Keeping Information Current

In an emergency, outdated information can be dangerous. Keeping your pet's Petfolio profile current ensures caregivers have accurate details when they need them most.

Why Current Information Matters

In Emergencies

Accurate information can save your pet's life:

• Weight - Critical for medication dosing
• Allergies - Prevents dangerous reactions
• Current medications - Avoids harmful interactions
• Vet contact - Quick access to medical history

For Pet Sitters

Sitters rely on your profile for care:

• Feeding instructions - Ensure proper nutrition
• Medication schedules - Prevent missed doses
• Routines - Keep your pet comfortable
• Emergency contacts - Know who to call

For Boarding Facilities

Facilities need accurate records:

• Vaccination status - Required for entry
• Medical conditions - Proper accommodations
• Dietary needs - Correct food and portions

What to Keep Updated

Essential Information (Update Immediately)

These should be updated right away when they change:

• Weight - After any significant change
• Medications - When added, changed, or stopped
• Allergies - Any new sensitivities
• Vet contact - If you switch vets
• Your phone number - If it changes
• Emergency contacts - Keep numbers current

Important Information (Update Regularly)

Review these periodically:

• Feeding schedule - As portions or timing change
• Vaccination records - After each vet visit
• Medical conditions - New diagnoses or updates
• Special instructions - As needs evolve

Profile Information (Update Occasionally)

Less urgent but still valuable:

• Profile photo - Keep it recognizable
• Breed information - If you learn more
• Birthday - If you discover actual date

Information Update Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your profile is complete:

Pet Identification

• Current, clear profile photo
• Correct name spelling
• Accurate breed (if known)
• Current weight
• Microchip number recorded

Medical Information

• All allergies listed
• Current medications with dosages
• Chronic conditions noted
• Vaccination records up to date
• Recent vet visits logged

Care Instructions

• Current feeding schedule
• Accurate food type and amounts
• Exercise needs
• Behavioral notes
• Special accommodations

Contact Information

• Your phone number is current
• Vet name and phone correct
• Emergency contact listed
• Vet address accurate

When to Update

After Vet Visits

Update immediately after appointments:

1. Log any new weight
2. Add new vaccinations
3. Update medications (new, changed, or stopped)
4. Add notes from the vet
5. Record any new diagnoses

Before Travel

Review everything before you leave:

1. Confirm all information is accurate
2. Update feeding instructions
3. Verify emergency contacts
4. Check that medications are current
5. Ensure vet info is correct

After Life Changes

Update when circumstances change:

• New medication prescribed
• Diet change recommended
• New allergy discovered
• Changed vets
• Moved to new address
• Changed phone numbers

Setting Reminders

Annual Review

Schedule a yearly comprehensive review:

1. Go through all profile sections
2. Verify accuracy of each field
3. Update photos if your pet looks different
4. Remove outdated information
5. Add anything missing

Consider doing this:

• Around your pet's birthday
• At the start of each year
• After annual vet checkup

Quarterly Quick Check

Every three months, verify:

• Weight is current
• Medications are accurate
• Contact info is correct
• Vaccinations show correct dates

Post-Appointment Updates

Make it a habit:

1. Update Petfolio within 24 hours of any vet visit
2. Add new weight immediately
3. Record any changes to medications
4. Note vaccination updates

The Cost of Outdated Information

Medication Dosing Errors

Incorrect weight can lead to:

• Under-dosing (ineffective treatment)
• Over-dosing (potential harm)

Missed Allergies

Unknown allergies can cause:

• Allergic reactions
• Delayed treatment
• Additional vet visits

Unreachable Contacts

Wrong numbers mean:

• Delays in emergencies
• Sitters can't reach you
• Vet can't contact you

Expired Vaccinations

Outdated vaccination records:

• Boarding facility rejection
• Travel complications
• Unnecessary re-vaccination

Making Updates Easy

Quick Update Tips

• Update from your phone right after vet visits
• Keep Petfolio bookmarked for easy access
• Set calendar reminders for reviews
• Update one section at a time if needed

Involving Family

If multiple people care for your pet:

• Share update responsibilities
• Communicate when changes are made
• Review together periodically

Verifying Your Information

Self-Check

Ask yourself:

• "Would a stranger know how to care for my pet from this profile?"
• "Does the emergency card have everything critical?"
• "Is the weight from this month or six months ago?"

Share Link Test

1. Create a share link
2. Open it as if you were a sitter
3. Review what they would see
4. Identify any gaps or outdated info

Need Help?

If you have questions about keeping your pet's information current, contact support@petfolio.io.