Sharing Your Pet's Medical Records

Why does my new veterinarian need to see my pet’s medical records?

Your pet’s medical records provide a complete, organized history of their health. They include previous illnesses, test results, treatments, medications, and responses to treatment—details that can be difficult to remember accurately. Reviewing these records helps your new veterinarian understand your pet’s medical history and make informed decisions about their care.

Important information in your pet’s medical record includes:

• Drug and food allergies
• Details of any vaccine reactions
• Trends in physical measurements, such as your pet’s weight, muscle condition, and bloodwork results can provide clues about their health
• Your pet’s handling preferences, such as whether they are fearful of men, where they are most comfortable having blood taken, and whether any sedation is needed before certain treatments or procedures
• Your pet’s response to anesthesia and sedative medications, including any adverse reactions. This information allows your veterinarian to customize drug selection and dosing, and avoid drugs that have previously caused a reaction

If you have kept records of your pet’s care at home, such as a nutrition journal, glucose test results, or pain scores, share this information with your new veterinarian as well.

Your veterinarian will review your pet’s medical history before the first appointment so they can tailor your pet’s care to their needs. This information can prevent unnecessary duplication of laboratory tests and help ensure that ineffective treatments are not repeated. It may also speed up the diagnosis and treatment of a medical problem and save you unnecessary costs.

Don’t my old invoices have this information?

Invoices provide a detailed list of the vaccines and medications your pet received and when they were given. However, they do not include previous physical examination findings, diagnostic test results, concerns you have raised about your pet, or discussions you have had with your veterinarian.

How do I get my pet’s previous medical records?

Your new veterinarian may be able to request your pet’s records for you. However, most U.S. states and Canadian provinces require the pet owner’s permission to share them, so it is best to ask your previous veterinarian to send the records before your pet’s appointment.

What if I adopted my pet from an animal shelter or another person?

Animal shelters will often provide a medical history of your pet’s time in their care. When adopting a pet from another person, ask which veterinarian previously cared for the pet and request that the records be transferred to your name. If you do not plan to continue with that veterinarian, you can ask for the records to be sent to the veterinarian of your choice.