Pet Vaccination Records Guide & Organiser App
Vaccination records are some of the most important documents you hold for your pet. They prove compliance at borders, unlock boarding and grooming services, and give every vet you visit an accurate picture of your pet's health. This guide explains what to keep, why it matters, and how PetsClub makes it effortless.
Why Vaccination Records Matter
International Travel
Most countries require proof of rabies vaccination — and sometimes additional vaccines — before a pet can cross the border. A clear, dated record prevents delays at checkpoints.
Boarding & Kennels
Virtually all pet hotels, kennels, and doggy daycares require current vaccination records before accepting animals. Missing paperwork means your pet stays home.
Emergency Vet Visits
When a pet needs emergency care, the attending vet needs to know vaccination status immediately — to avoid duplicate doses, assess risks, and choose treatments correctly.
Long-Term Health Monitoring
A complete vaccination history helps your regular vet spot gaps, adjust the booster schedule, and catch any adverse reactions across your pet's lifetime.
Breeding & Registration
Breed registries and breed clubs commonly require up-to-date vaccination records for registration, competitions, and breeding documentation.
Never Miss a Booster
With records in one place, it's easy to see what's due next — and set a reminder so the booster doesn't slip past the expiry window.
What Records to Keep
Core vaccines (rabies, DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats) plus any non-core vaccines your vet has recommended.
The exact date each dose was given — essential for calculating when boosters are due.
The vaccine batch number lets vets investigate adverse reactions and confirms the specific product used. Usually printed on the label your vet attaches to the health record.
The name and clinic of the vet who gave the vaccine. Required for passport-style documentation and breed registries.
The date the next dose or booster is required — often written on the vaccination certificate but easy to forget.
The signed paper certificate or official stamp your vet provides. Scan or photograph it and store it digitally alongside the record.
Core Vaccines by Species
🐕 Dogs
- DHPP (or DA2PP)
Distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza — core, given as puppy series then boosted every 1–3 years
- Rabies
Legally required in most countries — annually or every 3 years depending on vaccine brand and local law
- Leptospirosis
Recommended for dogs with outdoor exposure — annual booster
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
Required by most kennels and boarding facilities — annual or bi-annual
- Canine influenza
Recommended if your dog frequents dog parks, groomers, or boarding facilities
🐈 Cats
- FVRCP
Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia — core, given as kitten series then boosted every 1–3 years
- Rabies
Required in many countries — especially for cats with outdoor access
- FeLV (feline leukaemia)
Recommended for cats with outdoor access or multi-cat households — annual booster
- Chlamydia felis
Recommended in multi-cat environments with a history of respiratory disease
How PetsClub Stores Vaccination Records
Log Each Vaccine
Add a new vaccine entry with name, date, batch number, administering vet, and next due date in under 30 seconds.
Upload the Certificate
Photograph the paper certificate and attach it directly to the vaccine entry. PDF and image uploads both supported.
Set a Reminder
Pets Club sends a push notification before the next due date — you choose how far in advance.
Export to PDF
Generate a formatted health summary including all vaccinations — ready to hand to a vet, kennel, or border officer.
Works Offline
All records are stored on-device. Access your pet's full vaccination history even without an internet connection.
Multiple Pets
Each pet in your household gets their own profile with separate, independent records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I keep pet vaccination records?
You should keep vaccination records for the lifetime of your pet and ideally beyond. Historical vaccination records can be useful if your pet needs a titre test (to check antibody levels instead of giving a booster), if you adopt a new pet from the same household, or if a vet needs to investigate a health issue. A digital record in PetsClub never takes up space and doesn't degrade.
What happens if I lose my pet's vaccination records?
If you lose physical vaccination records, contact your vet — most clinics keep records for 5–7 years. If the clinic no longer exists, your pet may need to restart the vaccination series. This is exactly why a digital backup in an app like PetsClub is valuable: you always have a copy, even if the paper is gone.
Do vaccination records expire?
The records themselves don't expire, but the vaccinations they document do. Each vaccine has a duration of immunity — typically 1 or 3 years — after which a booster is required for the record to be considered 'current'. PetsClub tracks due dates and alerts you before each vaccine expires.
Can I use PetsClub records as official proof of vaccination?
PetsClub stores your digital records and lets you export a PDF summary, but official proof of vaccination must come from your veterinarian — usually as a signed certificate or a stamp in a government-issued pet passport. PetsClub is your personal organiser; always carry the official document for travel and formal requirements.
How do I transfer my pet's records to a new vet?
Export a PDF summary from PetsClub and send it to your new vet before the first appointment. You can also photograph your existing paper records and upload them to PetsClub so you always have a digital backup ready to share.
Related Guides
Keep Every Vaccination Record in One Place
Free for iOS and Android. Set up your first pet profile in minutes.