Medical Records

Request that your previous veterinary hospital sends your new veterinary hospital a copy of your pet’s records. This should include all past records, as well as details of all visits, diagnoses, prescriptions, treatments, and test results from your previous care. Sending these in advance allows your new/existing veterinarian to review your pet’s history before your appointment.

Contact Information

New clients will be provided with a "new client form" to complete while they wait to be called for their first-time appointment. Existing clients are encouraged to update their contact information at the front desk or by calling us directly. Keeping your details up-to-date helps us stay in touch with appointment reminders, important updates, test results, and any urgent notifications. 

Medication(s)

It's important to know the medications your pet is currently taking so you can share what’s working and what’s not during your visit to help us adjust their treatment plan effectively.  Medications prescribed through us will be recorded in your file, but for those from other hospitals or over-the-counter, we rely on you for that information.  It never hurts to make a list or snap some photos!

Food/Diet

Write a list or snap some photos of the food and treats your pet is getting, include the brand/type and amount they are being fed. If you can, take note or add a photo of the ingredient list, especially if your pet has specific health concerns or you have questions about their diet. This information allows for recommendations to address any health concerns, allergies, or dietary requirements. Ultimately, it helps ensure your pet receives balanced nutrition!

Notes and Questions

Before and during your pet’s appointment, taking notes can be a real game-changer especially for ongoing health issues. Jot down any questions, concerns, or observations about your pet’s health or behavior ahead of time and make a note of what worked well, what didn’t, and how the issue has evolved, etc. Sharing this information can save time and money by narrowing the focus of the visit and refining the treatment recommendations.

Stool and Urine Samples

Fecal testing isn’t just for sick pets; it’s also a part of routine wellness and preventive care, helping detect digestive issues, parasites, and infections. If you’re concerned about a urinary issue, you can bring a urine sample for testing as well. To make things cleaner and easier, you can call us in advance to pick up sample containers. Using a clean container and handling the sample properly prevents contamination and helps ensure accurate test results.

Medication(s)

When heading to an emergency vet visit, having a handle on your pet’s medications can make a big difference. Ideally, bring the medication bottles, take some photos, or create a list with the name, dosage, and frequency. This helps the emergency team quickly understand your pet’s current treatment and deliver the best care. Accurate medication details prevent potential drug interactions, avoid duplicating treatments that could cause overdoses, and provide important context for diagnosing and planning effective treatment.

Medical Records

For an emergency vet visit, having your pet’s medical records on hand is important. These records give the emergency team a full rundown of your pet’s health journey, from past diagnoses and treatments to any ongoing issues. This information helps them make quick, informed decisions based directly on your pet’s needs. Detailed records also prevent duplicate tests, flag any known allergies or reactions, and ensure seamless coordination with your regular vet - all of which contribute to the best possible care during a crisis.

Pet Insurance and Emergency Contacts

Emergency vet visits can be costly, so it’s important to bring your payment information and pet insurance details. Having these ready can ease financial stress and prevent delays in treatment. If you have pet insurance, bring your policy info to discuss coverage and streamline claims, which helps minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Also ensure you have all necessary contact information, including your primary vet’s details, your phone numbers, and any alternate emergency contacts for fast and reliable communication.

Food and Treats

When prepping for your pet’s boarding stay, food and treats are key! Many facilities provide a house food at no extra charge, but if your pet has special dietary needs or digestive issues, it’s best to bring your own. Pack enough of their regular food for the entire stay, ideally in its original packaging or a clearly labeled container to avoid any mix-ups. Don’t forget to include detailed feeding instructions, covering portion sizes and any special needs. Bringing their own food and treats can help keep their routine consistent and make their stay a lot more comfortable!

Contact Information

When preparing for your pet’s boarding stay, don’t forget to provide emergency contact information. Leave the name and phone number of a local friend or family member who is familiar with your pet and can step in if needed. Also, include your veterinarian’s contact details, as they’ll have all of your pet’s health records on file and can serve as a reference should something happen while you’re away. The more information you provide, the better equipped the staff will be to ensure your pet’s health and safety during an emergency.

Medication(s)

When it comes to medications, make sure you leave the boarding staff fully prepped! Pack all necessary meds with clear instructions for administration—include the name, dosage, and when it needs to be given, plus any special routines such as food restrictions or exercise needs. Keep the medications in their original packaging if you can to avoid any confusion. And don’t forget to pack a little extra, just in case your trip home gets delayed. A little planning goes a long way to ensure your pet’s routine stays on track while you're away!

Gear and Identification:

Before you drop your pet off for their boarding stay, make sure they’re wearing a secure collar with updated ID tags that have their name, your name, and your current contact info—you want to make it easy for anyone to reach you incase they get loose. For dog parents, don’t forget to pack a sturdy leash or harness for any outdoor play or activities the facility might offer. Some places may require microchipping, so it’s worth asking ahead of time, but even if they don’t, microchipping is a great idea because it provides your pet with permanent identification. With the right ID and gear, the staff can better ensure your pets safety and happiness!

Reminders of Home

When your pet is boarding, a touch of home can make a big difference in their comfort and help prevent homesickness. Although most facilities provide bedding, pets thrive on familiar scents and textures, so it’s a great idea to check with the staff and see if you can bring along their favorite blanket, bed, or even a t-shirt with your scent to remind them of you. A few beloved toys can also keep them entertained and comforted especially if they are kenneled. However, keep in mind that most facilities can’t guarantee the survival of personal items, so they’ll usually inform you they aren’t responsible if bedding or toys go missing or are destroyed.

Required Documents

If you haven’t submitted all the required paperwork in advance, make sure you bring it with you on drop-off day. This usually includes essential documents such as your pet’s medical records, vaccination charts, and health certificates. If your pet is microchipped, have that information handy too. You might also need to complete and bring any contracts or rule acknowledgment forms required by the boarding facility. If you’re unsure about what’s needed, don’t hesitate to call the boarding facility so they can answer any questions you may have. The more prepared you are, the smoother the check-in process will be, and your pet will be set up for a great stay.