established. It must be acknowledged that an application of such principles will give a fuller appreciation of the subject of malpractice.