Your vet should have records about your pet.
So should you.
Those statements are not in conflict.
Veterinary clinics need detailed clinical records to operate safely and professionally.
But the fact that a business has information about your animal does not mean that information should only be useful while you remain a customer of that particular business.
Animals move through systems.
They see different vets.
They get emergency care.
They travel.
They move cities.
They get adopted.
They stay with relatives.
They see specialists.
Sometimes the clinic you used ten years ago does not even exist anymore.
Your animal’s history should be able to move too.
What pet medical records should you keep?
At minimum, I would want easy access to:
- vaccinations
- microchip number
- current medication
- allergies
- significant diagnoses
- surgeries
- major test results
- veterinary contacts
- insurance information
- rabies documentation
- travel documentation
- emergency information
You do not necessarily need every routine invoice from every appointment your animal has ever had.
The question is simpler:
If another qualified person had to care for this animal tomorrow, what would they need to know?
That information should not require an archaeological expedition through your email inbox.
The real problem is continuity
People usually think of pet records as paperwork.
I think that misses the point.
Records are continuity.
A veterinarian knowing that your dog had a reaction to a medication three years ago is continuity.
A sitter knowing exactly what medication your cat takes is continuity.
A groomer knowing your senior dog has mobility limitations is continuity.
A new rescue adopter having access to the animal’s existing history is continuity.
The document itself is not the value.
The fact that the animal does not have to start from zero again is the value.
The record should follow the animal
That idea sits at the centre of Petworking.
A business should keep the information it needs.
The animal should also have a persistent record that survives changes in businesses.
One does not need to replace the other.
Pet care gets better when they work together.
Your vet has your pet’s records.
Good.
You should too.