Moving, or just changing clinics? The transfer usually stalls on one thing: the records live at the old practice, and you're the go-between. Here's the process, plus how to make sure you're never dependent on it again.
Ask for the complete medical record — visit notes, vaccination certificates, lab results. Most clinics will email copies to you or directly to the new practice. Some charge a small copying fee; regions vary on the rules, but copies of your pet's history are generally yours to request.
Vaccination dates, current meds and doses, ongoing conditions, diet. This is what the front desk actually enters into their system — the 40-page clinical file usually gets skimmed, but these facts drive day-one decisions.
If you've moved, the chip registry still points to your old address and possibly your old vet. Two minutes online fixes it.
This is the step everyone skips, and it's why the next move is just as painful. If you carry your pet's history yourself, no clinic transfer can ever hold you up again.
Clinics keep excellent records — of what happened at their clinic. Pets accumulate history across practices, emergency hospitals, groomers and boarders. The only complete record is the one the owner keeps. That's the difference between "please fax it when you can" and pulling up the full history at the front desk in ten seconds.
PetTally keeps the complete history on your phone: one-tap Vet Summary PDF for the front desk, a QR Pet Passport the vet can scan, and full export any time. Free on iPhone.
Get PetTally FreeRelated: Rehoming a pet? Records handover guide · Pet insurance claim checklist
This guide covers record organization, not veterinary or legal advice. Record-release rules vary by region — check with your clinic and local regulations.