Which regulation ensures that veterinary care is provided even when an attending veterinarian is unavailable?

The regulation that ensures veterinary care is provided even when an attending veterinarian is unavailable focuses on the establishment of emergency veterinary care protocols. These protocols are critical in ensuring that animals receive timely and effective veterinary intervention in emergency situations, which is vital for their welfare.

By having established emergency veterinary care protocols, institutions can outline specific procedures and guidelines for staff to follow when the attending veterinarian is not present. This ensures that there is no gap in care and that staff members know how to react in urgent situations, thereby maintaining the health and well-being of the animals under their care.

In contrast to this, while having designated staff trained in emergency care or consulting alternative veterinarians are beneficial practices, they do not guarantee a systematic approach to veterinary care in emergencies without pre-existing protocols. Therefore, the emphasis on having established protocols is what ultimately ensures consistent and comprehensive emergency care for animals.