Sending someone else to the vet with your pets: the handoff notes
In a house with several pets, someone else will take one of them to the vet sooner or later. The AVMA has advice for that exact case.
What the AVMA says
If you cannot take your pet in yourself, the AVMA says to send someone familiar with your pet’s personal and medical history, lifestyle, eating habits and any concerns you have. Otherwise, give your stand-in thorough notes on that background and be available by phone to answer questions.
Records and medications
It also says to bring a copy of the medical record if the vet does not have one, or your own notes. It says to be ready to list every medication and supplement, how much, how often and for how long, and that bringing the medications and their instructions is even better.
A handoff note, per pet (our suggestion)
- Name, species, age and the reason for the visit.
- What you have noticed and since when.
- Current medications and supplements with amount, frequency and duration.
- Allergies and past reactions, and your vet’s record if it is held elsewhere.
- Your phone number, and the best time to reach you.
Why one note per pet
With several animals, medications and symptoms get mixed up easily. A separate note for each pet keeps the right information with the right animal.
