When a Collie goes to a new vet, hand over the complete clinical history from the previous practice, sent directly before the first appointment. Vaccination records, weight history, consultation notes, test results, and procedure records all belong in that transfer, together with anything recorded about eyes, skin and coat, digestion, or joints. A Collie's file can also hold breed-relevant discussions the old vet had with you about sensitivities and monitoring, and those conversations are exactly the part most likely to be lost if the handover is a single summary page, so check for them specifically.
Sensitivity and prior-reaction notes a Collie must not lose
A Collie's sensitivity notes are the highest-value page in the handover to a new vet. If the previous practice recorded any reaction to something administered, any caution they advised for the future, or any planned alternative approach, confirm those entries are in the transferred file in the old vet's own words. Do not summarise them from memory or shorten them; the precise wording of a caution matters to the vet who will act on it. Raise the topic at the first appointment and ask the new vet to confirm they have seen those notes and flagged them in their own system. That one conversation, backed by the written record, is what turns a Collie's history into protection at a new practice.
Eyes, coat and digestion history for the new practice
Eye, coat and digestion history gives a Collie's new vet the breed's familiar monitoring picture. Include any eye examinations and their recorded findings, consultations about skin irritation, coat loss, or excessive shedding beyond the normal heavy coat change, and notes about digestive sensitivity or foods that did not suit her. Record what she eats now, how much, and how her stomach behaves on it. Note grooming arrangements too, because a Collie's dense double coat means a groomer may spot skin changes early, and the new vet should know who else sees her skin regularly. Present home observations plainly — when you noticed something, where, and how long it lasted — for the new vet to interpret alongside the clinical file.
Temperament, exercise and handling information
Temperament and handling information helps a Collie's new vet run a calmer first appointment. Describe her exercise level and working or training activity, how she reacts to unfamiliar dogs in a waiting room, and whether she is wary of strangers reaching over her head, as many herding dogs are. Note how she tolerates examination of ears, paws, and mouth, and anything that settles her. Provide the microchip number, confirm the registry holds your current phone number, and list who else may bring her in. A Collie is observant and sensitive to atmosphere, and a practice that knows her in advance will get a more relaxed dog and a more reliable examination on day one.
Verifying the transfer with both practices
Verifying a Collie's transfer takes a short exchange with both practices. Ask the new vet to confirm the file includes older consultations, eye notes, and the sensitivity entries, not just recent vaccinations. If anything is missing, ask the old practice to resend that section while the request is still routine. Keep your own dated copy of the complete set, so a boarding kennel, sitter, or emergency clinic never has to wait for office hours to learn her history. Ask the new vet what routine monitoring they recommend from here, so intervals continue rather than restart. Holding that verified copy in KinsLe's Pet Passport means a Collie's portable packet carries her cautions and eye history wherever she is treated.