Switching Vets? How to Transfer Your Pet's History

Waggle Editorial Team••2 min read

Prepared by the Waggle editorial team. This article is educational, not a diagnosis or an individual veterinary review.

Dalmatian and Chow Chow dogs playing outside on grassy field in Garešnica, Croatia.

Photo by Vladimir Srajber on Pexels. Illustrative photo; not a patient or clinical diagnosis.

A good transfer means your new vet starts with the full story instead of from scratch. It takes a little planning, but it prevents gaps.

Before you switch

  • Find your new clinic. Find a vet near me and ask whether they accept new patients
  • Ask about their record-transfer process
  • Don't cancel services at your old clinic until the transfer is complete

How to transfer

  1. Sign a release if requested. Your old clinic may need written permission to send records
  2. Ask them to send records to the new clinic, or request copies for yourself
  3. Include everything: vaccines, visit notes, labs, imaging, surgery reports and medication history
  4. Confirm receipt with the new clinic before your first visit
  5. Bring your own copy in case anything is missing

Items people forget

  • Digital X-rays and ultrasound images
  • Dental records
  • Allergy and adverse reaction notes
  • Microchip registration details
  • Prescription history and current dosages

Timing

Record transfers can take a few days. Request them early, especially before a move or trip.

Keep your own copy

Store a full set in your Waggle Vault. If something gets lost between clinics, you'll have a backup ready to share.

Handling prescriptions and refills

Ask your old vet about remaining refills and your new vet how they handle prescriptions. During the gap, you can chat with a licensed vet on Waggle Vet for guidance.

FAQs

Will my old vet be upset?

No. Switching clinics is common, and transfers are routine.

Does it cost money?

Some clinics charge a small fee, and many don't.

Related reading

Waggle resources

Find nearby US veterinary clinics

Store pet documents with Waggle Vault

Explore Waggle Vet

Still have questions?

For non-emergency questions, explore Waggle Vet. Trouble breathing, collapse, suspected poisoning or other severe signs need immediate in-person emergency care—do not wait for an online chat.

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