Our pets depend on us for everything — and life gets busy. Between work, kids and everything else, it’s easy to lose track of when the last vaccine was, whether the heartworm pill went out this month, or where you put the vet’s paperwork.
A simple checklist and a single place for records make pet care calmer for you and better for them.
Daily care
- Feeding: the food, the amount and the times. Consistency helps digestion and makes it easy for anyone to help.
- Fresh water: clean the bowl daily.
- Medications: what, how much and when. Mark each dose so no one double-doses.
- Exercise and play: walks, play time and enrichment keep pets healthy and happy.
Monthly care
- Flea, tick and heartworm prevention, if your vet recommends it
- A quick check of ears, teeth, nails and coat
- Weighing your pet, especially if they’re on a diet or getting older
- Cleaning bedding, toys and bowls
Yearly care
- A wellness checkup with your vet
- Vaccines on the schedule your vet recommends
- Dental check
- Updating your pet’s ID tag and microchip contact info
Your veterinarian knows your pet best, so follow their recommendations for timing — every pet is different.
Keep records in one place
When something comes up — a new vet, a boarding stay, a trip, an emergency — you’ll be glad everything is together:
- Vaccine dates and when the next ones are due
- Medications and dosages
- Vet visit notes
- Weight over time
- Allergies or sensitivities
- Microchip number and your vet’s phone number
The best time to organize your pet’s records is before you need them in a hurry.
Notes for sitters and family
If someone else is caring for your pet, a short sheet helps:
- Feeding amounts and times
- Medications with clear instructions
- Walk schedule and any quirks (“she pulls toward squirrels!”)
- Your vet and an emergency animal hospital nearby
- How to reach you
Set reminders for what’s next
The easiest way to stay on top of vaccines and checkups is to write down the next due date as soon as you leave the vet — then set a reminder a few weeks before.
Try the free Pet Care Log
The Every Page Nest Pet Care Log keeps feeding, medications, vet visits, vaccines and weight in one place for every pet in your home. Add the next due date and it shows up on your Today panel before it’s due. It’s free, private and ready in seconds.