Pet Care Instructions (Vet Visit)
Detailed instructions for a sitter taking your pet to a veterinary visit - history, current concerns, authorisation.
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PET CARE INSTRUCTIONS - VETERINARY VISIT ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ OWNER Name: Jordan Alex Taylor Phone: +1 503 555 0118 SITTER / CARETAKER Name: Sam Taylor (sister) Phone: +1 503 555 0142 ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ PET INFORMATION Name: Biscuit Species: Dog Breed: Golden Retriever Age: 4 years Weight: 28 kg / 62 lbs Microchip: 985-141-002184321 Vaccination status: Current rabies, DHPP, Bordetella; records on file with vet. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ VISIT PURPOSE Annual physical exam plus follow-up on: - Persistent ear infection in left ear (treated 2026-03 with topical antibiotic; needs re-check). - Possible right-elbow joint discomfort observed during longer walks (1-week duration). - Standard health screen (heart, lungs, dental). ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ VETERINARY CLINIC Riverside Veterinary Hospital Dr. Aiko Yamada (preferred), or Dr. Maria Lopez if Dr. Yamada unavailable. Address: 880 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210 Phone: +1 503 555 0420 Emergency contact: same; after-hours service through DoveLewis Emergency, +1 503 228 7281. Appointment: 2026-05-15 at 2:00 PM (confirmed). ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ RELEVANT MEDICAL HISTORY Spayed at intake by rescue (2024). Annual exams 2024 and 2025; healthy. Heartworm preventative monthly (Heartgard Plus). Chronic mild ear-canal yeast (intermittent treatment). No known drug allergies. No current medications other than heartworm preventative. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ CURRENT CONCERNS EAR INFECTION (left ear): - Reddish discharge began 2026-04-15. - Treated with prescribed topical antibiotic (Otomax) 2026-04-15 to 2026-04-29. - Symptoms improved but not entirely resolved. - Bring discharge sample if accessible; vet may want to culture. ELBOW DISCOMFORT (right elbow): - Observed shortening of stride after long walks (45+ min) starting approximately 2026-04-22. - Mild stiffness in morning observed for 2-3 days. - No clear traumatic event; possible arthritis onset. - Vet may recommend X-rays. GENERAL: Energy level slightly reduced last 2 weeks; appetite normal; weight stable. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ AUTHORISED TREATMENT Sitter (sister Sam Taylor) is AUTHORISED to: - Authorise routine veterinary services up to $300 without contacting me. - Obtain X-rays, blood tests, urinalysis as recommended by vet. - Begin prescribed treatments for non-acute conditions (oral antibiotics, NSAIDs for pain, ear treatment, heartworm renewal). - For costs above $300 or any surgical/anaesthetic procedure: contact me first (+1 503 555 0118) before authorising. - For after-hours emergency: full authorisation up to $1,500 (call me immediately after). ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ PAYMENT Vet office has my credit card on file (Visa ending 6411). If card declines: my Venmo @jordan-taylor or Zelle to phone +1 503 555 0118. Reimbursement to sitter for any out-of-pocket expenses within 24 hours via Venmo or check. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ OWNER'S CERTIFICATION I authorise the named sitter to bring my pet to the veterinary appointment described above and to make decisions on my behalf within the limits stated. Notice to the veterinary clinic of this authorisation is provided. _______________________________ Date: ____________________ Jordan Alex Taylor (Owner)
About this template
A pet care instructions document for a vet visit ensures the sitter has the authority and information needed to handle the appointment effectively. Veterinarians typically require documentation of authority before performing services on a pet not accompanied by the owner; informal calls from the owner can work but written authorisation is preferred. The most-critical elements: (1) Pet identification with microchip + vaccination status; (2) Owner contact information; (3) Sitter authorisation with specific dollar threshold for treatment without owner consultation; (4) Veterinary clinic contact information; (5) Medical history relevant to the visit; (6) Specific concerns to address; (7) Payment method. The dollar threshold for sitter authority is the most-discussed element. Common thresholds: $300-1,000 for routine treatments without owner consultation; full authorisation for true emergencies (where delay would cause harm). For complex conditions or surgical decisions, vets typically require owner authorisation regardless of any blanket sitter authority. Sitters should call owner from the vet office for any decision involving anaesthesia, surgery, or significant treatment beyond routine. Veterinary clinics often have their own authorisation forms; this template supplements rather than replaces clinic-specific paperwork. For in-home pet sitters or boarding facilities (separate templates), this vet-visit-specific document handles the specific scenario of pet attending vet appointment without owner. International / out-of-area travel by sitter to veterinary specialist requires additional consideration.
When to use it
- Owner travelling and pet has scheduled vet appointment.
- Sitter authorised to handle veterinary emergencies.
- Specialty veterinary visit handled by family member or friend.
- Pet boarding facility taking pet to vet.
What to include
- Owner and sitter contact info.
- Pet identification.
- Visit purpose and clinic info.
- Medical history.
- Current concerns.
- Sitter authorisation with dollar threshold.
- Payment method.