Staying on top of one's pet's vital information such as when her vaccinations come due, what has been given, and micro-chip information is quite a task. I have always had a large envelope on each pet with this kind of information stored in it. I have switched to one of those clear plastic envelopes, now, that keeps information for each of our girl's. I, also, have multiple rabies certificates on each dog and have them stored in multiple places.
Since I travel a great deal, I also keep listings from my vet of when vaccinations were given or the new date due for upcoming vaccinations plus any medical records on procedures that have been done. These pieces of information stay in my vehicle's glove box in case I need to have them close at hand. The difficulty in this is clearing out obsolete information and keeping the size of the packet to a manageable size. We camp, and whenever we set up in a particular campground, I use one of those paper luggage tags and write the name of campground, site number, and contact information on the paper tag. With my puppy, I need to check these tags often to make sure that she hasn't chewed a hole in the tag making it unreadable. This is also true if it is rainy and the tags have become wet. It takes only minutes to do and gives me a sense of safety in case my dogs were to get loose in an unfamiliar setting. Both of my dogs wear two collars with duplicate information on each collar, too.
Today's newsletter from Dr. Jon at PetPlace.com had some suggestions which might help you organize in a way that suits you best. Here is what it said:
It's important to keep comprehensive records for your dog, just as you do for other family members.
Medical
and licensing records as well as adoption documents and breeding papers
belong in these files. Key information about your dog should also be
included in an emergency kit with other essential family papers.
If
there is a natural disaster, if your pet is missing or if something
should happen to you, your dog's records are invaluable. You might also
need to provide this information to pet sitters, boarding kennels or a
new veterinarian.
If you will be traveling with your dog, plan on taking his records
along with you, especially if you will be traveling to a foreign
country. Many countries have strict policies that require an extensive
history of your pet's background and health.
What should you have in your dog's information kit?
1. IN a folder: You should keep a copy of your dog's purchase
papers or adoption contract, breeding contract, bill of sale, vaccine
and parasite control records, veterinary insurance record, veterinary
receipts, rabies tag information and dog license. Include photos from
various angles that clearly show coat type and coloring, close-ups of
the face and any exceptional physical characteristics. In the past few
years, shelters in disaster areas have begun posting lost and found pet
pictures on the Internet.
2. ON your dog. If disaster strikes and a dog is separated from his
owner, it's surprising how difficult it can be to reunite them. Your
dog should have a collar tag that states the dog's name, your name,
your phone number and your city of residence. Your address also is
recommended.
3. Microchip. Have a microchip implanted in your
dog for added protection. Use the brand that is most widely used in
your area. If your dog loses his collar, this is a good way to ensure
that you can still be reunited with your pet.
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Betty
http://dogfurniture.info
Posted by: Betty | Aug 22, 2009 at 07:17 AM
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Betty
http://smallpet.info
Posted by: Betty | Aug 04, 2009 at 05:39 AM