Adopting a rescue: records to ask the shelter for

Ask for these by name

• Vaccination history: each dose with the date and product, not just "up to date".
• The rabies certificate, if rabies was given.
• Spay or neuter record.
• Test results: heartworm for dogs; FeLV and FIV for cats.
• Deworming and flea or tick treatments given.
• Medical notes: injuries, treatments, medications, behavior notes.
• Microchip number, and the transfer of registration to you.

What often needs finishing

Shelters vaccinate on intake, which may leave a series incomplete. Your first vet visit usually finishes it and gives rabies if it was not done. Take the shelter file to that visit so nothing is repeated.

Before you leave the building

Update the microchip registration to your name and phone. It is the step most often missed. See the microchip checklist.