Is it okay to call your rehomed yorkies former vet?

[kdhawks]

I'm glad you got Jesse's previous records! My guy was a rescue, and luckily, I got his previous vet records from them. Never had a problem calling/visiting the vet, but it probably helped that I had the records on hand.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

This (imo) is how it should be done. It is a personal, medical file.



You could try it, but I wouldn't be surprised if the vet staff says no. It wouldn't be fair to the previous owner. It should (theoretically) be confidential.

There are no laws protecting vet records. It is up to the office whether they will release or not. Most do! I call vets all of the time for records and it is a rare office that turns me down.

[Ellie May]

State Legislative Resources - Issues

It would be illegal in some states without client authorization.

I have no idea about Canada.

Rescues should be able to (with the right permission, etc.), but just think about what would happen if anybody could call on any pup's records. If somebody could just call and ask for a summary of Ellie's care, I'd be extremely upset!

[Darlene68]

Well I called, and they will release them to my vet, not to me, so they will fax them to the vet clinic here, same difference I suppose!

[ladyjane]

I suggest that if you are concerned to call your vet and ask them to put a note on your records not to release information. I am telling you that it is done all of the time!

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I suggest that if you are concerned to call your vet and ask them to put a note on your records not to release information. I am telling you that it is done all of the time!

Well, I know it is done (and I see it done here in MI which I guess is legal), but it is still illegal in some states and it is a confidentiality issue. The offices that allow it in some areas are breaking the law. I guess that's their problem.

I definitely would give permission if a rescue wanted to see them, but I feel like that's my call to release them.

[Vinniedoggy]

I recently encountered this exact issue. I adopted a dog who had some issues and I was able to get his old vet records (he happened to go to the same vet that I use). It was immensely helpful. I actually got his records from three different vets (two regular vets and a specialty clinic) and it saved me a ton of money and saved my little guy the agony of getting re-tested. I am immensely thankful for being able to get all this old information on him, as it was 100 percent in his best interest. All three places readily gave me all his information. HIPAA does not apply to veterinarians :-)

[Lizzie07]

I've done this with rescues I've gotten when the owner can actually remember the name of the vet, or has actually taken the dog to the vet on a regular basis. More often than not, that isn't the case. I've never had a problem with a vet clinic not giving me the records.

[Roxiesmama]

I called Roxie's previous vet for information last year when I got her. I did not need any permission from the previous owner and they sent me the information I requested without a problem.

[hnybun128]

I used to foster and was able to get vet records from old vets all the time. It's not a person's medical records, so there are no privacy laws involved. Obviously the vet is in no way required to be cooperative, but most good vets would hand over the records.

[StacyDufner]

That's awesome.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

There are no laws protecting vet records. It is up to the office whether they will release or not. Most do! I call vets all of the time for records and it is a rare office that turns me down.

Originally Posted by Ellie May

State Legislative Resources - Issues

It would be illegal in some states without client authorization.

I have no idea about Canada.

Rescues should be able to (with the right permission, etc.), but just think about what would happen if anybody could call on any pup's records. If somebody could just call and ask for a summary of Ellie's care, I'd be extremely upset!

Originally Posted by Roxiesmama

I called Roxie's previous vet for information last year when I got her. I did not need any permission from the previous owner and they sent me the information I requested without a problem.

I'm pretty blown away. I mean, yeah, I know animals don't have a HIPAA Law, but I just can't believe MEDICAL records are shared this easily. In the human world, this is such a major issue.

I can see the rescue side of this, without a doubt - I see a real need for records, for a legitimate rescue. And I see how valuable it can be in a rehomed pet, but still, wowsa.

But otherwise, I'd like to see some better protection in place.