Guide · Records
How to keep your pet's vaccination records
A paper card in a kitchen drawer is the standard system, and it fails at exactly the wrong moment — the morning of a cattery drop-off, or at a new vet in an emergency. Here is what to record and how to keep it usable.
Last reviewed: 27 August 2026
What a complete record contains
- Date given and the practice that gave it
- Vaccine product name and batch number
- Diseases covered
- Next due date
- Any reaction noted afterwards
- A photo or scan of the card page or certificate
If you've lost the card
Your vet practice holds the clinical record electronically. Ring or email and ask for a vaccination history printout. If your pet has moved between practices, ask the previous one to send records over — practices routinely transfer histories on request. Once you have it, photograph it immediately so the same thing cannot happen twice.
Who asks for proof, and when
Boarding kennels and catteries usually want to see records before confirming a booking. Daycare, walkers, groomers and training classes commonly ask at sign-up and each year after. Insurers may ask when assessing a claim for a preventable illness. A new vet will want the full history, not just the last jab.
Going digital without making it a project
The system only works if it takes seconds. Photograph the card the moment you leave the consulting room, log the vaccination with its due date, and let a reminder tell you a month before the next one. Store insurance documents, microchip details, medication and weights in the same place, so that when someone asks — a vet, a carer, a kennel — the answer is one screen away rather than one drawer away.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Vaccination protocols vary by country, brand of vaccine and your pet's individual risk. Always follow the schedule your own vet recommends. Pawfile is an admin tool for keeping those records and reminders organised — it does not diagnose or treat.
Common questions
- I've lost my dog's vaccination card — what do I do?
- Ask your vet practice for a printed vaccination history. Practices keep clinical records electronically, so they can usually reissue a summary with dates and vaccine details for a small fee or free of charge.
- Is a photo of a vaccination card acceptable proof?
- Many kennels, groomers and daycares accept a clear photo or scan, but some insist on seeing the physical card at drop-off. Check with the facility before you travel.
- How long should I keep pet medical records?
- Keep them for your pet's whole life. A complete history helps a new vet, supports insurance claims for long-running conditions, and matters if you ever rehome or travel.
- Can I store vet documents in Pawfile?
- Yes. Document storage is included on the Companion and Concierge plans, alongside medication, insurance and weight tracking. The free plan covers one pet with basic reminders and a medical timeline.
Never miss a booster again
Store your pet's vaccination card, set renewal reminders and keep every vet document in one place. Free for your first pet.