When you'll need records
- Boarding kennels, daycare and many groomers require proof of vaccines
- Switching vets or seeing an emergency vet
- Travel, moving and some apartment applications
- Pet sitters who may need to take your pet to the vet
What to write down
- Each vaccine, the date given and when it's due again
- Your vet clinic's name and phone number
- Medications, doses and start dates
- Allergies and health conditions
- Weight at each visit
- Microchip number and the company it's registered with
Core vaccines to ask your vet about
Vets group vaccines into "core" vaccines that most pets need and "lifestyle" vaccines that depend on where you live and what your pet does. For dogs, core vaccines generally include rabies and the distemper combination. For cats, they generally include rabies and the FVRCP combination. Your vet will recommend a schedule for your pet.
A simple system that works
- Keep one printed record per pet in a folder or on the fridge.
- Take a photo of every vet invoice and keep it in a phone album named after your pet.
- Put the next due dates in your phone calendar with a reminder two weeks ahead.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet decides which vaccines your pet needs and when.
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Questions people ask
What vaccines do dogs need?
Core dog vaccines generally include rabies and the distemper combination vaccine. Your vet may recommend others based on your dog's lifestyle and where you live.
What vaccines do cats need?
Core cat vaccines generally include rabies and the FVRCP combination vaccine. Kittens may also be vaccinated for feline leukemia. Your vet will advise.
How do I get copies of my pet's vaccine records?
Ask your vet clinic. Most can email or print them, and many have an online portal.
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The Paw Plan shares general information, not veterinary advice. Every pet is different, so check with your vet about your pet's health, diet and care.