Pet Care Library
Short, direct answers to the questions pet owners actually ask — and the templates that solve them.
Showing 12 of 12 topics
What Is a Pet Microchip Number?
A pet microchip number is the unique 15-digit code stored on the tiny chip implanted under your pet's skin. Scanning the chip reveals the number, which a vet or shelter uses to look up your contact details in a pet registry database.
Read answer →🏥 Pet Health & RecordsWhere Can I Find My Pet's Microchip Number?
Check your microchip registration certificate first, then your pet's vaccination card, passport or vet records. If you have none of those, any vet or animal shelter can scan your pet and read the number in seconds — usually for free.
Read answer →🏥 Pet Health & RecordsWhat Is a Rabies Vaccination Certificate?
A rabies vaccination certificate is the official document signed by a vet proving your pet received a rabies vaccine. It records the vaccine batch number, the date given, the date it expires and your pet's microchip number — and it is required for most international travel.
Read answer →🏥 Pet Health & RecordsHow Long Should You Keep Veterinary Records?
Keep your pet's veterinary records for their entire life, and for at least two years after. Vaccination certificates, surgical notes, diagnostic results and medication history all stay useful long after the visit — for insurance claims, second opinions and tracking conditions that develop slowly.
Read answer →🏥 Pet Health & RecordsCan I Get Copies of My Pet's Vet Records?
Yes. You can request a copy of your pet's clinical history from your veterinary practice, and they will normally provide it — often by email and often free. Ask for the full clinical history rather than a summary, and expect test results and imaging to be sent as separate attachments.
Read answer →🚨 Emergency & SafetyWhat Is an ICE Card for Pets?
A pet ICE card ("In Case of Emergency") is a wallet-sized card stating that you have pets at home, who should care for them, and how to reach that person. It exists for one scenario: you are unable to speak for yourself, and someone needs to know an animal is waiting.
Read answer →🚨 Emergency & SafetyWho Should Be Your Pet's Emergency Contact?
Your pet's emergency contact should be someone who lives close enough to reach your home within an hour, already knows your pet, has agreed in advance, and can physically get inside. Proximity and a key matter more than how close a friend they are.
Read answer →🚨 Emergency & SafetyWhat Happens to My Pet If I'm Hospitalised?
Nothing happens automatically. Hospitals do not check whether patients have pets, and no service is dispatched to your home. Your pet is cared for only if someone already knows they exist, has agreed to help, and can get through your door.
Read answer →🏠 Pet Sitting & TravelDoes a Pet Sitter Need My Vet's Details?
Yes — and more than the phone number. Give your sitter the practice name, address, out-of-hours emergency number, your pet's registered name on file, and written permission for treatment. Without that authorisation, a vet may hesitate to treat, and your sitter may hesitate to act.
Read answer →🏠 Pet Sitting & TravelWhat Is a Pet Passport?
A pet passport is an official booklet, issued by a vet, that records your pet's identity, microchip number and vaccination history in a standardised format recognised across borders. It is a travel document, not proof of ownership.
Read answer →🐶 Puppy & Kitten CareWhat Paperwork Comes With a Puppy?
A responsibly bred or rehomed puppy should come with a vaccination record, microchip registration paperwork, a worming and flea treatment history, a written sales or adoption contract, and — for pedigree dogs — registration papers. Missing documents are worth resolving before you take the puppy home.
Read answer →📋 Daily Care & OrganisationWhat Documents Should You Keep for Your Dog?
Keep six things permanently: microchip registration, vaccination record, rabies certificate, insurance policy, purchase or adoption contract, and your dog's full veterinary history. Everything else is optional — these six are the ones someone will ask you for at a bad moment.
Read answer →