Vaccination records and agreed follow-up dates

Keep the original vaccination record

Have your horse’s passport or vaccination record available at the appointment. The British Horse Society advises having the passport ready so the vet can record the vaccination.

Copy the details from the completed entry into your own summary. Keep the original document and identify where the information came from.

• The horse’s identity and the date the vaccination was given.
• The vaccination and vaccine product as recorded by the vet.
• Batch details where supplied in the original record.
• The vet or practice and the source document.

If an entry is missing or unclear, ask the vet or practice to clarify it. Do not reconstruct a vaccination date from a reminder or planned appointment.

Record the next date you agree

Keep the next date or interval your vet gives you, who gave it and when. If no next date has been agreed, leave it open and ask your vet.

When an appointment is booked, add its confirmed date, time, location and practice. Keep that booking separate from the earlier advice.

After the appointment, record what was actually given using the vet’s entry. A calendar date passing does not turn a planned vaccination into a completed one.

Check the requirements for your event or venue

Vaccination requirements differ between organisations. Check the current rules for the particular event, governing body or venue, including which records you need to present.

Keep the rule source, the event date and any written clarification with your planning notes. Ask the organiser about entry requirements and your vet about your horse’s vaccination plan.

A reminder or personal record does not confirm eligibility to attend or compete.

Keep questions and observations with the visit

Record any changes you notice, when you noticed them and what you discussed with your vet. Keep your observations separate from the vet’s assessment.

Retain any instructions about care or follow-up, with their source and date. If you contact the practice again, add the new advice without losing the earlier record.