What to bring to a vet appointment: a golden retriever looks up as an owner writes on a pet care checklist clipboard at the kitchen table, next to pet medicine bottles, a red leash, and a tabby cat on a chair beside an open carrier.

What to Bring to Your Pet's Vet Appointment (and Questions to Ask)

Quick answer: What to bring to a vet appointment: a list of every medication your pet takes, including supplements, flea and tick products, and heartworm products; what they eat, including treats; any changes you've noticed and when they started; your questions, written down; and any medical or adoption records, especially if it's a new vet. A short video of the problem can help too, if it is safe to take one (never delay getting help in order to film). Bring dogs on a leash and cats in a secure carrier, and ask your clinic if they want anything else, like a stool sample.

The vet asks, "When did this start?" and suddenly you're not sure if it was last week or the week before. Exam rooms move fast, and once you're finally there, the details blur together.

Zakity founder Christina has upwards of 40 years of hands-on animal care, including work as a vet tech at a large veterinary referral hospital. This guide is built on what she saw owners bring (and forget), and on what she does for her own dogs.

What to bring to a vet appointment

Bring a clear history. That means a list of your pet's medications and a timeline: when the problem started, what you noticed first, and when the limping began. Better notes give your vet more pieces of the puzzle.

What owners forgot most often was the list of medications their pet was on.

For most visits, that adds up to a short list:

  • Every medication, including supplements, flea and tick products, and heartworm products
  • What your pet eats, including treats
  • Any changes you've noticed since the last visit, and when they started
  • Your questions, written down
  • Records, if this is a new vet or a first visit
  • A leash for dogs and a secure carrier for cats
  • Anything your clinic asks you to bring, such as a stool sample

Every pet and every clinic is different, so when you book, ask what they'd like you to bring.

How to prepare for a vet visit: a checkup or a "not feeling well" visit

For her own dogs, Christina says it depends on what they're going for.

"If we're just going for a routine checkup, and nothing is wrong, I'm just bringing a list of the current meds, exactly what they eat, and if I've noticed any changes since my last visit."

If I'm going there because they don't feel good, or they've been limping, I have a very thorough history recorded. Meaning when it started, what I noticed, if things got better or worse, basically everything I would write down at or near the time of the event. I like to be thorough. And honestly, because it's my pets, I don't rely on my memory. Because it's an emotional thing. It's my dogs. So I definitely have to look at notes.

If I could tell every pet owner one thing before any vet visit, it would be to have details and videos ready, to show your vet what the issue is. Also write down your main questions and any subtle changes in your pet's eating, energy, or bathroom habits.

If anything worries you, call your veterinarian; don't wait for the appointment. Notes help at the visit. They never replace a phone call.

Videos can show what your pet won't do in the exam room. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) puts it this way: "Your pet may act differently at home than in the exam room, so tell your veterinarian about any behavioral issues you've noticed." Take a video only if it is safe to do so, and never delay getting help in order to film.

What to bring to your puppy's or kitten's first vet visit

We asked Christina what she saw new puppy and kitten owners bring to a first visit that helped:

"Bring any medical or adoption records, a stool sample if the clinic requests one, and a list of any questions you may have. Make sure you also bring a leash and collar or harness for a puppy, and a secure carrier for a kitten."
Christina, Zakity founder

For a new puppy: the paperwork from the breeder, shelter, or rescue, your questions, and a leash and collar or harness. Ask your clinic if they want a stool sample.

For a new kitten: the paperwork from the breeder, shelter, or rescue, your questions, and a secure carrier. Ask your clinic if they want a stool sample.

Talk with your vet about which vaccines, tests, or samples are right for your puppy or kitten. Ask your clinic when you book what to bring and whether to feed beforehand.

Going to a new vet: bring your pet's history

Owners going to a new vet for the first time also often forgot their pet's past diagnoses and medical history.

If you're switching vets, ask your old clinic to send your pet's records to the new one before the visit, and bring your own copy of what you have: past diagnoses, surgeries, vaccines, and the medication list. The Pet Health Binder keeps your own copy of those records together in one place, along with your pet's medicines and vet visit notes. It's your own copy for keeping track; it isn't official proof.

Keep your pet's medication list in one place, for emergencies too

"If you don't have everything written down in one central location, it's very easy in an emergency to forget your pet's list of medications."
Christina, Zakity founder

I know because it happened to me. Before we made these printables, my dog Bailey had an eye injury, and we had to take him to a different clinic to be treated. I completely forgot to bring his medication list. Vet clinics' computers aren't connected the way many human doctors' offices are, so a new clinic doesn't know what your pet is on unless you tell them.

I'm lucky because I keep everything up to date in a file that I always remember to grab. But that file is my Pet Health Binder, the printables I designed. That's what keeps me organized.

The list matters for a reason beyond the visit itself. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA) notes: "If your pet is taking a medicine for another condition, remind your veterinarian so he or she can check for potential interactions."

For each medication, write the name, how much, and how often, the way it's written on the label. Include supplements, flea and tick products, and heartworm products. The Pet Medication Tracker is a printable made for keeping that list in one place.

If you think your pet has an emergency, call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital right away. Grab the list on your way out if you can, but don't let looking for it hold you up.

During the visit: write it down

I absolutely write down what the vet tells me, just in case I forget. Sometimes the appointments can be overwhelming with a lot of information. I write it down on the Vet Visit Checklist I designed, so it stays with the rest of my pet's records.

Bring a pen and something to write on. The Vet Visit Checklist has a page for notes during the appointment.

Questions to ask your vet before you leave

There's one question worth asking at every visit:

"Before you leave, ask your vet: what specific signs or symptoms should prompt me to call you back or bring my pet to an emergency clinic? Knowing the red flags can give you some peace of mind."
Christina, Zakity founder

Those red flags are different for every pet and every problem, so they come from your vet, not from a list online. Write down what your vet tells you.

If your pet goes home with a new medicine, the FDA suggests questions like these:

  • "Why are you prescribing this medicine for my pet and how long do I need to give it?"
  • "How often should the medicine be given and how much should I give each time?"
  • "What side effects should I watch for, and what should I do if I see any in my pet?"
  • "When should I bring my pet back for a recheck?"

And if cost is on your mind, it's okay to ask for an estimate. The FDA says it simply: "Don't be afraid to ask questions."

If you'd like it all on paper, the Vet Visit Checklist and Questions to Ask Your Vet is a printable for dogs and cats, for checkups, sick visits, and a puppy's or kitten's first visit. You can also get it with the Pet Medication Tracker and three other printables in the Pet Health Binder. 3% of the purchase price (excluding shipping and taxes) supports shelter and rescue pets.

Frequently asked questions

What to bring to a vet appointment for a dog?

A list of your dog's medications (including supplements, flea and tick products, and heartworm products), what they eat, any changes you've noticed and when they started, your written questions, and any records if it's a new vet. Bring your dog on a leash, and ask your clinic if they'd like anything else.

What to bring to the vet for a cat?

A list of your cat's medications (including supplements, flea and tick products, and heartworm products), what they eat, any changes you've noticed and when they started, your written questions, and any records if it's a new vet. Bring your cat in a secure carrier, and ask your clinic if they'd like anything else.

What should I bring to my puppy's first vet visit?

Any medical or adoption records from the breeder, shelter, or rescue, a list of your questions, and a leash and collar or harness. Ask your clinic if they want a stool sample.

What should I bring to my kitten's first vet visit?

Any medical or adoption records, a list of your questions, and a secure carrier. Ask your clinic if they want a stool sample.

What questions should I ask my vet on the first puppy visit?

Ask what your puppy needs and when, when to come back, and what signs or symptoms should prompt you to call or go to an emergency clinic. Talk with your vet about which vaccines and tests are right for your puppy.

What questions should I ask my vet on the first kitten visit?

Ask what your kitten needs and when, when to come back, and what signs or symptoms should prompt you to call or go to an emergency clinic. Talk with your vet about which vaccines and tests are right for your kitten.

Should I feed my dog before a vet visit?

Ask your clinic when you book whether to feed your dog beforehand. Your clinic can tell you what's right for your dog's visit, including whether to give their usual medicine.

Should I feed my cat before a vet visit?

Ask your clinic when you book whether to feed your cat beforehand. Your clinic can tell you what's right for your cat's visit, including whether to give their usual medicine.

How do I prepare my cat for a vet visit?

Write down how your cat has been doing, gather their medication and food details, list your questions, and bring a secure carrier. Ask your clinic for ideas on getting your cat there. If you're worried about your cat, call your vet first.

What should I do when switching vets?

Ask your old clinic to send your pet's records to the new one before your first visit, and bring your own copy of past diagnoses, surgeries, vaccines, and the medication list.

Is it okay to ask my vet about cost?

Yes. It's normal to ask for an estimate.

What if my pet seems sick before the appointment?

Don't wait for the appointment. Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital right away.

Keep reading:

About the Founder: Christina is the founder of Zakity and has upwards of 40 years of hands-on animal care experience. Her work includes serving as a veterinary technician at a large veterinary referral hospital, working in animal shelters and rescue, conducting animal cruelty investigations for a nonprofit animal welfare organization, and educating pet owners on proper animal care, including as an adjunct professor. Christina founded Zakity to give pet owners better tools for caring for their animals confidently at home, and to give back to the shelters and rescues she is deeply passionate about supporting. 3% of the purchase price (excluding shipping and taxes) supports shelter and rescue pets. Learn more at www.zakity.com.

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian regarding specific health concerns or conditions affecting your pet.

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