Tips and recommendations 

Can I ask my vet for records?

Leia Doyle

Can I ask my vet for records?

If you have had your dog since birth and are changing vets or moving location, your existing vet will be able to give you a full record. If you’re getting a pet from a friend or someone else, you can ask them directly for the vet history or ask for their vet to send it to your vet.

Can veterinarians give out information?

1.1 Veterinarians have a responsibility to maintain client confidentiality. However, the Board recognises there can be occasions when the principle of client confidentiality is over-ridden by the veterinarian’s need to disclose information.

What should you ask your vet?

Here are 10 things everyone should ask their veterinarian.

  • Is My Pet at a Healthy Weight?
  • Could I be providing a more appropriate food?
  • Is That [Insert Odd Behavior Here] Normal?
  • Is My Pet Up to Date on Shots?
  • Does My Pet Need a Dental Cleaning?
  • Does My Pet Need a Blood Test?

Can you call your vet and ask questions?

1. You could call the vet’s office & ask your question over the phone. 2. You could take a sample of your dog’s pee or poop (or vomit) to the vet.

How long do vets keep records?

Typically states require veterinarians to keep records anywhere from 3-5 years after the last patient exam or treatment.

Who owns pet medical records?

The courts have determined that medical records are either owned by the practice or by the individual medical practitioner.

What questions should I ask at my first vet visit?

Whether this is your first puppy or your third, these are the first questions to ask your vet.

  • Is my puppy healthy?
  • How many times a day should I feed my puppy?
  • What type of food is best for a puppy?
  • How often should my puppy visit the vet?
  • When should I spay/neuter my puppy?
  • When can I begin to walk my puppy outside?

What should I ask my vet when visiting a puppy?

Puppy First Vet Visit: Questions to Ask

  • When will my puppy return for future visits and vaccines?
  • When is it safe for my puppy to be around other dogs?
  • How should I socialize my puppy?
  • When should I spay or neuter my puppy?
  • What diet should I feed my puppy?
  • What parasite protection is recommended for my puppy?

How do I know if my vet is good?

If you aren’t quite sure what makes a good vet, here’s what to look for.

  • Good: They Care About Comfort.
  • Good: They’re Willing To Explain.
  • Good: They Run Thorough Tests.
  • Good: They Listen To You.
  • Bad: They Rush You.
  • Bad: They Try To Sell You Unnecessary Things.
  • Bad: You Feel Uncomfortable.

Can vets refuse to give you a prescription?

A: It is unethical, and in most states, unlawful, for a veterinarian to write a prescription or dispense a prescription drug outside a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR).

Do vets charge for records?

The licensed veterinarian may charge reasonable and customary fees for the copying of records. Written client consent or other waiver required in order to disclose information.

How much is a typical vet visit?

While on average, routine annual veterinary care might cost between $200 to $400 for dogs and $90 to $200 for cats, unplanned events such as accidents, injuries, or unanticipated ailments can cost a variable amount more.

How much is the first vet visit for a puppy?

Most of what happens during a puppy’s first vet visit is quite routine and therefore not very expensive. Veterinary costs vary based on where you live, but be prepared for something in the range of $75 to $100 per puppy visit. Call your veterinarian for a more precise estimate so there are no unpleasant surprises.

How soon after getting a puppy should you take it to the vet?

You should schedule the first vet appointment for your puppy as soon as they’re eight weeks old. If you brought home a puppy older than that, schedule an appointment within your first three days with them. Even if they’ve seen a veterinarian before, you need to find a local vet for ongoing care.