Moving house, moving closer to work, or simply looking for a clinic that fits your family better: whatever the reason, changing vets is common. One of the questions we hear most on the phone is how to get a pet's history from one clinic to another. The good news is that it is usually a short, simple step, and it makes your pet's first visit with a new team much more useful.

What is in your pet's medical record?

A pet's record is the story of their health so far. It usually includes:

  • Vaccine history, with dates and the vaccines given, including rabies.
  • Notes from past exams and any ongoing conditions.
  • Lab work such as bloodwork, urine tests and results from imaging like X-rays.
  • Surgeries and anesthesia, including spay or neuter and dental work.
  • Current medications, diets and any known allergies or reactions.
  • Microchip number, if your pet has one.

Why it matters at the first visit

With the history in hand, the veterinarian can see what has already been done and what is due. It helps avoid repeating vaccines or tests your pet does not need, and it gives the team useful context for anything that has changed since the last visit. It is especially helpful for senior pets, pets on long-term medication, and pets with a chronic condition.

How to get the records moved

  • Call your previous clinic and ask them to send your pet's full medical record to your new clinic. Most clinics will ask you to confirm that you agree to the transfer.
  • Or call us at (604) 888-2628 before your first appointment. Our front desk can tell you what we need and help request the records.
  • Give a few days if you can. Records arrive faster when the request is made before the appointment, not on the day.
  • Bring anything you have at home: vaccine certificates, adoption or breeder paperwork, and the names of any medications or foods your pet takes.

Did a clinic contact you about your records?

Records also travel the other way. If another clinic is seeing your pet, for example a specialist or an emergency hospital, they may ask us for your pet's history so they have the full picture. That is normal, and it helps them care for your pet.

New to Walnut Grove Animal Hospital?

We are at 101A-20995 88 Ave in Langley, open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 7 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Call (604) 888-2628 and we will help you get set up, records included.